U.S. Royalty @ Mississippi Studios

Last night at the U.S. Royalty show, it quickly became clear that as good as their album, Mirrors, was, the band was even better live. Songs like the opening "Monte Carlo" (mp3) rocked harder and the overall set sounded more cohesive, with their varied influences blending together into some fantastic rock 'n roll. It's as if they took their album and just cranked the dials. The songs seemed to pop and sparkle. Heavy rockers like "Hollywood Hollows" and "The Desert Won't Save You" were particularly exciting, as the giant riffs exploded over a pounding back end. It was a pleasure to watch a true lead guitarist step into a blistering yet retained solo and see a singer own the stage, his soaring howl hitting the high notes like a young Roger Daltrey. To top it off, they nailed a cover of Stevie Nicks' "Wild Heart," providing proof that the Fleetwood Mac comparisons were justified.


Sofar DC: U.S. Royalty - Wild Heart from Nick Fitzhugh on Vimeo.

Ancient Indian Wizard's Shuffle Time

Tom Petty - Time To Move On
Love me some Tom Petty. This mp3 came to me courtesy of Tex Evans who made Crane Wife and I a mix for our cross country honeymoon. This song helped me not want to slit my wrists outside of Amarillo, Texas.

Stevie Nicks - Stand Back
Holy crap.. we're on a roll! If you don't love Stevie Nicks I will fight you. The only exception to that rule is Ian's wife Mary who hates Fleetwood Mac. I did not know this until I wore a Fleetwood Mac shirt to their pre-wedding bar-be-que.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Spread Your Love
Ok.. interesting segue. This song was in heavy rotation during my bar-tending days. Still sounds good now.

Modest Mouse - Invisible
Classic stuff by the now Johnny Marr infused Modest Mouse. To be honest this is not one of the songs I am most familiar with off of this album* but I do quite like it.
*the dead boat sinking one..

Gene - O Lover
Perfect! My favorite brit-pop band that the world never knew. From their stellar swan-song "Libertine"..


Closing thoughts: I can't wait to do this again! Slightly bummed that New Edition and/or Jermaine Stewart didn't show up but perhaps next time. Oh.. and I'm not going to fight anyone over Stevie Nicks. I just got really excited when that song came on.