Tuesday Night: Barcelona at The Griffin

credit: Kelly Stonelake

Last summer, Sunset Sessions added a second session that focused on the "Active Rock" format instead of the strong AAA (adult album alternative) format they've focused on at the spring sessions. There were a few bands out of place who certainly would've done better in the spring session, but in my opinion we were given a special treat. Early one morning, those of us who got up early enough were invited to a "Bed-In", where three acts performed in a hotel room completely unplugged, while literally sitting on the bed. One of those bands was Barcelona and as far as I can remember, the band hasn't had a proper show in San Diego in a long time (if ever?) so tonight's show at the Griffin should not be missed. Check out the playlist of the three songs Barcelona performed at the Bed-In.

Sunset Sessions Rock 2011: "Bed-In" with Barcelona, Jenny O, and Holcombe Waller

One of my favorite things that happened at Sunset Sessions Rock was called a "Bed-In", with the performances in a resort suite. It wasn't very "rock" which is probably why it was one of my favorite things, and I have a feeling they'll do these from now on at the AAA Sunset Sessions in February.


Just a quick rewind, last week I'd been going non-stop. I went to three shows on Wednesday and then came home after 2 and worked online until about 5 am, caught a few hours sleep and then went up to Sunset Sessions with Tim Pyles, then came back in time for Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. at the Casbah. After DEJJ, I went home to do the weekend listings until 7:30 am and slept until I was picked up at 10:30 for more Sunset Sessions, then returned by 8 for my showcase at Eleven. Naturally I enjoyed some cocktails and had planned on sleeping in on Saturday until Pyles asked if I wanted to go back to La Costa, so with just a few hours of sleep, it was back up to Sunset Sessions. There was a morning panel that Eric from SoundDiego was speaking on, "Maximizing Your Digital Space", so we caught most of that and then moved to a suite overlooking center court where they'd set up Mexican catering (carnitas tacos in the morning are the BEST!!) and mimosas until the musicians performed. It was relaxing and while I was exhausted, I certainly felt privileged to be there.



I was only familiar with Barcelona, but there's something about the intimacy of people singing in a hotel room completely unplugged that was just really remarkable. Holcombe Waller kicked it off, followed by Jenny O, then Barcelona. Here are the video of all three performers. You can right or left click through the playlist. I only kept track of song titles from Holcombe, so if you have any contribution, feel free to comment here or on YouTube.



For more info on the artists:

Holcombe Waller
Jenny O
Barcelona

Barcelona, My Love: The Pinker Tones

No lunchtime bike expedition today, and there's really nothing newsy to write about (unless you want me to stoop to Paris news), so I thought I'd tie some unrelated thoughts together for those of you falling asleep at your desks this afternoon. (I hate slow news days)

For lunch a couple days ago I was craving a sandwich from Mona Lisa. There are plenty of cheaper sandwiches in downtown, but on this day I was indulgent and was willing to pay $9 for a sandwich, rationalized by the fact that I would ride my bike around Little Italy for a while and because they're that good. (I didn't think to take my camera) I was happy that there wasn't a super line at the deli and I ordered my imported prosciutto sandwich with provolone. As I was about to check out, some men were asking the guy about some deli meats and he told them "that's not prosciutto, that's jamón serrano."

I lit up. Back in college, one of my best friends from school was from Madrid and my boyfriend at the time was from Barcelona and through both of them I learned to appreciate Spanish food. I even learned how to make my own alioli ('al' being garlic and 'oli' being oil) and Tortilla Española. Jamón Serrano is a dried cured ham that comes from a Spanish pigs and is usually served in thin slices on bread. I was gonna actually post this on the food blog, but whatever...I normally satisfy my craving for Spanish food at Café Sevilla during happy hour, but it's been a long time and I'd like to have it with more time flexibility, so with that, I'm glad to say Mona Lisa now carries jamón serrano. While not cheap (about $20 a pound) a quarter pound will be sufficient for an appetizer paired with an inexpensive bottle of Spanish rioja table wine, like Marques de Caçeres or Sangre de Toro. Mona Lisa also has good chunks of Manchego cheese.

You know I have to tie this to music, so I'll lead in that about 3 or 4 months ago, while surfing on MySpace, I found a band called the Pinker Tones from Barcelona. At the time they were planning a short US tour, and they played LA and I think SXSW, and I guess I thought somehow they'd hit the Beauty Bar down here while they were in the state. Alas, they did not, and while dancey stuff isn't usually my bag, now they're making a little noise stateside and Promonet is featuring them this month which means free downloads for you. Enjoy.

From Promonet:

"The official ambassadors of cosmopolitan cool, The Pinker Tones bring us the sound of one of the world’s hippest cities – Barcelona. Renowned for its style and eclecticism, the city has spawned a music culture which absorbs an abundance of influences and eras and turns them into something relevant, fresh and fun.

Their debut single, “Mais Pourquoi”, recently hit number one in the Spanish dance floor chart, attracting reviews comparing it favourably with Quincy Jones, Euro-disco, Air, Lemon Jelly and somewhat bizarrely “italo sixties cocktail lounge music for beat afficiandos”.

Download "Love Tape" (mp3)
from "The Million Colour Revolution"
by The Pinker Tones
Outstanding Records

• Buy at iTunes Music Store
• Buy at Rhapsody

More On This Album

Download "Sonido Total" (mp3)
from "Sonido Total"
by The Pinker Tones
Outstanding Records

• Buy at iTunes Music Store
• Buy at Rhapsody

More On This Album