Born Ruffians in Spaceland [LA; 10/16/08]

Going to shows is way of life. But sometimes life can get in the way of, going to shows. Such was the case last Thursday, when Born Ruffians came to town and I was nowhere to be found.

Lucky for us, past roommate, present up-and-comer comedian, and forever the best red beard in Hollywood, Michael McCusker asked if he could cover this one.

Take it away buddy...
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“I’m writing to you as a SS correspondent, lost in Spaceland, live* and on-the-scene.

Born Ruffians rocked and mega-rolled the intimate Spaceland on Thursday, but let’s start off the way they did… with the opening band, Nurses.

Another Portland indie band? Yes. Are they extremely listenable and fun? Yes. Truly a sweet discovery for this guy, and I hope you. Just click on what I give. Oh, and there’s a guy with a beard that rivals an old prospector.

Plants & Animals followed, and they were solid. These guys know what they’re doing, but it’s just not my cup (Sutton drinks it though). I’ll leave it at that. You peoples go use your people-ears and make people-decisions about whether or not you enjoy their “post-classic rock” sound.

And now back to the indie-popping boys from Ontario, Born Ruffians. 2008’s super-dooper fun album, Red, Yellow & Blue, remains in my top 5 list of the year. It’s one of the few CDs consistently on repeat in my Volkswagen GTI-POS. As expected they made me move. And they made everyone around me move. Oh, and everyone knew all the words. The big, special moment for me was when they started off their encore with a cover of “The Knife” by Grizzly Bear. Holy macaroni! (Sutton would never say that).

Singer, Luke Lalonde, has star quality with a unique voice, charming presence, and good looks to boot. However, if this guy wasn’t in a nationally touring band, one could easily mistake him for “the attractive, young dude on the second floor in technical support.” I’m just saying he just looks like he could fix a computer while eating a ham sandwich.

*I'm not actually writing this live.

Alright I'm signing out, … back to you, Dave.”
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Thanks Mike!

The one video on YouTube from the show happens to capture my favorite minute of the previously blogged about album. Here is "Foxes Mate For Life."


And here, go ahead and download that cover of Grizzly Bear's "The Knife" that he was talking about, below.

Born Ruffians | The Knife (cover)

If you are in the LA area, make sure to see Michael every Tuesday at the aptly titled "Who's Available Tuesday Nights" on the 3rd street Promenade in Santa Monica. Free beer.