Darn it, I forgot about the two really great shows I attended when I lived in NYC (Flushing, Queens, actually ;-) in 1983.
Dave Edmunds and his 3-piece band (which included the late, great Mickey Gee on Telecaster) played a set of 100 proof, blistering hot, pure American Rock ’n’ Roll at, I believe, The Ritz. Still my long-time girlfriend’s all-time favorite show. The music Edmunds made (he just recently retired, he says) is what Keith Richards would love to be able to; Chuck Berry on steroids, with Everly Brothers harmonies. Dave was playing his blonde 1958 Gibson ES335, and absolutely tore it up!
I’ve seen Marshall Crenshaw live a few times, but his show at, again, The Ritz, was the best. Rather than his normal 3-piece band (which included his brother Robert on drums and harmony vocals), for this show he had a 5-piece, which included Graham Maby (from Joe Jackson’s original band) playing a Fender 6 (the 6-string baritone guitar/bass Fender offered in the early 60’s, heard on many early Duane Eddy songs. Real "twangy" sounding) and singing harmony. Marshall and his band sounded SO good; great songs, playing, and singing (2-, 3-, and even 4-part harmonies). The ultimate in Power Pop!
I had seen The dB’s at The Ritz while visiting NYC the previous year, but their limitations were on full display live. Flat vocals (particularly by Chris Stamey), and weak, Garage band-level musicianship. Some pretty good songs (those of Peter Holsapple), however. Drummer Will Rigby, a southpaw, went on to work in Steve Earle’s band for many years.
