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"Ryan Gosling Live…Again!!!"

by Rachel Grimm
Wednesday, March 29, 2000
The Cat Club - Los Angeles, CA


[Webgal's note: Yes, I'm jealous that Rachel got to see Ryan perform yet again. <sigh> But I'll forgive her since she wrote yet another fantastic report... ~Valerie]

All song lyrics copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

Ryan Gosling was to perform in Hollywood again, and since it appeared to be his first 'headlining gig,' I had to go. This time the performance would take place on March 29th…and Ryan would be the main attraction. I was able to convince a friend to accompany me, so I wasn't so tense and nervous about being alone. That made it much easier to relax and enjoy the music…

Because there was such a line last time, we went early to assure that we'd be able to get in. The show was to begin at 9, so we arrived around 8:15. I thought it strange that there was no line outside, but soon realized the club was already open, and we would just be able to go in. When we got to the door, the "bouncer" told us that there was a cover charge tonight, because "this band is playing here," I said that I knew that, then proceeded to tell me that it was ten dollars a person. [Note: Last time Ryan was there with two other acts, Tony Lucca and Buzzfly, the cover was only five dollars. Tonight, Ryan was the only one there and it was twice as much. Go figure! ] We were really early!!! There were only a few people in there, and they were apparently all friends of Ryan's, including Scott Vicaryous (from Get Real) and his father. We went to the bar, got drinks, then sat down at a table that wasn't reserved. We felt extremely out of place, but as a reward we got to see the rehearsal.

Ryan was totally in control, adjusting the sound, and so on. In essence, directing the rehearsal and working with his "opening act." That was very cool to see. He was also actually performing a few songs with them, playing the guitar. This was cute - he was really getting into it. Since he didn't have to sing, he was jamming with his guitar. If you've ever seen a live video or performance of the Rolling Stones or maybe Bon Jovi, both Keith Richards and Richie Sambora do this, as I'm sure most guitarists do. After working on a couple more songs with his drummer, AJ, Ryan went upstairs to relax or practice or whatever until the show began.

By nine o'clock, I was really getting nervous. There weren't many people in the bar. But I was soon relieved, because people began streaming in at a steady flow. I was surprised to see a camera crew there. Apparently, they were recording his entire performance, but I'm not sure for what purpose. Ryan came out and introduced his "opening act," Schuyler Fisk (actress, up and coming singer/songwriter, not to mention Sissy Spacek's daughter) and Leslie Appleyard (actress and new artist). They performed three songs, then Ryan came up to do two or three songs with them, including "It's Not Her," which Schuyler wrote. It plays over the credits of the movie Snow Day, in which she stars with Chevy Chase and Chris Elliot. When they finished, there was a short break before Ryan took the stage.

My friend and I were seated at a table in front of the stage, so I could actually hear every word and note!!! I am pleased to say that my first impression was correct - Ryan is indeed a wonderfully talented musician. He continued to play the guitar like he was born with it in his hand and had a preconceived knowledge of how to make it sing, (no pun intended ::g::<g>). His voice has amazing range - he can sound silky and smooth when singing a ballad, or edgy and gritty for those rock the house tunes. He also seamlessly floats through blues, jazz, rock, and pop. All in all, he is truly a tremendous tenor, who is obviously at home on stage and adores performing.

I must say, the thing that impressed me the most this time was the lyrics to the songs. I could actually hear them clearly this time!!! And Mr. Gosling is an exceptional songwriter. Each of his songs, no matter the tempo or genre, tells a story. And each story is definitely worth listening to - very carefully - because you are bound to learn something. He shows an unbelievable amount of maturity and perception on many of the more serious songs. If for some reason you couldn't hear it for yourself in the lyrics, Ryan actually 'set up' some of the songs by explaining what he meant to get across in it. If you really pay attention to the words, I think you can learn at least a little bit about the writer, for he seems to write directly from his heart.

After taking the stage and cheerfully greeting the audience - to the sound of screams, woos, and so on - Ryan launched into his set, which he said should be entitled "The Angel Set," since three of the songs have "angel" in the title. He announced the first song title as being "Beautiful Angel," which is I believe the same song he started with before - the one he added, "…And it ain't no lie, (baby), bye bye bye" to…

Note: each song title is followed by a hyphen, comments/notes about the song in general, then some sample lyrics with my opinion in parenthesis afterwards. Also of some importance here - if I say that the song sounded like pop/R&B that basically means that you could dance to it and it would be heard on your favorite top 40 radio station. Just trying to give everyone an idea of how the song sounded using familiar "labels" as a metaphor to give you an idea. All songs were performed on a guitar (Ryan) and one drum (AJ) and would, therefore, probably be categorized as rock. Since the format for this section is actually more like notes rather than actual commentary, please excuse my writing here - it's not very literary! So, just remember - you were warned! I doubt that will be at all comforting as you run for the nearest receptacle to rid yourself of any and all grossness that you just read, but, hey, I tried! I've never actually written this way before, so please bear with me! Okay, here goes...

