There are two types of people: Beatles people and Elvis People

[winterwhite]

Findlay Brown is without a doubt a kindred spirit of the latter despite his roots in York, England.
Findlay Brown was an undiscovered gem I chanced upon while attending a show Monday night. Although the genre isn’t my favorite, I thoroughly enjoyed the show, and it was a genuinely delightful surprise.

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That's Right promo trailer

With a crescendo of audience enthusiasm Findlay Brown had everyone in wild enthusiasm that set the whole block aquiver (which was hard to do for a dismal Monday night turn out of scarcely 100 or so people). Preceding Au Revoir Simone (headliner) at Berbati’s Pan, Findlay Brown taps into sound and style long lost in contemporary music. Elvis, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, the Drifters, the Platters and MoTown, all mixed into one that left me puzzled because the sound came so genuine but the songs unfamiliar that I couldn’t figure out what was a cover of an older work. As it turned out only one on stage of their set was a cover, although as the band mingled through the crowd with an impromptu acoustic piece they covered a second unrecognized Guthrie-esque bit.

Personality goes a long way…

Findlay Brown (the titular band member, vocal, lead guitar, composer, etc.) has a remarkable stage presence. Even on a small stage scarcely over a meter tall, his >6’4” looming height and broad shoulders still left him a giant on the center stage--even without the charisma and wild hair, he is instantly an iconic individual that taps into a heavy dose of Elvis while building an aura all his own. I’m a little sad that Portland so frequently greets bands (and good ones) with low turn outs and luke warm reception, but that’s what makes the local bands so hardened and finely honed (speaking of which, I’m psyched to see the Prids tonight).
I expect everyone will soon be familiar with Findlay Brown-I’ve even heard he did some manner of commercial in the UK for Mastercard or some such. Very different from Au Revoir Simone, but a great way to start the evening… check out the links.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3632098786_d8de82af16.jpg?v=0

http://www.myspace.com/findlaybrown