Traditionally, the notion of housekeeping is associated with the advent of spring. Before we get to this week's news proper—and considering the steady stream of Justin Timberlake merchandise and fan club applications that have found their way into my P.O. box since my review of "Mr. Sexyback's" Mohegan Sun performance was published—your friendly neighborhood Nightcrawler feels the need to devote some space in this, his first September offering, to set the record straight.
He stands by every word of the paragraph-plus that was published: i.e., Timberlake had a tremendous band, worked the crowd well and was in fine voice. For reasons of space, however, the following conclusion was omitted:
"But while pop culture and a sculptured body has helped Timberlake's star ascend to headlining status, the truth is, his body of work as a solo performer is slightly anemic for a nearly two-hour live set. He and his crack band did their darndest to breathe new life into pop throw-aways like 'Sexy Ladies' or even the current semi-hit 'Summer Love,' but these tunes were dead on arrival. In contrast, his most mature effort to date, 'What Goes Around,' proved both a definitive highlight as well as confirmation that he can cut it as an adult artist. That said, other filler-segments, like a 15-minute plus 'throw your hands in the air' sing-along with producer Timbaland, came off so clichéd and self-promoting that it would even make Gene Simmons blush through his surgically-lifted cheeks."
So there you have it. Those still compelled to send along the Timberlake paraphernalia can feel free, of course. The bobbleheads alone are fetching $25 on eBay…
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Meanwhile, at The Elevens, promoter Donal Rooke and DJ Willis are bringing vinyl back. The overall theme for the newly formed Monday night series may be devoted to punk rock, but as Rooke explains, a large component stems from Willis' B.Y.O.V. policy.
"You bring the vinyl, and he plays it," Rooke says. "Couldn't be simpler—or better received."
Willis will rock a special installment of Punk Party at The Elevens this Friday, Sept. 7.
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In other news, at least two artists celebrate CD releases this weekend. Journeyman troubadour David Dondero peddles his well-travelled tunage (his new disc, Simple Love, features songs inspired by a non-denominational Texas church, a summer in Alaska and his favorite spot in Mississippi, among other things) at Pearl Street this Thursday, Sept. 6 on a bill that also features Warped Tour vets Against Me! and indie faves Matt & Kim.
The following night at the Iron Horse, Sept. 7, Beantown hip-hop heavyweight Jake The Snake unleashes tracks from his newly released Year Of The Snake, Vol 2: At Close Range in support of the local five-man emcee squad The Problemaddicts.
"I know there's a lot of hip-hop fans out there, and this is my first show in that area," said the Snake to the Crawler. "Every rapper be talking about swagger this, swagger that. J the S don't have a swagger… I have aura."
For more info on both shows, visit www.iheg.com.
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Lastly, singer/six-stringer Tim Palmieri reports that, after a one-year stint as a trio, his band, The Breakfast (www.thebreakfast.org), has finally found a replacement for keyboardist Jordan Giangreco, who left in the summer of '06 to pursue "personal endeavors."
Matt Oestreicher officially made the prog-funk favorites a foursome again at last month's Gathering of The Vibes. As the newest member of The Breakfast club explains, the leap from fan to member of the band has been everything he hoped it would be thus far.
"I was blown away the first time I heard them," he recalled. "Their performances are filled with magical moments… and I [am looking] to add more passion and positivity to it."
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, P.O. Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 698-9373 or email Garycarra@aol.com.
