This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
The Knitters @ Safari Sam's, 12.29.06
We've been to quite a few shows lately at Safari Sam's, one of Hollywood's newest live music venues, but until Friday night's show had yet to see the man behind the scenes: Sam himself. Before the show began, Sam appeared on stage to tell the audience about how excited he was to have the Knitters play his venue; they (and X) have been one of his favorite bands for a very long time. Even before The Knitters began playing, it was obvious that if this was a big deal to Sam, it should be a pretty big deal to everyone.
The show opened with San Diego's Nathan James and Ben Hernandez, playing traditional blues like it was meant to be played; besides guitars, the duo dabbled around with a washtub bass, coffee can percussion, the kazoo, spoons and harmonica. The knee-slappin' blues mixed with gospel set the stage for the Americana theme of the night.
A rootin' tootin' country side project from essential Los Angeles punk band X, The Knitters consist of vocalist Exene Cervenka, singer/bassist John Doe, guitarist Dave Alvin, and drummer DJ Bonebrake. While the style is much more traditional rock and roll than punk rock, X's signature sound of John Doe's Elvis-like impersonation juxtaposed with Exene's bratty, cynical wailing is still alive and well. The members have been on a rough and rocky road since X's formation thirty years ago, but songs like "Poor Little Critter on the Road," "In This House That I Call Home," and "Burning House of Love" were shining examples of how much fun songs about political wrongdoings, ghosts, drinking, and dead people can be.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
