Thursday, April 22, 2004

get fucked, baby

Roy Loney & the Longshots
May 1, the Sunset

Roy Loney fronted the Flamin’ Groovies during the band’s most vital era, 1965-1971, back when the San Francisco ruffians were writing legendary non-hits like “Teenage Head” and “Slow Death,” bumming out hippies with a wild amalgam of slippery rockabilly and gutbucket R&B. Generations of sideburn types have sung their praises ever since. The Groovies’ sound changed dramatically with Loney’s defection, losing a lot of grit in favor of Byrdsy strumming, but Loney kept the faith with a series of solo albums true to his original ethos. The latest is Drunkard in the Think Tank, recorded with his all-star backup band, the Longshots (which has featured a few Young Fresh Fellows in the past). Luckily, Loney hasn’t lost the grease smoke or the bam balam and still puts on a righteous show, so this gig is worth more than just the chance to eyeball a former legend. - Fred Beldin

Artistic as Hell

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