By: David de Young
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Raven rocks Lee's at his CD Release Party - Photo by David de Young (Click for full size)
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Whether you've heard of him or not, Raven is
a veritable rock hero who lives right here in the Twin Cities. Or at least he lives here when he's not living in what he calls "the homeland," otherwise known as the UK. (His fan club is actually based in the England.)
Part punk rocker, part rock star, part rockabilly guitar slinger (think the Cramps, yes definitely the Cramps) Raven seems to be equally filled with the spirit of the Stranglers, Bruce Springsteen, Bryan Ferry, and Paul Westerberg. Hearing his set evolve at Lee's last night I was moved by Raven's many personalities and the multiple genre's from which he draws.
His all-star band opened with Bob Dylan's "This Wheel's on Fire" sung beautifully by Astronaut Wife's Janey Winterbauer. It was a strong start to a powerful 16-song set. And yes, that was Peter Anderson behind the drum set.
"This Wheel's on Fire" segued into "Brilliance" just as it does on his brand new album "Boom!" released on Yeah! Records and produced, like his previous album by Rich Mattson, who was also on hand to show his support. This song had the band emanating a melancholy joy in a sweet David J sort of way with shimmering keyboards played by Jon Larson.
Then came a drummer switch from Anderson to Bob Phillip, and Raven played a Who guitar riff as a test. The next song was "Something's Not Right" also from the new release.
Raven played through a few more songs from his new album in sequence (I love it when musicians do this at CD release shows as it make it easy for a reviewer to cover both show and CD in one fell swoop.) "Conviction of Love" had a groovy guitar start and featured Glen Graham on Sax. There's no doubt that Raven has a true punk rock heart the likes of which I'm not sure I've ever encountered in the flesh. You simply can't help but love this guy.
By the song "Status Quo" I noticed something that I always look for in a good rock show. I was enjoying myself so much I'd forgotten where I was and noticed I hadn't even looked around the club in a while. Raven draws you into his experience because he has such passion about his music, and it shines through. And it's something I wish more bands exhibited, a heartfelt love for the job they do.
"Afterthought" had Raven's punk rock heart right out there on his sleeve again. Then for "Life's Not Fair" Raven removed his sport jacket to reveal a cool blue and red horizontal striped shirt. He introduced the song by saying that the song was about his love life and "that British girl." If we were all only so lucky to have our hearts broken in such an inspirational way.
Dan Bergstrom took over on bass for a while as Raven introduced the song "What a Way to Die," popularized by Suzie Quatro. (Remember Leather Tuscadero?) The song was originally done around 1967 by the Pleasure Seekers, of which Quatro was then a member. It presents a choice you probably don't want to make while at Lee's Liquor Lounge, "Don't ask me to choose between you and a bottle of beer." Although Raven himself is an avowed lifelong Teetotaler, he did a roaring and funny version of this song and I daresay that drink or no drink he would kick ass at Oktoberfest. "Would you believe we didn't rehearse that one?" he asked at the song's end. "Any of them actually," he added. I believe him, but that slight looseness actually added to the charm of the show.
On "I Hope You're Happy Now," one of my favorite Raven songs, Raven shows us his evil side. Taken from what may as well be called his "divorce album" "For Better…or For Worse" the song features the lyric
"I hope you're happy now
Note the sarcasm
I hope you're happy now
You and your new orgasm
The truth is I
Pray you and that guy
Share an aneurism"
As the song ended, Raven pointed out that that was, indeed, a love song.
Raven welcomed Jeff Willkomm back to the bass for "Someone She Knows" and Graham switched from sax to acoustic guitar. Sweating, Raven removed his long sleeve jumper to reveal a black sleeveless t-shirt. Then on "Almost Glow," Marv Gohman joined in on violin for a sad song about losing a New York flight attendant to an Irishman, and a long walk home alone from Putney to his hotel in Holland Park.
There was time for one semi-encore. Coached by Willkomm to play another one from the earlier record, they finished with "What's Wrong With Us?" a great end to a great show by a great guy.
Raven leaves for the UK on September 15th for half a dozen shows this fall at clubs including the 12 Bar Club, Fibbers in York and Buffalo Bars in Islington. While on his UK tour he will be backed by the Solar Flares.
Musicians playing on this bill:
Raven - vocals, guitars
Peter Anderson - drums
Marv Gohman - Fiddle
Jeff Willkomm - Bass
Janey Winterbauer - vocals
Glen Graham - Sax
Jon Larson - Keyboards
Terry Isachsen - Lead guitar
Dan Bergstrom - bass and leather pants
Bob Phlllip - drums
Location Info:
Lee's Liquor Lounge
Artist Info: Raven
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