The Wildhorse is one of my new favorite venues for shows—yeah, yeah, I know I’m late to the party, but the first show I saw there was Los Lonely Boys a couple of months ago, and I was floored by the acoustics, although I’m not sure why, since the place was built out by Gaylord specifically as a music venue. We were treated to a great show Wednesday night featuring Locksley opening for the great Ray Davies of the Kinks, who is a wonderfully engaging solo artist as well. This was Locksley’s third trip to Nashville in as many months, as they recently opened for Hanson at the Wildhorse as well as doing a show at the Mercy Lounge in October. This guys were great, delivering a power-packed performance featuring high-energy power pop with a punch of punk. Their influences range from the Beatles, which is very evident, to the Hives and the more obscure punk references such as Richard Hell of Richard Hell and the Voidoids fame. The bank was tight, with great harmonies, and lyrics you could actually hear, instead of the indistinguishable and indecipherable blur that so many bands offer up. They are originally from Wisconsin and now call Brooklyn home, and features brothers Jesse Laz on lead vocals and rhythm guitar and Jordan Laz on bass and vocals, Kai Kennedy on lead guitar and vocals, and Sam Bair on drums. They’ve played with the likes of Rooney, OK Go, The Dandy Warhols, She Wants Revenge, Hanson, and the Hives, just to name a few. Their 2007 album, “Don’t Make Me Wait”, has just been rereleased on a large scale, and MTV is giving them a lot of exposure. Check out a couple of the songs from the album, Why Can’t I Be You and All Over Again, and here is the video for “All Over Again:”
Ray Davies was incredible as well. I had seen him with the Kinks, more years ago than I care to remember (the wonderful 80s), and he put on a great show, drawing the audience in, as he announced early on that the show was an audience participation encouraged event. He mixed up tunes from his latest solo project, Working Man’s Cafe, with classic Kinks tunes, and earlier solo work. He entertained everyone with a combination of stories in between songs, and the vibrant songwriting they showcased. He wrapped up by bringing the boys of Locksley back onstage for a couple of rousing Kinks tunes, including “Lola”.
All in all, an outstanding evening of music all the way around!!
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