The name Jail Weddings reminds us of a time in the ’80s when Social Distortion’s Mike Ness, talking onstage about a recent stint in jail, thanked “all the homeboys and homegirls” he’d met there. We’re not sure just where Ness’ mythical coed lockup is located, but Jail Weddings take the notion of such sexy imprisonment as a fanciful launching point for their “death doo-wop” and groovy ’60s girl-group melodramas, which they describe as “the last gasp of romance.” The 10-piece L.A. band are led by singer-guitarist Gabe Hart (the Starvations, Fortune’s Flesh), who aims for a Roy Orbison grandeur on their “Somebody Lonely” 7-inch (Revenge Records) but howls with a raggedy mumble that’s closer to Jonathan Richman or the Saints’ Chris Bailey. Hart is buttressed by singers Tornado Jane and Katya Nadia Hubiak, who coo “Don’t let our mess get in the way of our obsession” over Brad Caulkins’ restless sax on the b-side, “The Honeymoon Loop.” Drummer Ian Harrower’s thunderous tom-tom rolls and Hannah Blumenfeld’s weaving violin stir up similarly grand and tragic passions on their upcoming single, “People Like Us (Are Extinct).” (Falling James)
Rock Picks – Jail Weddings at The Echo
This article originally appeared in LA Weekly on April 8, 2008
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Merchandise
- Jail Weddings "Helicopter Limelight" T-shirt - $12.00
Our "Saul Bass meets the Specials" inspired design as seen on the It Was Nice To Be Loved 7". Artwork by Ian Steele, printed on fine jersey white t-shirt. SM, MD, LG, XL. - Property Of Jail Weddings T-Shirt - $12.00
Our version of the classic collegiate design on an athletic grey t-shirt. SM, MD, LG, XL. - Jail Weddings Necklace - $25.00
Handmade necklace by Sarah Brown Jewelry for Jail Weddings. Limited to 50. - It Was Nice To Be Loved b/w Digan Lo Que Digan 7" - $5.00
It Was Nice To Be Loved backed with Digan Lo Que Digan (originally performed by Raphael). This single was originally released on Record Store Day (April 16th, 2011) but only limited to 20 for that day. This 2nd pressing (released June 5th, 2011) is limited to 350 on marble vinyl and features a hand numbered, screen-printed cover. Released on Jail Weddings' own imprint Tru-Vow. - The Spell Has Lifted b/w People Like Us Are Extinct 7" - $5.00
The Spell Has Lifted b/w People Like Us Are Extinct 7" Originally released in 2009, this is the second pressing on Albino Crow Records. Limited to 500 copies - only 100 remaining.
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