13th Floor Elevators Reunion?!

Just heard about this on the radio. 'Tis for the Austin Psych Fest. Wonder how many original members are participating, and most importantly, will they have the electric jug guy doing those doot-a-doot-a-doot sounds?

Also in the bill are the Flaming Lips, and the Jesus and Mary Chain. I could use many words to describe JMC, but I doubt that "psychedelic" would be one of them. Tho the term is thrown around so loosely now, guess it doesn't matter.

You'll get yer jug...

[www.austinchronicle.com]

I wouldn't call Primal Scream psychedelic, either. But there they are (after cancelling last year and being replaced by the overtly psychedelic Brian Jonestown Massacre).

I'll enjoy seeing the JAMC doing Psychocandy, but, honestly, I'd rather hear them do new songs.

I'm really excited about the Elevators, but I'm trying to temper my enthusiasm. I've seen Roky Erickson many times over the last few years, and he's pretty hit or miss. He can literally lose complete interest in a performance before he's halfway done - that's exactly what happened the last time I saw him at Psych Fest. He started out strong (and, just so you know, when Roky is on, he's fucking ON), but you could see him get distracted and become indifferent about four songs in. His band (led by his son) kept up the energy as best they could, but the wind was gone from the sails.

I don't say this to discourage anyone thinking about coming down for it, because the novelty of this situation (allegedly the only reunion show, though we'll see) may light the right kind of fire under his ass and it'll be amazing. And his voice still sounds great.

At least I can see this show, this May: The Sonics! celebrating their first new album in 49 years (a record for longest span of time between original albums?) I am way stoked.

AND the mighty mighty Barrence Whitfield opening. 'Twas the TP review of WHitfield that prompted me to pick up one of his albums way back when, and I've been a better man for it.

I've heard the new album is very good and that they've been killing it onstage.

Quote

I could use many words to describe JMC, but I doubt that "psychedelic" would be one of them.

If you take the right drugs ...

... practically anything and everything is psychedelic.

13th Floor Elevators? Noooooo...... some things should stay in "legendary" status, and that's one of them.

I haven't heard the new Sonics album yet, but I can vouch for their onstage vitality. I saw them in 2013, with Mudhoney opening for them. A fantastic evening of raw, primal rock & roll.

Three of the original Sonics are still on board, and still going strong: sax player Rob Lind, guitarist Larry Parypa and keyboardist/vocalist Gerry Roslie (whose voice has aged very well indeed). The two "new guys," bassist Freddie Dennis (who sings lead from time to time) and drummer Dusty Watson, both have long résumés in the rock & roll scene of the Pacific Northwest.

Video from last night

[www.youtube.com]



Post Edited (05-11-15 12:39)

Here's a review from one of my Austin Chronicle colleagues, with whom I attended the show.

http://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/music/2015-05-11/levitation-live-shot-13th-floor-elevators/