Concert Counsel

The SuperSonic Suggestions

The La's - The La's 8.16.11-8.23.11

More often then not, the concept of perfection is viewed as a positive thing. Although it might be born out of a negative comment, the ultimate view on perfectionists is neuroticism, but enviable diligence. Media is littered with perfectionist heroes: James Cameron, James Joyce, Michelango, etc.

Little do we hear about perfectionism actually crushing an artist's career; the assumption is that perfectionists will never get frustrated enough to commit artistic suicide. The La's are just such an example.

Lead singer and guitarist Lee Mavers was known as somewhat of an oddball and perfectionist even before the inception of The La's. After shuffling producers, band members and songs for over 2 years, the production studio Go! Discs forced the band to release their album as is. Despite the overall critical and public success of the album, Mavers claimed the album was "rushed" and retreated to his home in Liverpool to live outside the spotlight. Rarely, on nights where the moon is ripe in the night sky, Mavers has been spotted playing deep in the underground Brit scene under random pseudonyms or with obscure bands.

The resulting self-titled album is an undoubtedly 90s sound, a fresh and lasting take on the British invasion. The album wades in that puddle of attempted perfection, trying so hard to reach it. The album shines, but was it worth it in the end?

Perfection is a speeding car stuck on cruise with a 7 year-old boy behind the wheel. Needless to say, it's dangerous.

Arthur Verocai - S/T 8.9.11 - 8.16.11

There is a particular word in Portuguese, famously untranslatable into English, used to describe a particularly Lusophone feeling of loss, joy and elegance.

Saudade.

Some have described it simply (and inadequately) as “sadness” or “nostalgia”… More sophisticated thinkers have noted that it is closer to “happy-to-be-sadness,” and the brand of nostalgia it describes is as much for the present moment as for the lost past.

One thing for sure is that it is a feeling that permeates the vast majority of Brazilian popular music, and the 1972 self-titled LP from composer, arranger and producer Arthur Verocai is awash in it. Elements of jazz, soul, psychedelic rock, funk and Música Popular Brasiliera intertwine amidst waves of exquisite yearning. It’s the kind of feeling of sadness that makes you glad to be alive with a heart capable of feeling.

UCI