brilliant inventions = brilliant music
I went to the Grey Eagle on Friday night to see Pat McGee, and was pleasantly surprised by the opening band. When I wrote the story about Pat and was working on the info box (where to go, who’s playing, etc.) I knew I recognized the name of The Brilliant Inventions, but for the life of me could not place where I knew them from.
I knew I’d like them while they were doing a soundcheck. I’m sure that isn’t really where they wanted me to get my first impression from, but it made me want to listen to their set even more. (I also showed up to the show after it was supposed to start. It just happened to start about 30 minutes late.)
Regardless of Eliot’s guitar acting like a jerk (his words, not mine), they were really, really great. Refreshingly pop, I’d like to call it. Not the radio pop crap you get, but not too folk.
It hit me when I saw their solo CDs (Josh Lamkin) that I had heard about them through my musician friend Daniel Lee. Daniel Lee is quite possibly one of the best songwriters I know (he and Matt Nathanson often tie for first in my list of favorites.) I approached Eliot and Josh about Daniel, and it was true. They’re friends. And, really, I can’t not like anyone who is friends with Daniel.
Ok. Back to the duo. They’re playing another show in Black Mountain next month, and I’m definitely going to do a story. I can’t help NOT do it. After talking to them, I was even more excited about the next show. I got a copy of their CD to listen to before I talk to them in a reporter sense, and I started listening to it before I even left the parking lot of the Grey Eagle. It’s too bad that the drive home was the length of one and a half songs.
I loaded the album onto my iPod and listened to it a couple of times yesterday during my 8-mile run. Oh. my. gosh. I freaking love it. It’s enough to keep you interested, without being overwhelmed. It took my mind off the running, but wasn’t so calming that I wanted to quit running (and that’s important when you’re training, you know.) It’s a fun CD to listen to. I recommend you purchase a copy.
One of my favorites (yeah, not both guys, but you get the picture)….
And how can you not like someone who does a decent cover of Michael Jackson? (This would have sold my husband, if he had seen it live.)
I do have videos on my cell phone (which sound awesome) but I foolishly didn’t open the phone to take the video, and the videos are sideways. Next time you see me, ask to see them on my phone.