Thursday, December 22, 2005

First Ave Anniversary Show

Did I just see Craig Finn (of the Hold Steady) sing I Wanna Be Your Dog with Mike Watt on bass? I believe I did. Did I also see Grant Hart later join them on stage and play a mean keyboard? Yes I think I saw that too.

I got there just before Jesse Greene who does a great job filling a larger stage. I like her voice and she of course has her mean violin. The X-Boys featured quite a few guys from the Suburbs and Chris Osgood from the Suicide Commandos. Pretty fun jammy set. I hear they play together almost every week at a VFW somewhere. I'm going to have to check that out.

Most of my evening was spent in the Entry which seemed like a competition of great guitar players. It was truely inspiring. Ernie of the Mofos, Gerard of Rifle Sport and Curtiss and Vern. The guitar playing was simply phenomonal. The Mighty Mofos as always rocked my socks off. I don't know if you've seen a bigger grin on my face then when I talked to Ernie Batson about it afterwards (well other than that whole bus, head scratching incident in Orlando). Love the Batson brothers, and Randy is one hell of a bass player. Next up was Rifle Sport. Awesome kind of melodic punk. I don't know how I'll go through a Christmas season again without hearing that band play Little Drummer Boy. Was really really cool. And then Curtiss A, doing a lot of his Beatles tunes and a Stones tune, him and Vern just tore apart their guitars.

Back to the mainroom for Mike Watt. The set was only a few songs but all star. See comments above about Grant Hart and Craig Finn. I prefer Watt in the Entry but this was a good time. The Koalas headlined and by that point there was no one around. No band wanted that slot but the Koalas did better on the big stage then I thought they would. And as usual Lori's drumming was stellar.

Dillinger Four and Falcon Crest 12-9

Dillinger Four and Falcon Crest in the Entry.

Ummmmm......


Yeah.....


There were/are:

Bruised knees

kicked forearms

bloody noses (not mine)

bare asses

sweat pants

farewell dances

free whiskey

Christmas tree

And someone wrongfully being kicked out of the 7th St Entry (which sounds bad but its probably good)

John Lennon Tribute: 25 Years

John Lennon tribute was fucking smokin'! Curtiss A is a major rock star. I've always known this but its nice to be reminded every Dec 8th. Who else could sing Imagine and include the term cocksucker? John, the drummer from the Hypstrz is one of the three drummers that played through out the night but he's the one that played on every song. They had two drum sets up, a string bass, and easily 12 people on stage at different times. Jim Boquist, Slim and his kid joined for I'll Cry Instead, I Don't Want To Spoil The Party and I'm A Loser. My Dad and I go to this every year and its really fun to dance my ass of with some of these hippies. Some lady hugging me and saying "love everyone." They all throw their arms in the air and groove a bit. It was so fun. And I think I've decided that my theme song is Rock and Roll Music.

Thursday, December 08, 2005

Six Six Crush @ The 400 Bar

Last night was Six Six Crush at the 400 Bar. Its been a while, I think I may have been suffering a brief bout of Six Six Crush withdrawl. Something was different last night though. They picked up the pace a bit and their vocals were very loud which is not normally the case. I had a hell of a time.

They opened for Useless whom I did not stick around to see. This is for one major reason. The singer/lead guitarists is one best guitar players I've ever seen. I'm not joking on this one. The problem is that he limits himself. The sets mostly consists of covers and not very challenging ones at that. I would love to see him doing more of his own songs and really shredding the guitar like I know he can. I'm starting to wonder if maybe, he just can't write songs.

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Updates

I've been slacking on the posts but not on the shows. Here's updating shows for most of November and pretty much brought things up to date. Tonight is the ever awesome Six Six Crush at the 400 Bar.

Chicago Invasion 12/3 - Triple Rock

Loved the Effigies. They are nearing 50 and don't look anything like the punk they play. I thought the bass player was very talented and the guitar riffs were fast and rockin. The singer has a very strong voice and almost competes with the guitar in a good way.

The Methadones were a bit too pop punk for me. My head was bobbing, my foot was tapping but it just didn't hold me. I probably would have been more into it if I knew their songs better. They spent way too much time talking about emo bands between the songs. Though I have to say I was very surprised by the cover of "He's A Whore."

