Girls make us dance - whether we want to or not. Photo by Jen Synder.
By Jen Snyder
I know that there's a big battle going on about whether or not the Internet is evil - and whether or not technology is making people super-mean. But you've got to admit that while some things may be getting a more impersonal, others are getting a lot cooler. Like bands.
Has anyone noticed that there are a million groups out there that are actually really good? That is so weird. Remember when you used to go to the Warehouse with your dad and every other CD was completely horrible? Now I walk around a music store so bewildered by all the pretty album covers that I get an intimidation contact high and end up leaving with my 19th Leonard Cohen album. Geez. I blame the Internet and its infallible ability to get awesome stuff to anyone, even if you don't live in a cultural hub like San Francisco.
So the next time you're stumbling around Amoeba, wondering which disc has the sweet song your coworker played for you, just go to the G section and go pick out anything by Girls. Actually, they don't have an official album out, but I do know that they have some great songs on their MySpace page, including a particular favorite of mine, "Hellhole Ratrace." Their songs evoke the pleasantly masochistic feelings you get from listening to something like Nirvana Unplugged. And in an era where one can describe the '80s and even the '90s as vintage, Girls has this "yesterday" feel to them that makes you yearn for those years when you were sadder and more creative.
On Wednesday night, May 14, Girls totally rocked the Rickshaw Stop. As an opener and a band that has only been around for roughly six months and playing only their fourth show, Girls were still easily the pinnacle of the night. The sixpiece, led ironically by JR White and Christopher Owens, boasts only one female member. But for some reason I guess that's not the point of the name.
Actually, the moniker makes sense within the context of the music. The outfit's '60s-pop vocals are laid atop a grungy, lo-fi backdrop adding up to a stony flirty feel. The aluminum hum of the three guitars offers a submerged and drony overtone, yet there's still plenty of space to rock out and dance. And dance we did.
What can I say? They wore Left-Eye-style face paint and beat on obscure percussion that made you think, "Oh, that's what that is…" An excellent show.
GIRLS
July 5, 9 p.m., call for price
Hotel Utah
500 Fourth St., SF
(415) 546-6300
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