What a fantastic show in San Francsco. I don't know where to begin, as my mind is still all a jumble trying to piece together all the ways in which Laika took me to school.

First up was the Go Going Gone girls. Now this is a great concept, 3 girl singers complete with Bouffant hairdos. singing 3 classic 60's rave up girl group tunes like Wild Man, and "I sold my Heart to the Junk Man". The band featured Klas Fluoride formerly bassist of the DK's. Unfortunately.....the execution did not do justice to the concept. I think they need a lot more practice, especially the singers. though the band was quite "loose" too. I hope they pull it together because it is a great idea and there's lots of good songs they could breathe life into again.

Next up were our own Pollo Del Mar. What can I say about them that hasn't been said before? They played a great set and the crowd seemed to really eat it up. They make a fine complement to L&TC as they both eschew the conventions of surf and utilize a lot of sound effects. I'd love to hear PDM with a keyboardist like Matti from L&TC.

So now to L&TC. If you know the band you know they are more of a Euro style instro band, though they played a few surf standards. Sorry Jeff, but very little reverb, but I didn't miss it at all. In fact I'm starting to wonder if every song I play has to be dripping wet I have to say it's so apparent when a band has 1000's of shows under it's belt and plays with complete confidence. It's actually a rare thing for the instro fan to see. Maybe LSJ and probably few others. What I was struck most by was no matter how fast or busy the songs got, there was always clarity in the arrangements and all the transitions were completely fluid. Janne on drums is a master, up in Dusty territory, weaving different tempos and rhythms together in and out, sometimes merely a few bars, but always rock solid never a doubt. The sound of the guitars and keyboard were perfectly balanced, despite where the lead was. And what tones, Mikko must have had 7 pedals in front of him and made the most of them, Yet I never felt they overwhelmed the music or detracted from the lead. Same with the farfisa, what a tone! Cuts through perfectly but none of the harshness many garage band organs get. Matti was constantly flipping his strat behind his back, playing an organ lead then swinging it around again without missing a beat - so cool!

I could go on and on, but I'm gong to see them again tonight so maybe I'll continue later on. All I have to say is you have to see these guys, truly a show to remember.

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

The lead guitarist played a sunburst strat the whole night through. The organist used what looked like a surf green strat when he wasn't playing the farfisa.

I had a great time last night. I've been wanting to see these guys since the mid-'90s, and I'm so grateful to finally have had the chance. And they delivered in every way - great songs of course, played with lot's of energy, very confident and tight playing, and cool and interesting tones you don't often hear at a surf gig.

Anyone know what amp the lead guitarist used? I've never seen one like that before, but his sound and playing was impeccable. And I was really impressed with how precise and clean the rhythm playing was on their faster songs. The crowd was really feeding off of the energy and giving it right back to them. I wish I could see these guys again this weekend.

This was my first time at the Rickshaw, and it is a nice venue. The parking was easy, lot's of nice restaurants within walking distance, and a fun and friendly crowd. Good job and thanks to everyone involved!

Oh, not to derail the thread - but I agree with Danny about the Go Going Gone girls. Great idea, but needs a little more practice on the execution.

I've actually really been getting into the Girl Group sound lately. I finally got around to getting the Rhino "Girl Group Sounds Lost & Found" box set a month or two back and it has quickly become one of my favorite box sets of all time.

So, not knowing who the first act on the bill was, I was excited when I saw these girls with beehive hairdos take the stage. I appreciated their enthusiasm and enjoyed the set, but they do need some more work to fully deliver on the concept. In all fairness, it was mentioned that one of the girls did have laryngitis last night. I hope they stick with it, as I'd like to see them again in the future.

00Diablo
Oh, not to derail the thread - but I agree with Danny about the Go Going Gone girls. Great idea, but needs a little more practice on the execution.

I've actually really been getting into the Girl Group sound lately. I finally got around to getting the Rhino "Girl Group Sounds Lost & Found" box set a month or two back and it has quickly become one of my favorite box sets of all time.

Agreed.
On the heels of Northern Soul, the girl group sound happens to very HOT in the underground right now. You can get the DJ dance shows in several of the San Fran clubs in the Mission throughout the month, complete with a well-heeled booted tribal dancing audience and B/W videos on the wall of groups like The Tammys. "Egyptian Shumba" is like THE number 1 girl group song right now. Although the G4 have been performing for some time, I agree that their performance was too "loose" and needs some tightening. Otherwise, its a fun kitchy act. They did a pretty good french-sung version of the April March tune, Laisse Tomber Les Filles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMRsdRTQE6s

Shimmy away!
-bIGwAvE Dave
http://www.myspace.com/theebigwavedave

It was a great night. I don't know what else to say. It was perfect.

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Some cool tributing for the attending performers:
Laika and The Cosmonauts played Fugitive. Pollo Del Mar/Frankie&PoolBoys played Moon Over Marin. Klaus Floride played with the Go Going Gone Girls. I played with my camera ;-P

BW Dave

Show pics 10/16/08 at The Rickshaw, San Francisco

http://www.flickr.com/photos/95601762@N00/sets/72157608154076370/

Last edited: Oct 19, 2008 10:23:02

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAu-L9pafo0

I guess I was involved in the hyper-twist moshpit!

Science friction burns my fingers.

leaving soon,
can't wait.

Jeff(bigtikidude)

mom_surfing
i've only heard bits and pieces of laika and the cosmonauts tunes and want to familiarize myself with their material before seeing them next week. these are my choices off itunes......'cosmopolis', 'local warning' or 'laika sex machine live'................which one should i choose?

thanks

Out of those three, definitely 'Cosmopolis' because it's a best of and it has the most variety.

The best thing to do would be to get:
Amazing Colossal Band
Instruments of Terror
and Zero Gravity
Those three are their best CDs IMO.

Paul
Atomic Mosquitos
Bug music for bug people is here!
Killers from Space

WOW!

That had to be one of the best live shows I have ever been to...last night at the Purple Orchid in El Segundo!

Meshugga Beach Party and Laika and the Cosmonauts!....Front row seats too!

Here is one of my favorite shots from last night

The only thing missing was..."Night in Tunisia"...I yelled for it...Jeff Utterback yelled for it....but, alas...they did not play it.

That said, these guys are amazing musicians and very accomodating for all of the encores requested....

• Surfbeatnik