As promised, let's delve into the second phase of the glorious Del Mar Summer Concert Series.
PINBACK. Friday, August 1st.
In early 2000, while digging through local CD's at Tower Records/Sports Arena (rest in peace,) a hipster-employee asked me, "have you checked out Pinback?" Tempted to lie in an effort to protect my music "cred," I admitted I had not. He sent me home with Pinback's self-titled debut and a high five. After countless listens, I owe said Tower guy a hug. He introduced me to one of my favorite bands...uhm, of all time.
Together, the prolific Armistead Burwell Smith IV (Zach) and Rob Crow, throw down some of the richest, indie-pop compositions, deepest harmonies, and most ridiculous bass-stylings on the planet. Formed in the late nineties when Zach/Rob took a break from their other projects (3 Mile Pilot/Thingy/Heavy Vegetable,) Pinback has released four full-length records out of their San Diego studios. In fact, I spent some time in the Pinback nerve center (Little Italy area) a couple of years ago. Check out the picture (I'm on the right.) I look terribly uncomfortable.
Their latest endeavor, Autumn of the Seraphs, combines traditional Pinback with an elevated sense of maturity and indie-pop sensibility. Personally, I'm a huge fan of the tracks "Barnes," "Devil You Know," and "Good To Sea." Take a listen.
Needless to say, I look forward to seeing you at the Pinback show. Be sure to look for the big, sweaty dude in front of the stage, bobbing his head, and attempting to harmonize with the band. That will be me.
THE BRAVERY. Friday, August 8th.
NYC's The Bravery, combining elements of 80's rock and electronica, broke in 2004/2005 around the release of their self-titled debut (a feud with Brandon Flowers of The Killers followed.) One of the first bands to utilize a myspace profile for promotion, The Bravery toured endlessly and delivered a hit with "An Honest Mistake." For the gamers, a remix of the track appeared in Burnout Revenge. Geek out here.
During the recording of their sophomore release, The Bravery moved to Hot-lanta to work with uber-producer Brendan O'Brien (Pearl Jam, Rage Against The Machine, and STP.) The Sun and The Moon was released in May 2007 and "Believe" became the highest charting record for The Bravery. Once again, for the gamers, the track was featured in Madden 08. Anyone wanna play? I get the Chargers. Check it out here.
While on the road in support of the record, the band tweaked/reworked the entire album with a more 80's/electronica feel and released The Sun and The Moon Complete in spring 2008. This summer, The Bravery joins us while on break from Linkin Park's Projekt Revolution 2008 tour. I have a feeling their Four O'Clock Friday appearance will be a much needed break from the dusty, angst-ridden, sausage-fest. Ladies, let's show them a good time...
BOB MARLEY ROOTS, ROCK, REGGAE FESTIVAL with ZIGGY MARLEY, JULIAN MARLEY, and COMMON SENSE. Saturday, August 9th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
3:30 p.m. start time for the reggae fest??? How bout 50 minutes later?
Thank you.
Trust me, this is an AMAZING day at the Del Mar. It gets packed, arrive early.
For the singles, the talent pool is ridiculous. Although, be prepared to weed through a lot of Patchouli, hacky sacks, Birkenstocks, and natty dreads (unless that's your thing) before you meet that tipsy, special someone. Did I mention there is a BeerFest? Check this out.
The BeerFest, featuring more than 50 beers will be held in the Infield. Selections include Blue Moon, Newcastle, Stone, Pizza Port, and my personal favorite, Ballast Point.
Once again (sorry, short-term memory loss,) reggae music begins at 3:30 p.m. with Common Sense. I've known these cats for 20 years. Anyone remember Thursday nights at Winstons/O.B.? Nick, lead singer of Common Sense, is a quality dude...and, per the ladies, a handsome devil. When not on stage with Common Sense, the guy is teaching autistic kids how to surf. I'm happy to call him a friend. Jah! Check this out.
Following Common Sense, sons of the legendary roots reggae singer Bob Marley, Ziggy and Julian Marley fire it up. Ziggy, a four time Grammy winner, is the oldest son of Rita and Bob. When not on the road, Ziggy calls Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Los Angeles home (he is married to a former vice president of the William Morris Agency.) As a former attendee of the Reggae Sunsplash series in the mid-80's, it's tremendous seeing Ziggy and the Marley family so relevant today. Transcends generations...and, strains of weed.
Remember this classic?
Aloha, your friend, Chris.
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