"Beautiful Angel" - a jazzy, funky, upbeat tune about being right for someone that "just don't know it yet" (pop/R&B feel - in my opinion - yet all with a guitar-and-drums sound. Very cool song, and a great opening number.)

"Maybe" - edgier vocals/style, more of a classical rock feel

"Could I be right for you"
"Could you be my baby?"
"Maybe"
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(Definitely a rock song, though I personally prefer a smoother sound. It was okay, though.)

"Put Me In the Car" - A slightly slower tempo

"Just put me in the car, and drive slow"
"It'll be alright."
"It'll be all that I ever ask…"
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(I guess I would classify this as a rock ballad, though it was kind of hard to decipher some of the lyrics - I think Ryan was mumbling! - from what I could understand, I liked this song as well.)

"One Kiss" - Ryan said, "this is a new one. I just wrote it yesterday." Upbeat rock/pop

"Pack your bags, babe, cuz you're mine"
"You better watch your lips when we say goodbye"
"I'd rather never kiss you (ever) than never kiss you again"
"Just one kiss"
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(I really liked this one, because the song itself is one of those you could listen to over and over, but also because the sentiment behind it is quite cool, and very romantic.)

"Angel Divine" - he called this jazz, but I think it sounds more bluesy; starts out slow, gets more be-boppin'

"…listen to the sound of a different drum"
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(In this song one gets to see how low his voice can go - and how outstanding his vocal range is! I liked this one, too, but as a rule, I tend to like songs I can groove to…)

"Angel" (?) - very upbeat, fast tempo, dancier tune with drum solo

"I met an angel…I'd sell my soul for a taste of the pain she brings"
"I met an angel with holy eyes, but don't be fooled, she's the devil in disguise"
"I met an angel without a name"
"I met an angel without a care, don't look now, she's standin' over there"
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(It was hard to understand the title, because at first he started to call it "beautiful angel" then it sounded like Angel Everybody or Everything then it sounded like Angel Something… No matter what the title, the lyrics were very cool, as you can tell. I am absolutely amazed by his songwriting ability on all the songs, but while listening to this one, it's just an in-your-face, can't-ignore fact.)

"Picture Us [In My Head]" - song with Sky singing, Ryan playing guitar and singing back up. At the beginning of the song it was "as yet untitled".

"She's Gonna Die" - song complete with audience participation. "When I go like this - puts hand to ear - you say, 'she's gonna die.'"

"Was an old lady swallowed a fly…"
"Don't know why she swallowed that fly, but…she's gonna die."
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

That poor old lady swallows a spider, bird, cat, dog, husband, wife, and boyfriend - all following the 'animal' preceding it, which, in turn, was chasing the one before it - over the course of the song. For example:
"Was an old lady swallowed a boyfriend chasing the wife chasing her husband looking for his dog chasing the cat who's after the bird chasing the spider that followed the fly"
"That witch/bitch gonna die"
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(At this point, Scott yelled out, "hey - you said bitch!" Everyone swore that Ryan said, "bitch," but he claims that he said, "witch." That's not what the vast majority of the room heard - including me! Controversy notwithstanding, the song is hilarious, and Ryan obviously enjoys singing it.)

"Medley: Friday I'm In Love, I Think We're Alone Now, Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" - guitar and drum versions of these songs. (Sounded great!)

"What Do You Wear to Bed?" - Ryan immediately comments, "It's not what you think!" To paraphrase, it's about thinking different things are sexy… Ryan's example, "you know, when you come home and she's wearing an old football jersey…" Slower, mid-tempo ballad...

"What is that second skin on a rainy night you hide away in"
"Is it an old T-shirt.."
"Is it old or is it new, is it black or is it blue."
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(Again, this song was fabulous - not only because of the song itself, but also because of the idea from which it originated. Though it wasn't sexy in a trashy way, like the title could suggest, it is a very sexy song - lyrics, rhythm, style, and vocals.)

"The One" - slow-tempo ballad

"It's nice to meet you, sure hope you stay."
"Babe, you're the right on my wrong"
"You're all I ever dreamed of…you're my favorite song"
"You're the one"
"In my life…forever stay."
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(Lovely song, with a great message. It's one of those things you would want the man in your life to say and feel. Or at the very least dedicate the song to you once he hears it.)

