Naked Barbies

I first discovered Naked Barbies when I saw them open for Liar at Bottom of the Hill. Their country-influenced pop songs made an impression on me and I totally looked forward to catching them again. Well, soon after, I went to check them out at Hotel Utah, and they rocked the place! I remember it was on John Lennon's birthday - or at least I remember them saying it was. They played two sets, including a cover from the Apple poster boy himself. (Think Different.) Led by the euphonic voice of Patty Spiglanin, Naked Barbies are a band influenced by all types of Americana music. I myself hear traces of Janis Joplin, John Mellencamp, and The Rolling Stones. (Ok, the Stones aren't American, but they listened to Muddy Waters.) Folk, country, rock and blues are blended seamlessly for the Naked Barbies sound. Some of my favorite songs are the mellow "Love by the Hour", the upbeat "Same Distance", and the bluesy "Itch".

Spiglanin, who started the band in 1990, sings and plays guitar. Long time cohorts, Danny Lashkoff and Evan Eustis provide the rhythm section, and in addition to his five-string bass skills, Eustis also does a fine job handling most of the backing vocals. Mike Conner demonstrates how keyboard and harmonica can be played at the same time, and Michael Zapruder, the newest member of the band, makes a big contribution with stylistic lead guitar playing. How these five musicians eventually came together is a long story.

Still unsigned after three CD's, "Living Independently" is appropriately the title of their latest release. Based out of Oakland, they make regular appearances at virtually all of my favorite clubs in San Francisco. Go see them NOW though, because I don't expect that a band this good will be a secret for long. Look for them to play at Paradise Lounge early in the new year, but if you can't wait until then, venture over to The Starry Plough in Berkeley on December 16th or 31st.

Steve Cefaratti

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