Jay Munly & The Lee Lewis Harlots@ Lee's-12/1/04

With a rare solo appearance in the Twin Cities, Jay Munly of Slim Cessna's Auto Club was a show not to be missed last week. Munly is touring with The Lee Lewis Harlots in support of his latest solo effort, Jimmy Carter Syndrome. The band consists of two female violinists, who also provide backing vocals; a cellist; an upright bass player; a drummer; and Munly, mostly on acoustic and stuff. The vibe is a little different than that of the Auto Club, but the songs about religion, sex, death, and murder are similar. The crowd reaction is also very akin to the whooping, hollering, and dancing that accompany an Auto Club show.
The difference lies with the band, I suppose. The strings make the sound a little softer, and this in turn makes Munly's screams and yodels even darker and more cataclysmic. Attending a Munly show is a little bit like going to church. Even now as I recall the show, I can hear those fire and brimstone preachers from my childhood resounding in my ears.
As I watched the show, I wondered what Munly himself thought about the crowd. There was a running joke throughout the show about a young redhead dancing with an older man she claimed as her uncle. The crowd seemed mesmerized for part of the show, but eventually became more interested in having their own fun. A typical crowd for Lee's, and not the most respectful folks I've ever attended a concert with.
I don't know if Munly is destined for a wider audience. He is certainly talented, but I get the impression that he makes his music for himself alone. Perhaps that's how he exorcises those demons that seem to plague his haggard frame and dark-ringed eyes.
Openers for the show were The Infernal and The Knotwells.
Dan did an excellent job with the sound.