Not so Obscure

I meant to blog about the amazing Camera Obscura gig last month at Bell House in Brooklyn. It was the first time I’d been to Bell House, and was very impressed with the sound, the sightlines (important for a short gal) and the grown up, non-Williamsburg crowd. Yes, Gowanus isn’t the most convenient place but this venue is definitely worth a visit. They've got a great lineup.

I was in perfect company -- Neil was over from London and then we ran into the Bauer Sisters (the three of us share such a love of Scottish pop that we trekked to the Bowlie Weekender together and then stalked B&S around Glasgow in 1999).

I always thought of Camera Obscura as something of a downer band but the live show was less downer than expected. And the new album is half happiness, half heartbreak (just like real life?). Plus I have to mention that at the Brooklyn show they had some amazing screenprinted posters, customized with the date and venue, for free for the fans. What a nice idea.

Their new album My Maudlin Career is out this week and highlights of it so far include Swans and French Navy. Or check out If Looks Could Kill from the last album. Go stream some songs at MySpace.

And on a tangent, I’ll also mention that this summer Neil and I visited the world’s largest Camera Obscura in Aberystwyth, Wales. One of those faded-glory seaside attractions -- rundown in a lovely way that typifies British seaside towns. Worth a visit if you are in the neighborhood (not likely in most cases).

And while I’m finally blogging, just a quick word to recommend State Of Play -- a very sharp thriller. Someone start lobbying for Jason Bateman for the Best Supporting Actor Oscar (highly unlikely but he was a scene stealer even with other great cast).