Hypstrz CD Release Show 11/25

Friday was of course the Hypstrz CD Release show. Was greeted by one of my favorite local musicians, Billy Batson, right away who thanked me for coming and we chatted a bit. Very nice guy. The openers were Nikki Corvette and her band. Now I saw them last Sunday and thought it was because I was in a bad mood but I'll have to say I like that band but I don't care for her all that much. Her vocals just don't do it for me and her little dance seems almost forced. Supposedly she's very well loved, but I wasn't all that impressed. Second up was the Conquerers (sp?). Good band that does covers but makes their own sounds. Played some classic tunes with very solid guitar playing. The Hypstrz were flat out brilliant. Rocked us from start to finish and I danced my ass of. Loved that set, every minute of it. Played a couple of encores and you could tell the guys were having a blast. So much fun and a good size crowd. I bought a Hypstrz tshirt and a copy of their original 45 which is a hot commodity. I still highly recommend the CD that can be ordered on amazon. 37 tracks for $13, can't beat that. I also managed to walk home with a dozen roses from the bass player of the Hypstrz. Really sweet guy and he deliveres flowers for a wholesaler and brought in a bunch of flowers for the ladies in the crowd. A great show and only $4 cover. Couldn't ask for much more than that.

Hypstrz CD Release Show 11/25

Friday was of course the Hypstrz CD Release show. Was greeted by one of my favorite local musicians, Billy Batson, right away who thanked me for coming and we chatted a bit. Very nice guy. The openers were Nikki Corvette and her band. Now I saw them last Sunday and thought it was because I was in a bad mood but I'll have to say I like that band but I don't care for her all that much. Her vocals just don't do it for me and her little dance seems almost forced. Supposedly she's very well loved, but I wasn't all that impressed. Second up was the Conquerers (sp?). Good band that does covers but makes their own sounds. Played some classic tunes with very solid guitar playing. The Hypstrz were flat out brilliant. Rocked us from start to finish and I danced my ass of. Loved that set, every minute of it. Played a couple of encores and you could tell the guys were having a blast. So much fun and a good size crowd. I bought a Hypstrz tshirt and a copy of their original 45 which is a hot commodity. I still highly recommend the CD that can be ordered on amazon. 37 tracks for $13, can't beat that. I also managed to walk home with a dozen roses from the bass player of the Hypstrz. Really sweet guy and he deliveres flowers for a wholesaler and brought in a bunch of flowers for the ladies in the crowd. A great show and only $4 cover. Couldn't ask for much more than that.

More Koalas, 11/23

Wednesday I went and checked out the Koalas for the second time. Definitely still held up as one of my new favorite local bands. For people who have never seen Lori B. on the drums, its really something to check out. She also sings a song as well. I love her but I'd have to say I like their front person better but its cool that the band mixes things up like that. They will be playing the First Ave Bootleg Release show on December 14th along with the likes of the Hold Steady and many others. Going to be a great show.

Hypstrz/Nikki Corvette 11/20

First show was an instore performance by the Hypstrz at Treehouse Records. Not many a better Sunday than one where you can roll out of bed, grab a coffee, walk two blocks and see great garage rock for free. I loved every minute of it. And seriously I don't know where else I've had so many of my favorite people in one room (and they were all sober).

That night I went to see Nikki Corvette play with the Divebomb Honey. Divebomb, is fun synth new wave that as always I enjoyed. Nikki Corvette is one of my buddies favorites and while she was fun, I just wasn't in the mood. Her nasaly voice turned me off a bit. I can see when I'm in a better mood, that I would dance all night to this, so maybe Friday when they open for the Hypstrz.

Plate - O- Shrimp Club Underground 11/19

went to see my friends band Plate-O-Shrimp play their last show of 2005. They say they'll be back for the Ramones tribute in May but the hiatus will be a long one. The band was definitely on. One of the best performances I've seen by them. John's vocals sounded the best I've heard them in a while and he seemed to be looking to prove how much he could rock. The crowd was a lot of friends so even their originals were sing alongs. But some great covers included Makes No Sense At All, Chinese Rocks and You`re Gonna Kill That Girl were right on. Glad I decided to hit this show despite everything else going on that night.

Detroit Cobras 11/18

Friday I went to see the Detroit Cobras with the Reigning Sound and Chooglin'.

Chooglin is my friends band that consists of members of the Midnight Evils. Yes they are named after a CCR song. And you can obviously see their influence on this band. What they play is very classic rock ala zz top, thin lizzy, with a splash of seger and they do it very well. Jesse the guitar player was the drummer for the Evils and its scary how good he is at two instruments when I can't even master one. I also really like Brian as a vocalists as he adds a perfect bit of soul to the rock sound.

