Super furry animals

I went to the Super Furry Animals in-store at Amoeba last night. The band from Cardiff, Wales was trimmed down to a two guitarists, but they compensated for the loss of members and instruments with pre-programmed keyboard rhythms, a metronome, a glockenspiel, scissors, and The Pelvis. Maybe the effect was less like a cosmic Beach Boys and more a like an arty Elvis Costello with harmonies (their albums sometimes suggest both vibes to me).


The duo played a really loose set for about 40 minutes, with lots of funny chit-chat between songs (mostly new ones). They needed help for one song, which required not only singing along but a posture (see wide pic). This tune went over so well they played it three times, including the encore.

No, they didn't break out the furry suits or Pete Fowler videos, but Gruff Rhys had an armful of acoustic guitars with the Welsh artist's scribblings on them. They'll probably go all out at tonight's sold-out show at The Echo.

I could have shopped for an hour afterward, but Wendy and I arrived straight from work and desperately needed food.


So we rounded up friends and went to Chinatown. Here's Brian, who's been helping out the mag with just about everything (editorial, production, dark-chocolate M&M's) and Pryor (GR's Minister of Color and art show contributor).


Ken has contributed a few articles to the mag, including a report from the Milan Furniture Fair and interviews with artists and designers. Behind him, you can see the staff chowing down. I guess it was kind of late.

BTW, if you ever go to Golden City, try the black mushrooms with spicy salt. It's a great dish.


Chinatown is going through this weird identity shift from old people and immigrants to hipsters and artists, but I still like going there for late-night meals. I prefer the evening because there's more parking and fewer sketchy drivers!


Super Furry Animals and Chinatown--an unplanned but perfect pairing to usher in the Lunar New Year.