“We’re all in the mood for a melody…”

Jon BrionAs I head out of town for the holiday weekend (at least here in the States), what better gift can I leave behind, but a little Jon Brion?

I’ve written about this gifted producer-songwriter on previous occasions, chiefly in connection with two albums he produced: the unreleased version of Fiona Apple’s Extraordinary Machine and Kanye West’s Late Registration. And I linked to a recent profile of Brion.

But the really amazing this about him is his live shows. For a decade, he’s been doing a weekly gig at Largo, although he’s recently been sidelined by tendonitis. I’ve been lucky enough to attend a couple shows and they are incredible. For example, he might do a medley of Sex Pistols songs (including “God Save the Queen,” “No Feelings,” “Anarchy in the UK,” and “EMI”) or he might perform David Bowie‘s “Life on Mars” in the style of Fats Waller.

First song is a poor-quality recording from a Largo show in 2000. The second is from a gig at Tonic in NYC from 2005.

Jon Brion – Sex Pistols Medley

Jon Brion – Life on Mars

One Response

  1. Chelseagirl Says:

    well, any excuse is a good excuse to play some more Jon Brion, right? Thanks for the rare sex pistols cut!

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