Reigning Sound is a band I really enjoy. Though I'm going to go ahead and say their set was a bit long. I found myself getting bored with it too quickly. I loved everything they played off of "Too Much Guitar" and I think its a perfect pace for the bill they were on. The Reigning Sound is some damn good memphis garage rock.

Next up the Detroit Cobras. I enjoyed the show but the band didn't seem to into it. They even told the crowd they were a day away from home so they were trying to get through it. Rachel's voice is as awesome 2 months into a tour as it is on the record. She's a beautiful bad ass. The show was not as rockin as I hoped but after breaking up fights and keeping drunk people standing I was able to dance my socks off and thats always a plus. It was a sold out show at the triple rock which doesn't happen all that often.

Koalas @ Shaw's 11/17

I got a last minute notice that the Koala's were playing at Shaw's and since I had never seen them, I headed over. The Koalas feature Lori Barbero on drums from the fantastic Babes In Toyland. Wonderful drummer, amazing person.

First I sat through this band that I don't know their name and the only reason I would want to would be so I could avoid seeing them in the future. They had a song that was supposed to be dark and depressing. But the singer sang "mama's into razors and dope" like she was in the Patridge Family singing C'Mon get happy. She also sang a song about a girl who was doing dirty deeds and was pretty much in the gutter. "In a taxi with a guys hand down the front of her skirt and drugs up his nose." You can tell that this is far from anything this singer has ever experienced. No feeling behind any of it at all. The song that had the most emotion in it was called "Britney Spears Got Married Last Night." And of course they had to have a song calling Bush the anti christ, which could have been funny but they sang it in the same sing song way as every other tune. They were all together crappy.

But the Koalas kicked ass. Their vocalist has an even more punk PJ Harvey sound with an echo. And the music is a perfect grunge/punk/straight rock sound. I was really impressed and really mad that I had waited this long to see the band. I will hopefully be checking them out this wednesday as well.

Birthday Suits 11/12

Started out at the Urban Wildlife for the $2 beers and no cover. I walked in to a pretty shitty ska band who's every song sounded like the annoying Reel Big Fish song about working at Burger King or something.

Next up was Fighter Heyabusa was up. Sorry, but fuck did I not like this band. I was so discouraged I decided I couldn't sit through it to see if the headliners were any good.

So I ran to the Entry and caught the last song of the Divebomb Honey, who I've seen a number of times. Fun new wave band with two keyboards, really strong bass and thick female vocals. The show was to celebrate the cd release by the Birthday Suit. Now I had not seen this band before but they are a two peice of members that were in the band Sweet J.A.P. so I knew this had to be good. This band is so strong that its hard to believe its a two peice. Normally I'm not a big fan of higher pitched vocals (note my love of Nick Cave and Tom Waits for example) but the guitars more than make up for it. And Hideo Takahashi was thrashing about on stage during solos and even ended up playing atop bar stools. Was more than happy to see this performance.

More on Sweet JAP, Birthday Suits and Divebomb Honey:

http://www.citypages.com/databank/26/1301/article13851.asp

11/11 - Big V's

Friday night I went to Big V's for the Panty Huffers, All American Cheapshots and the Abusers. Stellar line up for a great night at Big V's. The Abusers opened and I haven't seen them since a show at the Terminal where they played with Plate O Shrimp. They were snowsuit clad, Hamm's hat wearing and in full force. The rock was strong and punk and made me realize how much it sucks that I haven't seen them in almost a year. Hope they do some more dates soon.

Next up were the Cheapshots. Pretty much everyone left the floor for this band which made me sad. They were having some sound issues, but I really like the All American Cheapshots. They're a good blend of the early 70s pre punk that I love and the greatness that is 80s Ramones style punk. Not to mention Chad is just a great great guy. He and his lady go on the greatest rock adventures and know everyone. Always have a good time with those people.

Last but not least the all might Panty Huffers. Rob of the Huffers is a crazy frontman who is all over the place and I love every minute of it. He walked the full bar, sang on University Ave in St. Paul with pants undone, writhes on the floor, visits the ladies room and stops ceiling fans with his head. Which is usually doable, but this night, there was some blood shed by one of the blades. They have pretty hardcore ceiling fans at Big V's. Pool table dancing and piggy back riding all over quick riffs and fun get you moving music, if you can keep from staring at Rob, aka peckerwood. I love the energy this band has and they're all around great entertainers. Looking forward to seeing them with Bloodcow and Black Strap in about two weeks.

