This will be a relatively quick wrap-up, the past
three weeks are a blur and a lot of recaps of the
shows have covered the basic things I would have to
say anyway.

Los Angeles IPO had a nice relaxed feel this year,
everything seemed to go very smoothly and I saw a lot
of smiling faces.  There were definitely bands I
thought weren’t up to IPO par yet… missed notes, out
of tune guitars, lack of focus, that kind of thing. 
But everyone deserves a chance, I guess.  In general,
IPO always pulls together the most devoted
practitioners of pop, and they do a good job.  

As I say every year, I wish it was shorter, and I wish
it was fewer bands per night, but I don’t think that’s
ever going to happen!  I have yet to sit through 8
bands in one night and not be exhausted.  Actually,
when I think about it, I very rarely stay for a full
night.  I have to either get there late, or leave
early.  It’s just too much!  And it makes it hard for
any one band to really stand out, they all run
together.  

I would be lying if I didn’t say the Eugene Edwards
set at Fais Do Do was one of his best ever, and
definitely the best of the festival.  We got asked
back to open for some guy who was in the Black Crowes,
so…I think that’s good?   Anyway, it should be cool. 
(I should mention I didn’t see Owsley’s set, I hear
that was purty durn good too.)

San Francisco IPO was a little odd for me…It’s my
hometown, so that made it unusual right away because I
never visit..  There are a few minor kinks to work
out, the backline was inconsistent and I heard a lot
of complaints from musicians about that.  I’m sure
that can all be worked out for next year.  The clubs
were very cool and everyone seemed pretty enthused
about the whole thing.  It was very nice to see a new
crop of San Francisco bands.  I agree with John about
seeing Translator, they were one of my fave bands when
I was in high school and they really ROCKED!!!  The
Andersons were naughty and hilarious and I love to
hear Bob Anderson sing.  Anytime is a good time.  

Low Water were good because the singer is really hot. 
Butch Berry had a really great voice, until the last
song where the entire sound of the band imploded.  

Oh, and Anton Barbeau was really great, he did my
favorite song of his, “Octagon” and his banter was
truly awesome.  (I wish he had done "Stewart Mason"
though.)

All in all, another fun way to spend late July/early
August.  

And I’ll have just enough time to relax before
Sparklefest in October!!


anna

=====
Anna Borg 
AIM: cakeab 
TallBoy Records 
P.O. Box 27757 
Los Angeles, CA 90027-0757 

http://www.tallboyrecords.com