Thanks Ivan. I get it now. Looking around on youtube I see now that the gimmick value and fun atmosphere are pretty apparent. Catchy songs left and right. Not exactly the style I'd go after myself, but they seem to do it pretty well.
Brian, I haven't seen them live. I guess next time they're around I'll have no choice but to go see them.

Indeed--I think anyone would enjoy a Los Straitjackets show. They are true showmen, and my favorite group to see live.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TjfxtUOtII

I love all those guys.

The Thunderchiefs

SD,

no one is picking on people with disabbilities, or at anyone. The meds are your running gag and excuse. Brian merely said something about what you posted, not about who you are and what you've done with your life. this is just about how you express yourself, in this particular place. big difference.

I don't like the ongoing appeal to freedom of speech, since freedom of speech has got nothing to do with it, plain and simple.

I really dont care to discuss this any further here so please don't. let's get back to LSJ.

WR

Rules to live by #314:
"When in Italy, if the menu says something's grilled, don't assume it is."

https://www.facebook.com/The-Malbehavers-286429584796173/

I really enjoed the LS show last week with my buddy Sam Bolle.

INSTRUMENTAL SURF 24/7 DEVLAR SURF SESSIONS!

Saw the show tonight on the DVR.

The performance was okay. Not groundbreaking. Not too surfy. They were the backup band. LSJ can definitely hold their own as a four-piece intrumental combo. I think it shows maturity as artists that they go and do these kinds of things. I liked Eddie Angel's guitar tone that he dialed in even though his lead part was pretty basic. They didn't give Danny Amis a mic though he was singing the backup anyway. Weird. The surf masks looked strange and out-of-place to me for the first time. Maybe it was the other maskless guys onstage with them. It was definitely not Big Sandy's best work. But he was fine, too.

However, it beats the heck out of a lot of music on Leno, Letterman, SNL, Kimmel, etc. A lot of times I just scratch my head wondering how anyone could like let alone buy some of the new stuff coming out now.

SSIV

Interesting discussion. I'll throw in my two cents.

One of my buddies used to love LSJ, but like some others, he seems to have been put off by the twist disc and now en espanol... On the other hand, another friend, who doesn't mind them but really isn't into instrumental rock, thought that "Sing Along with..." really showed off the band's talent-- he likes sixties rock vocals more than he likes the instro stuff (I know, strange but true), and he thought the band's ability to nail the feel & sound was awesome (which it is). And don't forget the blues album, backing Eddie the Chief Clearwater. And all the other projects-- Eddie's bands, Danny's connection with Lost Acapulco, etc. It's all related, but different.

I've been a fan of Mexican music for some time, so I think en espanol is really cool, but others might think some of it is kinda schmaltzy.

Personally, I take it all in stride. It's still good music. They're entitled to do what they want, we're entitled to either take it or leave it. Some like it hot, some like it cold, etc.

Also, again speaking personally, I play in a couple of instro bands, but in both bands, I don't mind occasionally backing up friends on vocal numbers, too (usually either rockabilly style, or 60s garage, or somtething like that-- I usually don't even bother changing my guitar or amp settings), it's all good. And when I played in bands with vocalists, we always did a couple of instrumental numbers too.

My impression is that LSJ are a hard-working band of musicians who, as much as they have a decent following, are still very much on the outside (or at least, fringe) of the mainstream, and who should be congratulated on making a living doing what they love.

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/rockinrio.delrosa

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/TheHighTides

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/pages/The-Blue-Demons

you know, they probably could

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/rockinrio.delrosa

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/TheHighTides

http://www.facebook.com/?sk=lf#!/pages/The-Blue-Demons

HBkahuna
I'm wondering if the decision to sing in Spanish was more marketing related rather than artistic.

Obviously they have a great love for Mexican culture- the masks, the "Los", they have toured Brazil and Mexico, Danny produces Lost Aculpulco. And no doubt they are huge fans of the music that came out of Mexico in the 60s and 70s. So I think it is an artistic decision, they are remaining true to their passions. There is definitely the kitch factor, so for the same reason someone in Maine might decorate their basement as a Tiki room, a guy from Memphis can wear a wrestling mask. As for marketing- Rock en Espanol is hardly a lucrative market. It seemed to hit a peak a few years ago, but the buzz has died. There were a couple REE shows at the Fillmore here is S.F., but nothing recently.
And here's a wacky thought- if you don't speak Spanish, let the voice become just another instrument- in the way that a lead guitar melody will create an emotion without using words, let the singer become an intangible instrument and without thinking about what the words mean, let the sound of the voice provoke an emotional response. Woops, I think I went off my meds
And, finally, a word about LSJs influence. On MySpace there thousands of new surf bands from Mexico, South America, Europe, everywhere really. AND THEY ARE ALL WEARING WRESTLING MASKS! If the 5th wave of surf hasn't yet been defined, it will be known for bands wearing masks.
--ferenc

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PolloGuitar
! If the 5th wave of surf hasn't yet been defined, it will be known for bands wearing masks.
--ferenc

There was a 4th wave?

Danny Snyder

"With great reverb comes great responsibility" - Uncle Leo

Playing keys and guitar with Combo Tezeta

Formerly a guitarist in The TomorrowMen and Meshugga Beach Party

Latest surf project - Now That's What I Call SURF