John Wicks and Paul Collins at McCabes - Best of 2009

I don't see as many live shows as I once did, so I have to be selective these days. That having been said, within the last year or so I've seen/heard The Cheeksters, Don Dixon, Pat DiNizio (Smithereens), Peter Case, X, Suzanna Hoffs (Bangles) and Matthrew Sweet just to name a few. While all are unique talents, some have aged better than others. As I'd mentioned in an earlier post, Suzanna Hoffs hasn't aged a bit in voice or looks, and The Cheeksters haven't been around long enough to age (although I'm hoping they will be as they were very entertaining).

None compare, however, to the experience of seeing John Wicks and Paul Collins at McCabes. With so many memorable hits in their respective back catalogs (John with The Records and Paul with The Beat), it was just one great song after another. And they seem very personable. The room wasn't quite full but it was a good crowd nonetheless, and both John and Paul seemed really appreciative of those who trucked out to Santa Monica on a sunny Sunday Afternoon to see and hear them. They were conversational from the start, sharing humorous stories between the trunk full of hits each singer/songwriter carries with him from town to town.

For powerpop afficionado the coup de grace came when Peter Case stepped onstage to join the guys for a few songs. Again, the stories flowed and the hits kept on coming.

After the show they ventured out to say "hello" to those in the crowd, taking time for friendly conversation with those who hung around a few minutes after.

Here's a video from the performance where the guys play one of John's hits with The Records called "Hearts Will Be Broken" from the second LP entitled "Crashes":



If you want more info on John, Paul, or what they're doing together stop by here:

John Wicks and Paul Collins Official Website

John Wicks and The Records Official Website

Paul Collins Beat Official Website

The 12 Days of Christmas in NJ is in stores!!

What's all this fuss about the healthcare bill, terrorism, and the supposed global warming when there's something truly important going on...my book is out!! Published by Sterling Publishing, it's a children's book about, well, Christmas in New Jersey. Retailing for $12.99 before Christmas, I did what any recession period children's book artist does...I scoffed up five copies after the holiday at a discounted price. So get to a Banrnes & Noble near you. Okay folks, calm down. Don't start a Wallmart style stampede.