Monday Dec. 19th 2011 - Manhattan Murder Mystery vs the Satellite

So I finally was able to make it out of the County of Orange to see some live music being played in LA again. It was the third night of Manhattan Murder Mystery's Decemeber residency at the Spaceland Satellite whcih I will get to but first to Judson McKinney who kicked off the night right with a solid set mainly consisting of songs off his new stellar album 'Drink the Wine' which I reviewed here. Judson musical stylings are definitely in the folk genre but don't let that fool you into thinking that he doesn't know how to rock the fuck out because that was exactly what Judson and the band did last night none more so than when they performed Tomorrow Blues that caused Johnny Seasons on bass to break a string. The highlight of the night for Judson was the older track, William Jennings Bryan, they pulled out to end their set highlighted by an extended rockout jam session in the middle of the song.

Next artist took me by surprise, Jonny Corndawg. Mainly because you don't get too many country artists out in these parts and this was a true to the bone country singer. This performance was only the Corndawg on an acoustic guitar and a friend on guitar who I can't for the life of me recall his name. With only the two of them up on stage performing it allowed Jonny Corndawg's voice strong singing voice really take center stage though throughout being upstaged by some really brilliant guitar playing by the other member of the outfit. The guitar parts just had a very jovial tone or quality to them which is quite refreshing and put a smile on myu face while listening. The other thing about Jonny Corndawg that really came through was the humor in his lyrics which shouldn't be surprise with a stagename like Corndawg. The last thing to take away from a live Corndawg performance is what a natural showman he is, you could just tell that performing on stage is where this man should be and I would gladly take in another show put on by The Corndawg.

If you have been to a Manhattan Murder Mystery show before you know the bring a raucous energy level that is magnetic and tonight's show topped it all. Bursting at the seems with friends adding to the bands lineup, a total of ten members to this use to be three piece now now actually four piece with the seemingly staple of Todd McLaughlin on guitar. They were a total of 6 people playing guitar for MMM tonight including Joey and Andy Siara from The Henry Clay People. This was a bigger and more blown out performance than I thought was possible, if your average Manhattan Murder Mystery live show takes it to eleven then this show was at least a twenty. And through it all clearly the center of this mayhem and the reason for all this chaotic love for music was Matthew Teardrop who had this ever growing gaggle of MMM zeolots moshing and crooning along with every song like nothing else in the world mattered than what was happening in the Satellite that night. The uninitiated in a Manhattan Murder Mystery show wouldn't think that the insane energy level could go up another notch, but like clockwork with the closing song Parking Lot does just so. Setting the stage for this new higher level of insanity is that the crowd is pulled onstage to join in with the show ending in a state of chaos that can only be witnessed to truly understand what happens when Manhattan Murder Mystery closes for the night.

Then I made my way over a few blocks to catch the College Kids with the nightcap at the Silverlake Lounge and they were as infectiously adorable in their performance as always even though I only made it for their last three songs. A good night was had and I can't wait for a repeat performance next week which is the last night of Manhattan Murder Mystery residency that also happens to include George Glass and One Trick Pony in the lineup so sounds like a special night to be had.