At this point, AJ decides to tell us this story about Ryan not being as sweet as his songs may indicate. When he starts to tell his story, Ryan begins playing his guitar, so no one can hear him. Then Ryan tries to get up - with his guitar on his lap that's kind of difficult to do - to silence his friend. Then Ryan takes over: "He moves this couch, right in front of my door and I have an appointment, like, five minutes later. I had to move this couch - on my own - a whole couch - I look like an ant (compared to the couch) - and I'm not a strong or big guy - though I know I may look like it." [Ryan must've slid the couch in front of someone else's door.] "…the woman's like 65 years old, couldn't get out of her door way. Had to hop a fence into the bushes - almost threw out a hip - and was mad at me! So it was on!" Then AJ takes over again, and says he came back to his apartment, and it stinks. He wondered what his roommate had to do with it (huh?!). He goes into the bedroom and it's worse. He thought that maybe his dog did something. Finally, he looks under his bed, and there's this huge halibut there…and in the closet…and so on. Ryan says, "I picked up the fish, and I apologized..." All this to prove that Ryan isn't so "sweet and stuff" - I think it proves that he has a puckish, wicked sense of humor…and that's not a bad thing!!! Back to the play list…

"Kissin'" - alternates between slower lines and fast, dance-like choruses

"You and me live in perfect harmony"
"Can't she see that it makes my day just to watch her breath"
"She's beautiful and she knows that she glows when she breathes."
"…you and me up in a tree…that's my secret fantasy"
"Her lips…meet mine…and I get a feeling like I could die"
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(Very pop/R&B-like. Very easy to dance to, and very easy to envision on your favorite radio station, no matter what the format.)

"For You" - Ryan's response to when people say (when they break up), that this relationship was a waste and so on…and that's not true. As he puts it, "…because, I don't know…I think you learned something from that person. Whether it's how not to act or how to act, you know…something…a little touch or a little something that they showed you, that you use." Very upbeat pop/rock with ballad-like lyrics

"She kissed me so sweetly…for you"
"The way she moved her hips, licked her lips, touched me softly with her fingertips…she kissed me so deeply"
"she taught everything she knew…for you"
"she taught me what to do…to you"
"…she was my first love…she was my first heartbreak too"
"she loved me so badly…she taught me all that I would do…for you"
"she taught me how to love you"
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(This is an awesome song with an even more awesome philosophy behind it and within it. It's a beautiful song, though hard to explain. Another one that you just won't get tired of hearing. Certainly among my favorites…top three at least!)

"Shh…Bad…Uh Uh…Oh Yeah" - very cool rhythm and irresistible chorus…which I can't write, you have to hear, but I'll give you a hint, it's something like the title!

"Can I buy you a drink…can I buy you a car"
"Wonder what my chances are…of taking you home"
copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

(He had said that the two previous songs were to be the "last one" then, he commented, "can't not do this song!" He had performed this one before, too, and it's no wonder I couldn't understand the title then, when I could barely hear! Way cool way to end such a stupendous set!)

And that's it! My foray into note-like writing is officially over! (I know everyone is relieved!) I liked all the songs - though some more than others - as to be expected. Honestly, I usually listen to Pop/R&B, Dance, Eighties, and Top 40-format radio fare, with a little Disco thrown in for good measure, so as a pre-existing fan of Ryan's, I'm only slightly biased. As I said before, and will re-emphasize here, Ryan's music transcends many musical genres - almost all of those associated with popular culture in the very eclectic 2000, rap and hip-hop excluded. Most of the faster songs could fit snugly into several very different categories, while the ballads, like most ballads, can pretty much go everywhere at the same time.

Overall, again, I must give two very enthusiastic thumbs up to the performance. My first impression was only cemented by this second show. Ryan is an amazingly gifted and talented musician, songwriter, and actor. He remains sincere and true to himself in his music and that in itself if extremely admirable! He puts on a spectacular performance and appears to enjoy doing it, which makes the performance itself that much more exciting and enjoyable. His energy, personality, and spirit shine through and take the audience wherever he wants them to go. I, for one, eagerly await the release of his CD, if only to see where it will take this devoted listener.

Ryan's Set: ("The Angel Set".)


"Ryan Gosling Live... Again!" copyright © 2000 Rachel Grimm
published with permission
All song lyrics copyright © 2000 Ryan Gosling

The reviewer and the website owner do not wish to infringe on any copyrights held by Ryan Gosling or associated parties. We merely wish to share the extraordinary talent of Ryan Gosling...


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