God what a great label. Pouring out that classic Memphis sound of the time, with the Mar-keys, Booker T & the MGs, Sam & Dave, Otis Redding, Issac Hayes and my all-time favorite Rufus Thomas. If you haven't heard any Rufus, get onboard.
The world famous MGs, who made the infamous Green Onions, were also the house band, creating the sound for some of the most famous songs of that time, including Hold On I'm Coming and Soul Man. In fact, you probably know two of the MGs, Steve Cropper and Donald "Duck" Dunn, who appeared as members of the band in The Blues Brothers.
So when I heard they were restarting the label after its untimely demise in the mid 70's with a tour that included many of their stars from yesteryear (at least those still alive), I literally pissed my pants.
After changing, I quickly got online and bought some tickets for what I figured would be the greatest show this year.
Now don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed the show. But man, there just was something missing. Yes, of course the late Rufus Thomas and Otis Redding, but just something was off. Isaac Hayes appeared to be on Horse Tranquilizers, barely being able to play any of his songs, even forgetting that it was the 50 year anniversary of the label. The finale with all the performers from the show singing Otis Redding's "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay" sounded more like a bunch of angry drunks in an Irish Bar singing to the jukebox then seasoned and talented artists.
But that being said, I still am really glad I went. I got to see the amazing (albeit short) performances of Eddie Floyd and Booker T & the MGs. All in all, a disappointment because of my high expectations, it still was an entertaining evening.
Afterward, heading back to Echo Park, we got the hankerin' for some county health inspected F-rated tacos. And when we came upon a small grill set up on a lonely stretch of Alvarado, we just had to stop.
No truck, no stand, no nothing. Just some guy who brings out his grill every night to the same spot right next to the 101. They had Lengua (beef tongue), and oh my, was it ever tender. I have never had a Lengua Quesadilla before last night, but I can tell you this, I'll be having many many more for years to come... especially from this guy.
mike
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