MICHAEL ASTON, GENE LOVES JEZEBEL

On September 14th I flew to LA for the sole purpose of watching Michael Aston's (blond hair) version of Gene Loves Jezebel perform at the New Wave Bar.  It's getting so easy to travel to and around LA: plane, train, bus, a short walk and I'm at the hotel door.  I was amped for the show, barely able to relax at the pool that afternoon.  I had a cigar in the park behind the bar at sunset and was inside by 7:30, with time to kill before the 10:00 show.  A seat at the bar, having drinks and listening to a succession of 80's music from a variety of artists.  I made the request for Echo and the Bunnymen's Never Stop, getting Bring on the Dancing Horses instead.  Unfortunately I probably had one too many because in my enthusiasm to see Michael, I experienced some fumble fingers and stopped the recording a half hour into the show.  This is one time I saw the "documenting" of the show as a curse because it was getting in the way of its pure enjoyment.

I toyed with the idea of following the band to Florida where they perform at a two day 80's music festival on the coast east of Orlando, easy to do, but considerably more expensive.  But I decided to wait until the band performs again in LA.  A dream would be for estranged brother Jay Aston (red hair) to go out on tour himself and put his spin on the music.  Among the fans, the the debate is similar to the one for Van Halen: Dave versus Sammy.  But instead it is Jay versus Michael.  It's all good to me.

Just two hours away
Escape, both body and mind
Life of fantasy

Three long hours to kill
A room lit by the glasses
As the eyes grow dim

Wears a lions mane
Dressed in Neo’s black trench coat
Sings like an angel

Jumping off the edge
Falling so fast with eyes closed
Soft lands on the grass

Seeks an explanation
Follows the trail, like bread crumbs
Lost in the darkness

Download the half hour here:
http://www.filefactory.com/file/rl0teum6h1t/GLJ_New_Wave_Bar_Los_Angeles_CA_September_14_2013_MP3_rar

DEAD SEXY

This weekend I listened to Michael Aston's album "Dead Sexy" (released in 2009), Metric's October 13, 2012 show at the Austin City Limits Festival and PIL's April 11, 2013 show at the Enmore Theatre in Sydney, Australia.  I'm finding myself wanting a "fix" of Gene Loves Jezebel every weekend, leading to making the commitment to see him perform live in LA this coming September.  I literally can't wait.  However, the next stop is Lollapooloza in Chicago.

Sugarbuzz Magazine writes:

GENE LOVES JEZEBEL'S "DEAD SEXY" is a heartening throwback to the more song-oriented, guitar-friendly, rock'n'roll side of goth, which is a welcome relief for many of us who are so tired, and bored senseless, with all that last century, "industrial", noise hammering. All you voodoo dollies with access to strong opiates, and heavy incense, who live in big houses full of candles, with velvety tapestries on all the walls, will surely love the swanky, and sensual, ethereal sounds of Michael Aston's "DEAD SEXY". All you gutter punks and whiskey swillers will probably prefer to stick with your regular Motorhead, Rose Tattoo, and Lower Class Brats. Myself, I'm pleasantly amazed by how much I've been enjoying "Dead Sexy".

Apparently, "Dead Sexy" is a "best of", compiling Michael's favorite tracks from '93-'03, Michael has expanded and developed his moody repertoire. Familiar flights of fancy, and otherworldly processions that sound both ancient and post-post-modern. He's written excellent songs, you get value for your money, here. This was a monumental undertaking-eighteen songs, on two discs. His voice has matured-there's far less keening and preening, and more importantly, his songwriting has continued to advance.

"DEAD SEXY" far exceeded any of my expectations. SOMEHOW, he's assembled a really top-notch, world-class, rock band, certain to appeal to diehard partisans, or really, anyone who ever liked anything like Peter Murphy, 39 Steps, "Love" era CULT, or the Mission U.K. The lyrics are thoughtful, and poetic. The guitars are epic, enchanting, magically delicious. It's a spell-binder. Clearly, he invested a lot of real passion into the making of this work, which is a bit shocking, because so few of our American artistes can even be arsed to create anything that resonates with authentic emotions, or the ring of truth, or moral courage, anymore. This album's soulful and shamanic. Welcome to the States, Michael Aston. It's only, ever, been peace loving, gentle-spirited, creative and talented, hard laboring, good hearted souls like yourself, who have ever made this melting pot worth living in. I strongly reccomend this L.P. to all Gene Loves Jezebel Fans, and any others inclined towards melodic, melancholy music. Good Listening. Nice job, lads.

http://www.sugarbuzzmagazine.com/bands/geneloves/geneloves.html

A sample off the album:



Go out and buy it!

GENE LOVES JEZEBEL

The music continues each weekend as ususl, it's just that I'm not posting my selections anymore, except for new recordings of my own.  This Friday evening I listened to Voodoo Dollies, The Best of Gene Loves Jezebel which was released in 1999.  I'm taking a liking to this gothic rock band.  The Aston brothers have written dark and moodie music, evoking similar emotional feelings within.

Download it here:
http://www.filefactory.com/file/8d37xf0acap/n/GLJ_VD_1999_rar