Had an interesting music-geek experience last night. The sort of thing I could philosophize about for a couple hours with certain friends. Alternatively, my enthusiasm on such subjects could easily alienate me in the wrong the crowd.
On our way to see Phosphorescent at the Mercury Lounge, we stopped for a drink at a nearby pub (Marshall Stack, on Rivington, which by the way has a great beer selection). We were pleasantly surprised to hear Neil Young’s On the Beach album playing. Ten minutes later, we walked into the Merc as Phosphorescent was setting up, and the On the Beach was once again playing over the PA. 1974 Neil Young was following us around the Lower East Side. I’d be happy to discuss the meaning of this at length with interested parties.
In any case, early 70s Neil was certainly a good warmup for Phosphorescent, with the six-piece featuring a number of songs from their new country-styled LP, Here’s to Taking it Easy, and several from last year’s Willie Nelson covers record, To Willie. Although the band seemed a little jittery at the start, within a few songs they settled in, with front man Matthew Houck controlling the room. Houck’s tremolo – not unlike that of Willie’s or Neil’s – tells the story.
Here’s the lead track on the new album, which also opened the show:
It’s Hard To Be Humble (When You’re From Alabama)
