Friday 31 August 2012

Hurray for the Riff Raff

As yet more proof that America is a bottomless well of home-grown musical talent, here are the gloriously named band Hurray For The Riff Raff. Play that video of them making a joyful noise in what seems to be their own back yard, then check the tour schedule to the right and if they're playing anywhere near you, go see them! There's more on YouTube (be sure to skip the ads), including a 35-minute set apparently attended by a dozen or two people, many of whom seem to spend most of their time coming and going and ignoring the music. This is a larger band than in the back yard video, including a rather fine old-school keyboardist who at times really lifts the band's sound. As for the lead singer - and indeed songwriter and creative force - Alynda Lee Segarra, she is definitely one to watch. Alynda ran away from her home in the Bronx and travelled America by hopping freight trains (yes, it can still be done), ending up eventually in New Orleans, where she formed this band. No Depression magazine said of Look Out Mamma that it 'sounds like something The Band would’ve had playing on a Victrola while making Music From Big Pink in Woodstock.' Quite so. What is it with these roots/Americana/alt country bands that they keep coming up with songs that sound as if they've been around for ever? Continuity, I guess.

5 comments:

  1. Absolutely great - I've sampled the YouTube videos - and I think I will try to see them if I can. Many thanks for the piece.

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  2. Fantastic! Thank you Nige...

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  5. Love their music. Blue Ridge Mountain is a favorite.

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