LIVE REVIEW: Joe Bagale, Oona & The Thrill of it All @ the Independent
I’ll be honest, going out to shows in the Bay Area, I’m a snob. I pick and choose and usually won’t ever go to a show that’s sold out. I hate crowds, I hate popular music, so I was pretty enthusiastic when San Francisco indie-darling Oona invited me out to check out her show with Joe Bagale at the Independent. Truth be told, I had no idea what to expect as I don’t go to my-shit-space to listen to music, and I’d never been handed any of the following bands music. So, to make it easier on you for next time, I’ve summed it up with what you need to know.
Joe Bagale. He’s Prince reborn in the Golden Gate. He’s got soul and he’s one hell of an entertainer. If there’s one local act you go see on a whim cause some San Francisco music blog recommended something, it’s him. I don’t even like soul music, but when this guy busted out that panty dropping voice, even I had to take a minute outside to cool off. His band is incredibly tight, but you won’t even notice cause you’ll be too busy dancing with whomever is next to you.
Oona. (let me preface this actually w/ a story.) A couple of weeks ago I walked out of ‘Little Boots’ at the Fillmore because she was all glitz and no talent. Look, I don’t care if you like her music, the Boots sucked it live – plain and simple. But OOOOOOOOONA. (pronounced exactly the way you think it should be.)
This petite dirty red-blonde-curl head is the real deal. She can sing. She can really fucking sing. You wouldn’t think that someone so little could belt out so much, but it’s true. And she ENTERTAINS. Like, how performers actually used to do? You know how they hyped the crowd, got you all into it and then left you a hot sweaty mess? Yeah, surprisingly this happens locally and you don’t have to be some arrogant pop star for people to go nuts over you.
Oona has worked her ass off for the past few years playing all over town, and this first time appearance at the Independent was well received by the nearly sold out show. Check out her next one one, whenever that may be.
The Thrill of it All. These guys opened up the show in a totally fun manner and I do suggest checking them out if they are on a bill of a band you dig. They’re out of Oakland and play quiet a bit around town, so give it a shot. They weren’t at all bad, it’s just hard to compete when you’re opening up for Bagale and Oona.