Every Friday night at Largo in Los Angeles, Jon Brion plays a stockpile of musical instruments in what is best described as the most amazing one-man-band performance you'll ever see. The 10 dollar cover charge is more than reasonable for the evening of entertainment you're sure to enjoy, however, the 15 dollar price tag for the plate of cat food that was given to me, probably as some sort of joke because everyone knows I hate the taste of cat food, was a bit overpriced if you ask me. Granted they proudly displayed their "B" rating at the front door when you walk in, sort of as a subtle way to prepare your tastebuds and to lessen the inevitable shock. Jon Brion comes on stage around a quarter past ten and instantly begins to insult your lack of talent by showing how overly-talented he is. This is an insult worth tolerating because the performance is second only to a koala bear juggling flaming chickens on a tightrope (don't even ask me how much I had to pay to see that). He plays a collection of songs both by him and by other artists, often asking the audience for a request at which point he begins playing the song but adds a Jon Brion twist. After about an hour or so of amazing drums, piano, singing, guitar, keyboard, harmonica, wood banging, elector-synth noise making, and all around audible amazement, Jon takes a break for an hour only to come back out and repeat the amazement in a totally new and different way. This time with a special guest. From what I have heard, his guests ranged from Michael Stipe to Kanye West, but we got some old dude that I have never heard of. They did a slightly comical yet impressive rendition of Free Bird after the song was brought up three times during the night. If you have even the slightest interest in live music, Jon Brion will far surpass any assumptions or expectations you might have from listening to his work from movies such as Punch Drunk Love, Eternal Sunshine, or I Heart Huckabees. Anyone with functional ears and eyes would be doing themselves a favor by going to see this talented man perform live. And while reservations for dinner are a good idea, chances are you won't be able to get them as his performances get booked up months in advance. You can always wait in the stand by line and have drinks at the bar instead. The standing room in the back isn't as nice as sitting down at one of the dinner tables, but at least you will be able to hear and see him perform.
