I flew up to SF with my best friends to see Jarvis Cocker this past weekend. He's been a major part of my musical education and when Pulp played the West Coast last, I was living in Vietnam. Coachella was out of the question; I wanted a proper show, one with bells and whistles and all of Jarvis' charm that I've only heard, read about or seen on the tv.
Anticipation was high and I was hoping that I hadn't over-hype the experience. It didn't lessen when Bob Lind's "Cool Summer" and Bonnie Dobson's "Winter's Going" were playing right before he went on. These two heartbreaking songs are from a compilation Jarvis made last year with Steve Mackey called "The Trip." These songs (about how love fades with the seasons) made everything come together for me right then.
Now listen to Bob Lind's "Cool Summer."
Another song I love from this comp is Dory Previn's "The Lady with the Braid." Dory is Andre Previn's first wife before he left her for Mia Farrow. She sings about finding meaning in mystical otherworlds, astrology, stars, tarot cards... all with the charm of an insecure yet seasoned girl. You see, it all came together then. Ever since last week's enlightening encounter with the Clairvoyant at Vietsoy (by chance of course), these songs, the show, it was almost too much... (but in a very good way). Wonder comes to you when you least expect it and it just blows your mind.
I digress. How was the show? It was extraordinary and you could hear every single word Jarvis was singing and saying. He's so funny! LOL!!! There was interpretive dance, self-deprecating jokes, and of course, brilliant songs... he covered a Doors song, "Crystal Ships"!!! Jarvis totally represented the West Coast! Unbelievable!
