King City
The Last Siesta
© 2007 King City (634479693809)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
A five-piece ragtime/tango/Latin/spaghetti western, instrumentally-based, bonifiedly warranted excuse for a good time.
tracks
try this
albums you will love
genres you will love
By Location
notes
KING CITY are a five-piece Ragtime/Tango/Latin/Spaghetti Western, instrumentally-based, bonifiedly warranted excuse for a good time.
The music at times is fast, fiery and whimsical in a Carl Stahling chase scene in a circus type of way. It playfully swings and then suddenly beckons of the convulsing tightrope walker above you: "Will He Make It?"... and surprisingly, he does... or does he?
At other times, it romantically invites the listener to slowly waltz on a tear-stained velvet dance floor, or Tango in Trinidad under the pale light of a Balinese moonbeam. From neck brace cartoon rags to entrancingly deep-green mood ballads, King City covers both the Highs, the Lows and a few points in-between. The band likes to say that there's no such thing as mistakes in King City's live performances. "It is as it is, and was as it may be"...they like to say... and it is as it is.
Fronted by local electric guitar Guru and Bodhisattva Rich Morin, King City are the result of an instrumental recording that Rich composed, performed, recorded and sent as a gift to his father in 2002.
The recording came out so well, that in early 2003, Rich assembled most of the musicians who played on these rarely heard recordings and decided to give it a go live-and-in-person at the local bars and haunts of the Mission District of San Francisco. Conclusion: He had a good time. The band had a good time but most importantly, the audience had a really good time and, low and behold, it sounded good. If it sounds good, it is good. It's just simple science... and if you're having a good time and I'm having a good time, doesn't that make it our good time? Hence...King City, bastard that it is, was born.
Over the last 4 years King City has become a band that truly writes, plays, drinks and sounds musically connected by a rare instinctual alchemy. Perhaps it's a testament to playing, living and touring with each other in a number of live loud bands, past and present for almost the past 20 years. Whatever is it is, it works and rarely does one see and hear an instrumental band that can captivate an audience for more than 10 minutes without a yawn or a belch or a hurled vintage tomato.
Strangely, King City consists of local Punk and Metal musicians: Rich (Osgood Slaughter, Breakout, The Other, The Big Meat Combo.) swoons, sways and lickety split picks the melodies through a stumbling Les Paul and a broken (borrowed) tube amp, as Boz Rivera (R.K.L., The Other, The Mad Caddies) counters with polyrhythmic lightning rag-swing/Latin based acrobatic drum feats while Joe Raposo (R.K.L., The Real Mackenzies) percussively and tonally holds the low end and plays the living B'jesus outta the stand up Bass. Chris Rest (Lagwagon, R.K.L.) steers the solid, tricky-but-steady harmonic foundation of second acoustic guitar with an unflappable grace, while Chewy Marzolo (Hammers of Misfortune, Pantz Noyzee, Breakout, Acid King, Familiar, Django Obscura) clacks, slaps and smacks kitchen utensils, guitar (back and front), and the dregs from the land of unwanted toys.
A seemingly strange conglomeration of personalities that all congeal to weave in and out of Django Rienhardt meets Spike Jones instrumentals that land 3 points on a dime tossed by Ennio Morricone.
As of this summer (2007), King City's first official C.D. titled "The Last Siesta" will be out on Spencer Murray's Antebellum Records. It was recorded LIVE by Justin Wiess at Trakworx and has some guest trumpet tracks by Keith Douglass of The Mad Caddies...and if that wasn't enough, the cover was painted by local hero, graphiti artist stalwart, Twist! (Barry McGee)... Holy Cow.
kingcitysf.com
myspace.com/kingcity
reviews
Please log in to review this album.
- author: joe ching
I first heard this band from the free demos they used to have on the website. I feel that they were better than the material on this album for a few reasons. One of them being they featured more of Keith Douglas. Also the demos sounded more spontaneous, like they were recorded in someone's basement on a whim. Don't get me wrong, this CD is great, but in comparison to what I've heard before, I think it could've been better. Still well worth my $16 canadian dollars... lousy exchange rate!
