One Hit Wonderful

I've been meaning to go to Case Of The Mondays, a weekly showcase hosted by Emma-Lee and Karen Kosowski that runs all summer at The Cameron House. After a few musical guests play original material, Lee and her band would do a set of theme-based covers.

First up tonight was Sarah Cripps. In her singing, she reminded me of a cross between sultry Alanna Myles and the tough-gal sound of Emma-Lee herself. Cripps' mix of driving blues-rock (Not The One) and country (Gypsy Eyes) had heads nodding. Field Study is an indie-pop band that recently moved here from Vancouver. They sing straight-forward pop (Lost and Found, Don't Settle Your Heart), often as a duet between singers Caleb and guest Adaline.

Emma-Lee and Kosowski also sang their own material tonight, sort of. They not only write for their own band, but also compose for other musicians, too. So we were treated to "covers of their own songs": an eclectic variety from country (One More Light), teen pop (Fall Apart), TV theme (Shot In The Dark), and big-band (Cabin Fever). It was a fun and interesting set, revealing their versatility.

After a short break, they returned with a set of "One Hit Wonders". From Torn to Tainted Love, they ran the gamut though concentrating mostly in the 90s. The previous acts also took turns doing a song or two. Sometimes it was a bit kitschy and silly (More Than Words were sung sitting on bar stools). But with professional musicians covering the songs, everyone had a blast. The night ended appropriatedly enough with Semisonic's Closing Time. Ironically, that song took on a poignant mood. As Kosowski sang out the final "Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end", an old man shuffled past the stage.