Last night's (Aug 30, 2005) Alec Ounsworth & The Pelican Picnic show at Mercury Lounge turned out NOT to be a secret Clap Your Hands Say Yeah gig. It wasn't his solo singer-songwriter act either. It was what appeared to be a brand new band, though it's unclear if Alec wrote all the songs himself. It's also unclear whether the band, that featured members of NYC's IDA, are keeping the "Pelican Picnic" name. Alec said something like "I'm Alec Ounsworth, and tonight this is the Pelican Picnic," as he pointed to the band who he never introduced otherwise.
I anticipated a mob scene at Mercury Lounge, afterall the rumor that it might be a secret CYHSY show even reached the daily amNewYork newspaper. The chalkboard outside the club made it pretty clear that Pelican Picnic was not Clap Your Hands. Perhaps people turned away when they saw that. The venue was about half-full (100 people?) for their set. Half-full is still pretty impressive considering Pelican Picnic only exists on the Mercury Lounge calendar. Obviously people were there because of Alec's Clap Your Hands fame (or to see Clap Your Hands), and the band's lack of communication about the show anywhere (including Alec's personal site) gave me the impression they were fine with that.
Imagine a country-western Clap Your Hands. Imagine a female voice accompanying Alec's (the drummer also sang). Imagine more Bob Dylan than Talking Heads. That was Pelican Picnic. It was good.
More on this show at Yeti Don't Dance
Other recent reviews of Alec Ounsworth at The BM Rant and BlogCritics
Clap Your Hands Tour Dates.
Previously
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, meet David Byrne | Seaport, NYC pics
Alec Ounswoth, Harlem Shakes, Head Set, Cool Calm Pete, Prince Paul
Scissor Sisters & CYHSY at Mercury Lounge last night
2 More CYHSY Interviews
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I definitely got that Bob Dylan vibe from the show. and it was really strange how empty it was in there.
Posted by Emily | August 31, 2005 2:31 PM
The band was the same backing band for the alec solo shows at pianos and petes candy store. I guess yesterday was the first show where they officially had a name.
Posted by Anonymous | August 31, 2005 5:16 PM
ah. I didn't realize he had that band with him at those shows. thanks for that. I also just got this inside info:
"they are alec's songs. the band is a different band but follows the same general guidelines as clap. it's simply a different style. there are 2 members who sometimes play in ida. alec is in the process of recording an album with those musicians and others."
Posted by brooklynvegan | August 31, 2005 10:54 PM
This guy's got a lot of fire's burning. 3 different band names and his solo stuff. I guess we shouldn't expect much longevity from CYHSY, huh?
Posted by Matt | September 1, 2005 9:05 AM
Alec played solo last time he was at pianos, with Head Set and Harlem Shakes.
He said an album will be out with these other songs in January or Febuary.
Posted by Jerry | September 1, 2005 9:26 AM
Here's what I'm wondering about this whole thing: why would you not even write a sentence about the King of France, who had twice the number of people as any of the other bands? Oh, and they were better too...hmmm, mystery...
Posted by Joe Friedman | September 1, 2005 9:46 AM
the reason I haven't written about the King of France is... because I haven't gotten to it yet!! jeez
Posted by brooklynvegan | September 1, 2005 9:51 AM
Because people are tired of generic rock bands. Let's face it, in New York, they're a dime a dozen.
Posted by Anonymous | September 1, 2005 9:52 AM
i love the shows, they are fun and relaxing...but not innovative.
he sounds so much like david byrne and it's distracting-very obvious for those of us seriously familiar with talking heads;unless you've had a beer... this is not good. as you said they are a dime a dozen...
they are a great night out though... to just chill.
Posted by elizabeth mahew | September 22, 2005 9:25 PM