Overdue Recap: Magnetic Morning, Drew Andrews, John Meeks @ Casbah, 11.4.08

After a historic election day (but not quite tinged by the news that Prop 8 would eventually pass after all the votes were counted, Jake and I decided to hit the Casbah. It was an incredible show with Magnetic Morning, Drew Andrews (whose CD & Vinyl was released nationwide on election day), and John Meeks, but with the lights ultra dimmed so much so that I didn't even attempt pictures. Still, you can read about the bands if you 'keep on reading'.

Also, courtesy of Minty Fresh, you can download a free track off of Drew's album HERE.


Unfortunately I missed Musee Mecanique because we lagged a bit, but we arrived in time to catch John Meeks in the Atari Lounge. It was pretty crazy because I was still in my Obama shirt and I was getting high fives from strangers and everyone was just buzzing about how incredible the night was, how history was made, and how everyone’s outlook was just so positive and full of hope. Believe me, the magnitude of the election was not lost on the crowd. Jimmy Lavalle stepped in on bass with John and the beauty of the set was amplified with the energy of the crowd.
After John Meeks finished, the crowd meandered into the venue for Drew Andrews. It was his CD release and it was great to see such a huge show of response from so many other local musicians and fans alike. Drew and his band had just come off a mini-tour and the band really gelled for their hometown crowd. The lights were completely dimmed which not only meant I wasn’t even going to attempt photos, but it meant I was standing there wishing I could curl up into a little ball on the floor with a warm blanket and let Drew’s sweet voice completely envelop me.

Between mainstage acts, John Meeks played a second set, this time with Martin of Republic of Letters on bass (since Jimmy was setting up with Magnetic Morning). Again, a lovely set, and the violin, along with John’s voice, could make a grown man cry.

Magnetic Morning finished up the night. With Jimmy Lavalle on keys and synth and vocals performed by Swervedriver’s Adam Franklin, it was nothing less than perfect. Everything Jimmy touches is gold and this project is no exception. Check it out if you're lucky to get the chance.

Swervedriver & Film School, Casbah 5.30.08

Friday night I had to make my way to The Casbah early since I was going to be selling the swag for Swervedriver and Film School. Film School was readying their sound check while Adam, Steve and I rolled shirts. Doors opened shortly after we finished counting out merch and I never stopped being busy. People bought a lot of stuff. We had shirts, posters, buttons, Adam's solo CD, and a tour only 7" vinyl that people bought in loads. It was a little chaotic, but it was cool to see how excited Swervedriver fans were to see them. A couple fans showed up in their 10 or 15 year old Swervedriver t-shirts. The fans were rabid.

Sometimes when I sell stuff I can break and get into the venue for some pictures, but since people were trickling to the stand all night, I didn't leave my post except for a quick bathroom break and a couple drink refills. From what I could hear on the patio, both bands were great, though unfortunately Swervedriver played relatively quiet. They sounded clean, not as fuzzy and distorted as back in the day, but I enjoyed it. Adam was a total pleasure to work for and before their set continued to check on me to see if things were ok.





Alex (from Swim Party) took a couple pics inside for me.


After the show it got really busy at the merch and for the first time I was hoping Ben would sweep everyone out of the Casbah. Eventually that time came till it was just the two bands, Heather and Eric from M-Theory and myself. Adam and I settled the merch, he hooked me up with a CD and a shirt, and he invited me on the bus "for a spot of tea." Outside Film School was hanging out deciding where and what they were gonna do so I said goodbye and joined The Swervies on their bus.



Adam pointed to the cold beer and we chatted and minutes later Film School came onboard. We had a couple beers before the driver got irritated and told us they were leaving in 5 minutes.



It would've been cool to keep hanging out but no such luck, so I was on my way back to Kensington. Then, the unexpected- Adam kissed me goodnight. Nothing pervy or weird, just a nice little peck on the lips. I blushed, said goodnight, then skipped off into the night.

Swervedriver Return

It is not a new story that Swervedriver has gotten back together and are touring with friends of SD:DialedIn, Film School, but since everyone insists on posting pics of the band from 15 years ago, I decided to repost a picture of Adam from his in-store at M-Theory last summer where he played before his solo Casbah show the same night. Note he doesn't have the dreads. I doubt in the past 9 months that has changed.



It would be nice to see some current pictures of the band I would say.

Swervedriver and Film School perform at the Casbah on May 30th.
See a video from the Adam Franklin instore after the jump.

Adam Franklin, "Shining Somewhere"


Check out Adam's profile on Hi-Speed Soul Records.

Wednesday Recap: Adam Franklin, Innaway, The Focus Group

The truth is that I never got into Swervedriver. It's not that I didn't like them, it was just I lacked exposure to them. I had the cassette from labelmates Ride, but I had limited exposure to good music in junior high, depending on word of mouth and whatnot. That said, even if I didn't like Adam Franklin, I was gonna support the first band released on Hi-Speed Soul records, the mothership being M-Theory records. After the fact, I can defintely consider myself a convert. Adam played an in-store, and while he struggled to remember the lyrics to a song he'd been playing all tour long, we were all just mesmerized by his voice, accompanied by his solo electric guitar. He could've made up lyrics and nobody would've cared. For the 40 minutes or so that we played, we were all eyes closed right along with him.

Later at the Casbah, I was disappointed that there wasn't more of a crowd, but such is life sometimes in San Diego. Still, those of us there got a great show from all the bands.



The Focus Group started off the night and while I caught them midset, they gave their thanks to Swervedriver for inspiration and appreciated the crowd that was there specifically for their brand of new-gaze. The highlight was when they had Jason and Demetrius of Goodbye Blue Monday sit in front of the stage, each with a drum in front of them, and played along with the band. I told everyone this was Mitch's band (from No Knife) but I guess he was serious about not playing anymore. Sorry for spreading rumors.

Anyway, Innaway was next up and they were really good. The singer had such a cool voice that it appeared he's a trained vocalist and not just someone faking it or making it up. Unfortunately, they cut their set short because they were missing their keyboardist and I guess he was essential for a couple of their songs. The only complaint I had about the band was that at times the bassist was completely turned around. It's one thing to play off the feedback on an amp, another thing entirely to be crowd shy or whatever. Hopefully with more touring a livelier and more engaging show will evolve.

Adam Franklin finished up the night and the crowd was mixed with people who were there because of the Focus Group, diehard Swervedriver fans, and new Adam fans who like me, trust the judgment of Eric and Heather at M-Theory. The show did not disappoint and Adam didn't struggle with lyrics as he had earlier. It was a polished show and they had the attention of the crowd. I had the chance to talk with a couple of the guys in the band later and the next night and they were all so nice. Than, the drummer, has his own project called ShushShush and his mom lives in SD, so he stuck around a few extra days.

I thought I had my pics on photobucket, but it appears I don't so I'll have to post those later. Also, Eric was recording the show with his camera (I played with the lights trying to help him out, so if I find the YouTube, I'll post it here as well...

Adam Franklin @ M-Theory/ Hi-Speed Soul HQ

You know who likes their artists recorded? Hi-Speed Soul Records, that's who. They just put out the new CD from Adam Franklin, former frontman of Swervedriver. I'll write about the show when I get around to it, but in the meantime, here is some YouTube, with Heather's permission...

Adam Franklin performing "Shining Somewhere" at M-Theory, July 18, 2007.