Front to Back Fantastic
author: IanI originally listened to this band a few years ago after getting directed to their website from the Mad Caddies website. Upon first listening to their early recordings I was very impressed, and now hearing their new album I can say that I am impressed again. I am amazed at how clean it sounds in spite of the fact that it was recorded LIVE. The intro / title track "Last Siesta" sets the perfect tone for the album, it gives you a good little taste of what the album is all about: FUN!! One of my personal favorite tracks are #2 Baliwood, the guitar work in this song is outstanding. Another is #9 Ennio, Keith Douglas' genius additions and explosive ending to this song make it shine through as my absolute favorite. I personally believe that the closing track "The Bee vs The Matador" is perfect because it was my favorite track from their earlier recordings. Nothing wrong with closing out the show with an old favorite :) The Cdbaby service was great, I really enjoyed being able to get a good sample of all the tracks before purchasing the CD and the shipping was fast. Overall my whole experience from sampling the tracks to receiving my CD has been fantastic and I would recommend this website, and this CD especially to anyone.
Last Siesta
author: EricOutstanding! Saw you guys in Richmond, VA w/Cake and you were fantastic. The CD sold out at the show before I could get one, so thanks to CD Baby for having for purchase. Hope you guys come back to the East coast sometime soon!
Fun!
author: Anna ShoreWe saw this band live in Richmond,VA and had to get the CD for us, my sister, some friends... The CD is great, and seeing them live was even better.
Musical Genius
author: Thomas StoelAlthough I have never seen them live, this musical style and composition is excellent and leaves you wanting more. Very well produced sound and excellent quality. KEITH DOUGLES RULES!!
Fantabulous!!
author: Korin WhiteI heard this foot-stomping good group at the Cake Sunshine Tour in Boston. I think I like the cd so much because I was able to see the band perform live. Such personalities!! Thank you for the bounce in my step.
F R E S H !
author: Dave ReadLike many others who've commented, I saw King City at a recent Cake show, and was overwhelmed by their musicianship, their attitude, and their sense of humor. I enjoyed these guys so much, I 'm buying a second copy of the CD to replace the one I gave to my brother-in-law over the holidays! Reminiscent of both Raymond Scott and Carl Stalling (Who 'liberated" Scott's compositions for many Warner Brothers cartoons), some similarity also to the opening music for Ren & Stimpy. Regardless of similarities, these guys play with a verve and zest that is contagious. They were so much fun to listen to and watch, that it seemed like everyone in the audience wanted to be in the band and share the joy! We need a video too, guys! _Dave_
Excellent Music
author: DebbyThis band and CD are totally awesome! Saw them in Portland, Maine with Cake and had to find the CD. They are tremendous musicians who have a great time playing and draw the crowd in. I loved watching and listening to them play - even if it was in a dark corner.
Great Music!
author: Melanie L. BuckSaw them with Cake a few months ago and haven't been able to get them out my head. I'm so happy i found the CD - it's AMAZING! Don't miss this CD!
- author: DaveO
So fucking good! I almost called to complain on behalf of other artists about the unfairness of this record. And the price was right. And the shipping speed was speedy. And if you don't have this, then get it.
Great album
author: FrankAwesome album. Reminiscent of Raymond Scott, the guy that made a lot of the music for the old Warner Brothers cartoons.
A Must Have for Anyone Who Likes Great Music
author: Monte CiminoIntoxicating rhythms, catchy melodies, and solid song arrangements make this CD enjoyable again and again (and again and again). Believe it or not, they sound just as good live and I highly recommend checking them out if they come through your town. CD Baby has fast & reliable shipping as well.
My life is Complete
author: Phil ApplebaumWords can hardly describe both the individual talent and outstanding cohesiveness possessed by King City.
Freakin' Sweet
author: JoyI saw King City in San Diego, and I can't stop listening to the CD. Fast shipping too. Thanks!
Too Good
author: Michael ApplebaumKing City's music if robust, and extremely tight/well rehearsed. It's exciting, fast paced, and very easy to enjoy.
Captivating!
author: Lucas HamelI recently saw King City play in Portland, Maine, opening for the band "Cake", and I was completely blown away by their performance. The CD is now on a regular rotation on my playlist. There's a reason why this CD is a best seller on CDbaby. Don't pass this one up.
AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!
author: ChelseaI saw these guys with Cake in Portland, Maine. I was shocked how amazing they were for an opening band. Even if they were playing in darkness, they made the place come alive! I'm buying a copy for myself and my boyfriend!
my title? czar of all i find entertaining
author: Phil Weeksi was lucky enough to see king city with cake at the orpheum in boston, and immediately the next day asked "where do i get the cd?"...they said wait a day or two for it to be on cdbaby. if you appreciate a good time, and chuckled at the text on the page with the cd, you'll love this album...it's a good time, it feels good, i feel good after and during listening, and that can't be a bad thing. great stuff...listen to the samples, then buy the cd...outstanding!!! as my pops would say.