Live report: José González @ Jensen Rec Center, Echo Park, CA 03/21/06
I learned a couple of lessons while waiting for this show to start:
1. If I plan on ever attending another show here, I'll buy tickets beforehand.
2. Standing outside for 4.5 hours in the cold equals no feeling in my lower extremities.
3. In the case of my little brother: "There were some ugly dudes but man, they had some quality chicks."
We nearly did not get into the show itself. The security guard had told those waiting in the cold for tickets that it was already sold out and that it would be after 9 p.m. when he would get confirmation to allow more people in. We stood there for 4.5 hours waiting to hear if they would let us in. We watched as people streamed into the Jensen Rec Center and down the street to The Echo for a showcase being held by Tim Armstrong of Rancid and his label Hellcat Records. You make your own snide comments about that but we were getting antsy about going into the venue. No disrespect to the three bands that we managed to hear from the outside, but I was more concerned about missing out on José González's set and the fact that I couldn't feel my left leg anymore. When the security guard gave us the thumbs up to head in, I wanted to hug him.
Anyhoo, enough of my misadventures and on with the set.
With the space full of people ranging from teenagers to aging Hollywood hipsters to record industry types and a fireplace lit near some white couches, González took the stage. Seated on a white folding chair, he began a ten-song set that was well-received by the audience. I wasn't really familiar with his music but the bits and pieces I've heard were very mellow and melancholy. It translates very well into his live set in songs like "Lovestains" and an untitled piece he joked would be called "Thank you." Other highlights of the hour-long set included his covers of Kylie Minogue and Joy Division's "Love will tear us apart." His voice gently wraps around every song while he strums his acoustic guitar and taps his foot in time. The crowd was very enthusiastic about him (which is weird because it was a mostly LA crowd and they can be a fickle bunch) and clapped and cheered after every song.
Aside from the near-disaster that occurred during the wait, I had a great time. Even with minimal exposure to José González and his work, I wasn't disappointed. It was quite possibly the most beautiful show I've been to in my life. I kid you not. I could have sworn that a tear came down my eye during that Kylie cover.
-Navy Keophan