Them Crooked Vultures

On November 17th, my BF & I raced after work to Los Angeles from San Diego to catch Them Crooked Vultures at the Wiltern Theatre.  I was worried we wouldn’t make the show in time, especially since it was all ages, which normally start earlier than 21 + shows.  We missed most of a Bad Brains show earlier this year at House of Blues San Diego, because we didn’t realize all ages shows started earlier to accommodate the little kiddies.  Luckily, we made it with enough time to park, get a beer, & find our seats with some time to spare to take in the art deco beauty of the theater & indulge in some people watching.

Dubbed a super group, Them Crooked Vultures, or TCV for short,  includes: John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin), Dave Grohl (Scream, Nirvana, & Foo Fighters), Josh Homme (Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, & Desert Sessions) and Alain Johannes (Eleven, Queens of the Stone Age, & Desert Sessions).  I was glad to have been able to acquaint myself with the album beforehand via their YouTube channel.  As the band began we rose to our feet & stayed there until the end.  It was cool to see see Dave Grohl walk onstage & get behind the drums again.  He usually plays at least one song each Foo Fighters concert on the drums, while Taylor Hawkins sings, but it’s just never enough.  All were enamored with the legendary John Paul Jones’ presence & talent.  Queens of the Stone Age, from which TCV borrows a lot of their sound, is my favorite band, so I always look forward to seeing Josh Homme perform.  As well, Alain Johannes, a QOTSA regular, lent his skill on rhythm guitar for the live show.  This show rocked!

The one downfall to the show was that it was extremely loud for the venue with sound bouncing crazily off the walls.  However the next day, I wished I could go back & relive it.  I hope they come to SoCal again.  I’d love to see them play with Faith No More, when/if they finally decide to bring their tour to the States.

Brant Bjork

On November 28th, we trekked to the “high desert”, Yucca Valley, to check out Brant Bjork (Kyuss & Fu Manchu) at Pappy & Harriet’s Pioneertown Palace.  The first time I saw him perform was at the Viper Room in L.A.  (Still waiting for the live album from that show!)  The second & third times were at Pappy & Harriet’s, the polar opposite of a Hollywood club & of the previous TCV show a week earlier.  Brant Bjork appears to be unassuming, as does his music, which is extremely refreshing.

The stage is only a few inches off the floor & it is easy to get close to the action.  More filming occurred at this show, than at previous BB shows, & I’m wondering if a video might be released in the near future.  This was certainly a kick back desert rock show.  There was good energy, everyone was in a chill mood, met some great people, & got to say “Thanks for the awesome music!  Crank your vinyl all the time.” to Brant personally.

It is the best seeing live music of any kind, though it is always special to see a band or musicians you really love – especially if travelling is involved to make it happen!