Gig Reviews - July 6, 2002 Hidden Valley - Irvine, CA

Hidden Valley was a large park-type structure where there was a lake, kids on waterslides, and all kinds of other things. There was a small indoor ampitheater near the entrance where some of the smaller band on the Hootenanny Festival played. Instead of the two stages facing one another across a grassy area as they were at the Mountain View show, the stages were set up side by side. Past the booths and down a grassy hill, the stages became visible. A giant plastic Bacardi bottle contrasted the palm trees an summer sky in the background. The sun wasn't as bright this time, but again they were playing due west into the light.

Joe kicked it off by stating that they were the "token limeys" on the tour. They then broke into a song called "Nosomos todos inmigrantes" according to Joe's Spanish, but better known as "Shaktar Donetsk". This was followed by a good performance of "Rudie Can't Fail" and a rocking "Mega Bottle Ride". "I Fought the Law" was a tight performance.

"Quater Pound of I'cense" (or Ishen) was once again by far one of the most moving and rocking numbers in the set. Tymon's fiddle dub and Simon's bass make for one of the best live tunes that the Mescaleros have made their own.

"Johnny Appleseed", the American hero that no one in America seems to know about - according to Joe - was a good performance but plagued by sound problems with the vocals. Again this wins out for one of their consistently best numbers throughout the west coast shows. "White Man in Hammersmith Palais" was absolutely riveting despite some early sound problems. They were grooving so much Joe began his trademark ad-libing which went something to the effect of "Down in Hidden Valley, on a day like this, I feel really happy!" Continuing on he sang "This is what living is for" and ended it - "This is Ladbroke Grove coming into So. Cal". Definitely a top notch performance of this song. Personally I think it is one of the best Clash tunes that the Mescaleros play live.

"Pressure Drop" was followed by a good version of "Police on My Back" and then "Walk on the Wild Side". Their performance of this song was tight and is another consistently good live tune. It'd be great to hear some more songs on the new album in which Martin can play his sax. It's an enjoyable thing to watch this guy play away during this song. They played a surprise tune as the closer - "Bankrobber". The performance was very rootsy and full of the brooding bass rhythms that this song was always known for. During the middle of "Walk on the Wild Side" Joe sang "It's all about music", and after watching this performance, I'd have to agree!

- The Web Princess

For pictures of this show go to my Pics page!