North Park Music Scene 4.10.2010

By Bart Mendoza

Jimmy Webb

Many great songwriters emerged from the 1960s, but few could dream of the impact of someone like Jimmy Webb, who performs at Acoustic Music San Diego on April 10, 7:30 p.m. Webb hasn’t released an album since 2007’s, “Live and at Large,” but even if he never issued another disc, his legacy is secure. Webb’s songs include such evergreens as “MacArthur Park,” “Up, Up and Away” and “Witchita Lineman,” covered by everyone from Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley to R.E.M. and Donna Summer. Whether you’re a fan of country, pop, rock, jazz or blues, this chance to catch a set from one of the 20 century’s greatest composers, in the intimate surroundings of Acoustic Music San Diego yet, shouldn’t be passed up.
Jimmy Webb: Saturday, April 10 at Acoustic Music San Diego, 4650 Mansfield St. 7: 30 p.m. All Ages. $30-$55. acousticmusicsandiego.com.

The Mod Squad

Despite the graphics on their Myspace page and the word actually being in their name, The Mod Squad, who appear at Claire de Lune on April 10, 8 p.m., is not “mod” in the tradtional sense of direct 1960’s influence. Instead the group is inspired by 1980’s favorites such as the Cure and modern day groups inspired by them, such as The Killers. Mixing choice covers such as the Violent Femmes “Blister in the Sun,” with originals cut from the same cloth as their musical inspiration, The Mod Squad, are like a cool jukebox stocked with retro new wave classics.
Mod Squad: Saturday, April 10 at Claire de Lune, 2906 University Ave. 8 p.m. All ages. Free. myspace.com/modsquadsd.

Maren Parusel

Maren  is hard to pigeonhole. Without a doubt, her sound is rock, but with many shadings, including pop, folk and new wave. Formerly with powerpoppers Squiddo and Zeros tribute group, Wild Weekend, it’s easy to see why the guitarist is now picking up serious buzz nationwide. In her new solo guise, Parusel amplifys the quirky pop edge of her tunes to great effect, with production to match. Parusel is at her best with uptempo material, but with an arsenal of great songs and an ace trio for backing, there’s not a slow spot in her live set.
Maren Parusel: Wednesday, April 14. Bar Pink, 3829 30th St. 10 p.m. 21 and up. Free. myspace.com/marenparusel.

Jon Block and Adam Rosen’s monthly showcase for creative arts, “Sight & Sound,” continues to grow from strenth to strength. Recently relocated to the Queen Bee Art & Cultural Center, the event is a true “happening,” mixing art, DJs and live bands. This month’s edition takes place on April 24, 7 p.m. Not all attractions had been confirmed at press time, however, the night will double as a CD release party for indie rockers Republic of Letters’ latest album, “Old Blood.” The quartet’s moody, epic tunes should be the perfect topper for an eclectic bill that also will include Americana singer John Meeks and DJ Soo Cal.
Republic of Letters: April 24 at Queen Bee, 3925 Ohio St. 7 p.m. 21 and up. $10. No cover before 7:30 p.m. walkthewalkpresents.com.

Molly Jenson

Singer-songwriter Molly Jenson, who performs at Lestats on April 30, 9 p.m., has an impressive list of stats. Winner of San Diego Music Awards 2007 trophy for  “Best Acoustic Artist, ” her music has been featured in TV’s “Knight Rider” and “Priveleged,” while her debut album, 2009’s “Maybe Tomorrow,” was produced by troubadour Greg Laswell. The album is highly recommended, full of minor gems such as “Wait For You.” However, it’s live is where Jenson excels, mixing dry wit and between song storytelling with her music  for a show that’s both charming and compelling.
Molly Jenson: Friday, April 30 at Lestats, 3343 Adams Ave. 9 p.m. All Ages. Cover TBD. myspace.com/mollyjenson.