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December 9, 2004
The Sadies at the El Rey, Los Angeles - Dec. 4, 2004
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The Sadies Roll Along
Bill Gentry told me that The Sadies reminded him of The Byrds, “if The Byrds were a wagon wheel.” But The Byrds were a wagon wheel, weren’t they? And The Sadies are a wagon wheel, too, if that wheel were on a semi hauling 90 miles an hour down the Interstate and the driver were all jacked up on coffee and speed, carrying a little pot under the seat.
The first time I saw this band play, I was so blown away I couldn’t speak. Spaghetti western meets western swing, smokes some pot, and has a hoedown. The term “insurgent country” doesn’t seem to do it justice. Now, some five years later, I am blown away again. Amazing covers? Try “Pretty Polly” (traditional – the Byrds did it too), “Stay All Night” (Bob Wills), “Higher Power” (Louvin Brothers), and “Wearin’ that Loved On Look” (yes, a song made famous by Elvis). Amazing songs? Try “Lay Your Arms” (from 2002’s Stories Often Told), “Dying is Easy,” (from 1998’s debut Precious Moments) “1000 Cities Falling” (from 2004’s Favourite Colours). Let’s just say all and call it a day.
Like Dexter Romwebber, who melds blues, surf, punk and rockabilly, The Sadies are creating a musical fusion of spaghetti western, 60s psychedelia, American Cosmic Music, country and western, old spirituals, and traditional music. But what does the band sound like? Like the love child of Ennio Morricone and Gram Parsons, with the vocals of The Supersuckers. Not to mention the guitarist has Peter Frampton hair. And they’re tall. And they wear amazing suits. I’m telling you – this is the best thing that Canada has ever given us.
-- Wanda
Posted by DJWanda at December 9, 2004 11:24 PM
