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The Cult of Static X
By Deirdre Loy
A new album just coming out in the states, called The Cult of Static, released via Reprise/Warner Bros. Records, features the popular music of Static X. This heavy metal band has six previous records out that have received an enormous amount of popularity internationally and nationally.
At first, the sound coming from the stereo did in fact sound like static in a way. It seems that every song leaves something to desire, because no matter how loud you turn it up, the anger and rage seemed just a bit feigned during recording. This band must have a great show with a whole lot of energy to be gaining such a large fan base with their representation that is already in place. Claiming to be an industrial, metal powerhouse, Static X with their fan base have been successfully touring the world for years, but compared to more underground groups that define industrial metal, these boys are just scraping the surface of mean.
At one point, the rhythm was so similar and repetitive it could have been written by kids playing jump rope in grade school. Static's vocals are as expected for the particular genre, but there is not much originality when a vocalist screams without putting their own real style and unique quality into it. "We're one of the bands that you either love or hate," concludes Wayne. "There's really no in-between. It makes you want to drive fast…It makes you want to fight. It makes you want to feel." Mostly, the tracks have not delivered these promises made by Static, but alternately No Submission is a powerful, high energy track that made this writer want to write faster and faster, and the ingenious musicality of that one track made up for an album of redundancy. In the end, it might be better to stick with the static on the television. You can hear some of the album on: http://myspace.com/staticx
The Oyster House
"Where Everyone Knows Your Name"
By Debra Graff
The Oyster House Restaurant and Saloon is the Valley's best kept secret. It's a hidden gem in Studio City with old school charm, awesome food, fantastic bartenders, incredible entertainment, and a warm, friendly ambience. It's a late night hangout for artists and entertainers. Even on nights when there is no music, the people who come to the Oyster House, are the entertainment. You're guaranteed to find quite an eclectic crowd of characters there. That's why owner, Herb Newman, calls it "the Cheers of the Valley," where everyone knows your name. Regular late night customer, Gary, says, "It's so homey, I was hooked from the first night I came here." Julio, a 20 year regular, has made lifelong friends, calls it the "perfect place," and doesn't mind commuting from the other side of the Valley.
Christopher Allen Hunt, the bartender for 15 years, actually knows everyone's name. It was his idea to have music to entertain late night customers who come from the studios. About four years ago, world class saxophonist, Bob Sheppard, stopped by after a gig at the Hollywood Bowl. When Chris asked him to play at the OH, he agreed, and thus began Monday Jazz Nights. Sheppard says the OH reminds him of places back East he grew up playing in, like Jersey and Philly. "You don't have to worry about putting on a show. You can just play." And just play he does like the master musician he is. It's always a privilege and an honor to be at the OH when Sheppard plays. Jeff Angelo, who played bass with Sheppard last Monday, loves the OH because he can "take any musical chances" he wants.
Grammy nominated trumpet player, Ron King, played at the OH last month in a fantastic tribute to Freddie Hubbard, who was often seen at the OH. Sheppard and saxophonist Brandon Fields joined King in a spontaneous and memorable performance. The whole place was mesmerized and in awe. I couldn't believe I was sitting right in front of these three maestros at my neighborhood bar. King enjoys playing at the OH because "they're appreciative of my talent and who I am, as an artist. Very big names in jazz choose to play here because of how they're treated." He credits owner Newman and his son Scott, along with bartender, Chris, for coming together to create such a special place. "This was the room I was always going to add onto my house!"
On Tuesdays nights, guitarist, Magic Kramer, plays classic rock and pop standards and many of his own tunes. One of my favorites is "A Fool in the Ground," written by Magic, bartender Chris, and musician Dave Martin. Magic's music is so uplifting and energetic, customers often join in singing. He loves playing at the OH because "he gets to do his thing."
Saturdays from 3-6p, rock and roll band, The Drinks, bring to the OH the mood and spirit of the Valley in the 60's and 70's. With their three part harmonies, they recapture the Laurel Canyon days and the California music scene of Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Crosby, Stills, & Nash, Buffalo Springfield, and Neil Young. Rich, the lead singer, who played with the Doobie Brothers, loves the closeness of the audience and the intimacy they have with their crowd of regulars. "People come to escape", says Tommy, the band leader and bass guitarist.
Dinner is served until 10p every evening and 11pm on weekends. Customer favorites are the clam chowder, oysters rockarthur, calamari, penne checca, and roasted garlicky chicken. It's one of the last places you can still get Manhattan style (red) clam chowder. Prices are very reasonable and the servers aim to please, taking most requests. Regular diner, Joe, says the food is special because "it's like back east - real, with lots of garlic and flavor."
Music begins most nights at 10pm. There is no cover or minimum.
The Oyster House
12446 Moorpark St.
Studio City, CA 91604
818-761-8686
www.oysterhousesaloon.com