Working Overtime

Last Friday, I worked some overtime covering a party at the Bar Marmont. It was a 12-hour day for me, but I wasn't complaining. I got to explore Charlotte Ronson's Closet, munch on sliders and onion rings courtesy of J.C. Penney and groove off tunes that Charlotte's big brother, the Grammy-winning producer Mark, played with his all-star friends.

Daniel Merriweather jumped on the stage first. He struck me as the post-Amy Winehouse discovery for Mark. Merriweather's baby face and bouffant belied an old-school baritone that was soothing and nostalgic.

The Sartorialist has highlighted Europeans' knack for layering a denim jacket under a tailored blazer. The Australian-native Merriweather gave his own interpretation of the trend.

Next up was Plastic Little, Philly rappers who weren't afraid of dropping f-bombs. As Mark noted, "J.C. Penney brings out all the pottymouth rappers �" I fucking love it!"

Halfway through one of Plastic Little's songs, Simon Rex lent a hand (that is, the one that wasn't clasping a wine glass) to spewing some of the profane rhymes.

Alex Greenwald from Phantom Planet went for a PG rating for his cover of Radiohead's "Just." At one point, he tried to walk on the wire supporting the big black tent erected on the parking lot next to Bar Marmont. Fortunately for those of us standing directly underneath in front of the stage, he squatted on the speaker, taunting us with his petulant pout.

Talia rocked droopy pants.

Then there was Sam Sparro singing his hit, "Black and Gold," in a striped T-shirt under a shiny jacket. Now I know why so many gay men and straight women dig him. He's a snazzy dresser and fearless booty shaker. His song is catchy, too. But for some reason, his video reminds me a lot of Taco's "Puttin' on the Ritz." It must be the tuxedos, top hats and stylized dance routines.

For the finale, everyone jumped on stage. Not a bad way to work overtime on a Friday night.

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