Yes, I was front row center for Brian Setzer's orchestra last night. Yes, they were tickets my wife purchased, however, let me point out that I clearly have a soft spot for Americana ( from The Blasters to X to even QOTSA, one cannot be from Los Angeles without an appreciation for Rockabilly, Blues, and Country) and who doesn't love a Gretsch guitar, stand up bass, and Stand up Drummer? No, it's not innovative. It's musical "comfort food"- but would you say people eat more Burgers or more Pate? Just like a burger, if it was done right, it's satisfying, and actually good for you- and Mr Setzer, despite starting to look like Buck Owens on Hee Haw, serves up some "good for you" jazz chords, and alternate blues scales in each and every traditional song he plays. There were 4 year olds in the audience, and I think it's far, far more righteous for them to see Brian Setzer than The Wiggles, right? If it were your kid, what would you start them out on to set them right? Would you send them straight to Jacques Brel and Lou Reed? How about John Zorn and Mike Patton? If you would, I don't pity your kids, I pity you, because your kids are going to give you such problems.... I think that all things considered The Brian Setzer Orchestra is an excellent choice for Family Fare. If the Beatles were to re-unite, sure, that'd about cover it, as well, but then you'd have to explain both death and the coming zombie apocalypse to your kids, and that's hardly a good Christmas, now is it?
Still, my kids are grown, why am I going, right? Because I'm still a human being with needs, ok? Jeez, lay off with your vigorous steep learning curve, will ya? ( Don't get me wrong, I know that nobody cares, and are skipping this post to read the Scott Walker review, or are Russian porn bots, but this is fun for me to pretend it's a debate) I went eagerly to see Brian Setzer because I'm not opposed to comforts, especially when they are guilt free, and the guy does make it pretty darn guilt free. Hot musicians playing challenging music? Yup. Using music to communicate complex emotions? Yup. Dance based rock and roll/ Ah, Yup. So, why wouldn't you see the Brian Setzer Orchestra?
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