Trailing Travis

To: sean@leftcoastlove.com
Subject: Travis Review, Wiltern Theatre, L.A., Fri Jan 30, '04

Date: Sat, 31 Jan 2004 11:33:09 -0800
Travis Shares The Love
By Jimmy The Jag & Westside Johnny

Special to Leftcoastlove.com

LOS ANGELES - Slogging through L.A. traffic on the way to the landmark Wiltern Theatre (http://www.thewiltern.com) last night, Jag and Westside were getting a little edgy as they fretted getting to the show on time... but alas, their timing was impeccable, with plenty of time to work the eclectic crowd before taking their back row mezzanine seats. Fortunately for the pair, there isn't a bad seat in the newly restored art deco venue.

After a spotty start with their first two numbers, Travis hit their stride as they launched into "Sing", an uplifting anthem about, um, singing. The well-versed crowd sang along loyally with all but the freshest cuts from 12 Memories, their recently released fourth album. Front man Neil Primose effortlessly took the eager crowd through all the Travis favorites including their more folksy melodic ballads as well as their harder rocking tunes.

One of highlights came when Neil took center stage for a solo, unplugged acoustic rendition of "Flowers in the Window"! This perfect moment was slightly marred by one obnoxious (drunken?) "fan" who was intent on challenging Neil for the spotlight by betraying the otherwise completely hushed crowd.

But Mr. Primrose got the last word and offered comic relief by dedicating the appropriately named next song, "Peace the Fuck Out", to the unruly offender. The evening wrapped up with a joyous sing-along of "Why Does it Always Rain on Me?". Coincidentally, as the satisfied crowd meandered out of the show, a rare rain shower fell gently down on the City of Angels.