It's no secret—since the San Francisco-based Corner Laughers stormed onto my playlists at the beginning of this year with their magnificent Ultraviolet Garden album, they've become one of my favorite bands. They manage to create cool, sophisticated alternative sounds, without being labeled or typecast in any particular style.
Singer and songwriter Karla Kane plays ukulele on stage, and manages to turn it into an alternative rock instrument. Very few “old-timey” sounds—but on a couple of songs, the uke tricks me into thinking it's a keyboard. How's that for versatility? And don't forget that sweet, but all-knowing voice of hers.
Co-songwriter and stellar lead guitarist Angela Silletto's presence loomed large on that album, but she left the group over the summer to move to another part of the country. She was replaced by the equally stellar KC Bowman, who adds additional musicianship, wit, and fun to an already fun lineup.
Khoi Huynh is the rock behind the band. His fluid bass playing can actually be heard in the mix, both live and on record, and it's a perfect flowing river to help carry the other lead instruments. His harmony vocals blend perfectly with Karla's. He's got a wealth of musical connections. In short, Khoi is the Corner Laughers' secret weapon. No Khoi, and it's a very different band.
Charlie Crabtree is the powerhouse drummer who propels the band. Just listen to the crisp snap of the snare drums on “For The Sake Of The Cat”, and you'll realize that this guy, and this band, mean business. Just nimble, lively playing to keep things moving.
I told you all that to tell you this: The Corner Laughers pay us a visit this week. Karla, Khoi, and Charlie spend an hour with us playing DJ's. They bring 10 tracks of their own (plus I chose one of theirs to play). They've been a busy band over the last 8 months since I first met them, and they walk us through the year 2010, as seen from a Laughers perspective, using music. We all had a fun time, and they made my job easy, as I just sat back, relaxed, and let them run my show.
http://www.myspace.com/cornerlaughers
Program note: Fiona Ledgard's Anything Goes Evening Show follows the Tuesday Night Diner this week. It's a wonderfully eclectic mix of interviews, live sessions, ambient field sounds, and recorded tracks. Don't miss it!
If you'd like to make a request, just drop me a line at mike(at)rechargedradio.com. If you'd like to become an honorary California citizen, drop me a line at the same address. And if you'd like to hear all this great music—simply tune in to the Tuesday Night Diner, Tuesday night, 8:00-10:00 p.m. (GMT), 12:00-2:00 p.m. Pacific, only at Recharged Radio—www.rechargedradio.com.
This note also appears in the News section on the home page of RechargedRadio.com.
See you then!
Chef Mike
mike(at)rechargedradio.com
MN2BDNC
With Music From.....
Chad Neaves - Something In My Soul
Boomchick - TGTW
Karim Fanous - Thin Bits
Laurie Biagini - Gonna Do It My Way
Laurie Larson - All Year Long
Jerzey Street Band - Holly Grove
Beth Thornley - You're So Pony
Dylan Walshe - Your Belly Not Mine
Maple Mars - Transcendental Guidance
The Corner Laughers Take Over The Show!
The Corner Laughers – Shrine Of The Martyred Saint
Anton Barbeau – Psychedelic Mynde of Moses
Martin Newell – When The Damsons Are Down
Bigwheel – Spin The Apple
Agony Aunts – Linus’ Fists of Death
The Fairwood Singers – I Thought I Heard the Answers in a Song
William Cleere and the Marvelous Fellows – Labor Day
Preoccupied Pipers – So Odd The Plane
The Corner Laughers – For the Sake of the Cat
Keiko Takamura and The Shebangs – Rice Belly
Anton Barbeau – Fuzzchild
At this point, the show was returned to me, in mint condition:
The Taters – Such A Good Day
Cult of Wedge - Uprising
Dandelion Killers - Disney Eyes
Nelson Bragg - Forever Days
Maxi Dunn - Sinking In The Sand
Brave Chandeliers - Sinking Ship
Chancellorpink - Muster
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