After disappearing around 1995 (coincident with writing the huge hit theme song for the TV "Friends" show?) I always wondered what became of my most beloved group of the early 90s - The Rembrandts. I still remember the ultra-picky Robert Hilburn's review ranting and raving over them around '89. If they were a cocktail, they would be one jigger of 80s pop/rock, two jiggers of Beatles, half jigger of Byrds, and a dash of the Hollies. Earlier this week I spotted that they were playing in L.A. (after about a 10 year absence) at the Mint in L.A. last night and couldn't believe my eyes. They came on and played for just a little over an hour but they packed in all their hits plus some great new songs non-stop without a break. For a band who seemed to retire a few years back, there was amazingly not one false move and the energy was fantastic. Their new material is great, especially their song "Too Late" - they didn't mention a new album, but I'll be looking for it. The last song of the encore did me in completely - a mindblowing performance of "I'm Looking Through You" - done better than the Beatles, I swear. Then more magic as I was waiting for the valet to bring my car - a guy stepped outside and bummed a cigarette from me. We started blathering on and raving about the band and then as I was about to get into my car he said, "you should come see my band sometime, too." Then he told me he was Mark Lennon of the group Venice. Geez!! I've been following their music for a bit and knew that Mark especially is constantly nabbed to lend his gorgeous voice to albums by Phil Collins, Croz and Nash and Michael Ruff, among others. I told the valet (who gave me a dirty look) to just leave the car for a bit longer and then started jumping up and down and going "ohmigod, ohmigod" in a squeaky 14 year old voice. Despite all that, he was so friendly and sweet to me. What a great guy! Venice is playing a two hour set at an AIDS benefit at the El Rey Theater on Feb. 10th. Also, Julia Fordham is appearing Valentine's Day at the Mint! Any L.A. jmdlers who may be interested in attending either of these shows, please let me know. Kakki NP: My favorite Rembrandts song dedicated tonight to Brian and Mags and to whomever else it may apply ;-) "You never know what the day will bring Another song for you to sing You never know what the day will bring You never know when the sky will fall What do we really know at all? You never know when the sky will fall Baby, I was frightened by the storm But not today Now if the rain should fall It won't worry me at all 'Cause our love will chase the clouds away"