Thursday, November 10, 2005

Beach Party

The first of three bands I saw at the beach party was Faggot. Now this is the first time I've seen this band and it was pretty much all I expected. Very energetic and despite not having the greatest voice, Tim is an awesome front man. Their music is definitely punk but with a hint of classic rock. The whole band, scantily clad in bikinis and speedos was all over the small stage and kept the crowd rockin.

The next band was Kites. I was in back and couldn't see much of what was going on but I'm pretty sure that this was just one person. And the music, is pure noise and distortion. It seemed at some points to try and make a melody but it was more a wall of sound and gyrations. I wouldn't necessarily call them songs but there were three groups of music to the set. I probably wouldn't go to a show soley on this guy but it would be interesting to see how sets differ.

Last up was USAISAMONSTER. I was very impressed with this band. Described as "gnarly nomadic psychedelic warriors," "a brilliantly fried two-piece guitar and drums band of sun spotters hailing from Brooklyn, NY."

And to continue quoting reviewers, because I'm not a writer (from their website http://www.loadrecords.com/bands/usaisamonster.html) "The sound of the record is a synapse firing melt of rock and other-wordly whisper. The rock goes from balls out to a gentle, massaging hand reaching into your cortex. Think astral plane hitchhikers like MEAT PUPPETS and SABBATH in the same mental fart as LOAD two piece terrorists. The fidelity of this record is total."

Needless to say I'm very glad my friend convince me to stay and check out this band. Despite the songs sometimes running on a bit much the sound was wonderful and I'll be keeping an eye out for anytime they play.

Tuesday, November 08, 2005

Tornavalanche

So Saturday night I went to Big V's to see this band I heard was so great called Tornavalanche. Signal To Trust and Plastic Constellations were opening. Now Signal to Trust, are a very decent band. The Plastic Constellations are what caused the art school contingent that was the audience at Big V's. For one Big V's is never crowded and if it is I expect it to be full of black, maybe some leather jackets, tattoos and peircings. Well no, that night it was full of afghan wearing chicks with bad dye jobs and rainbow covered scarfs. And I also felt as though I was not a member of the club because I didn't not bring a messenger bag to a rock show. Silly me. And you can tell they had never been to Big V's before because so many of them missed the step to the area at the right of the stage and tripped and fell into a bunch of mic stands, to my entertainment. Seriously, you would think they learned but I say about 5 or 6 people do that. Tornavalanche, despite being on a Milwaukee Hard Core festival list a few weeks prior were not hardcore at all. And it was obvious that they cared more about their vocals than their guitar. When they played their cords and did their shit they had a rockin sound, but that would stop when the guy started singing, and I didn't care for it at all. If they kept the rock through the whole song, I might have been more into it.

Tuesday, November 01, 2005

Halloween

After parties on Saturday night and being hung over on Sunday night it was back to the music on Monday. I rocked out to the Toxic Avengers at the Triple Rock, did the Hip Shake with Eleganza in the Entry, busted a move in the First Ave mainroom and the Safety Dance in the VIP Lounge. It was quite the night.

The Toxic Avengers were very fun ripping through some great Avengers covers all while The Toxic Avenger played in Fast Forward. After that I hit the Entry. Eleganza played Suspicious Minds which had been in my head for the past two weeks so I sang my heart out with them. As usual a strong set of some good old rock songs.

Missed Smitty DJing cause I was in the Entry. There was some hip hop stuff in the mainroom, I danced a bit and was glad to see a good crowd there. Then up to the VIP Lounge for some 80s music including Milli Vanilli and the Safety Dance. An all around movin' sort of night.

Monday, October 31, 2005

2 Show Friday Night

Friday night started off with myself being in a little bit of hell. I went to the Quest to see Six Six Crush in the Ascot Room. After wanting to murder four different Quest employees before even making it in the room, I had to go through the main room to get to the Ascot. Yeah whatever shitty Quest for Mayhem band was on at that time was playing a Bon Jovi cover. Like I said, HELL. As soon as Six Six Crush finished I bolted for the door. Despite a stellar performance by one of my favorite locals, I needed to get the fuck out of there. Heading toward the exit sign someone at the Quest of course had to stop and ask me if I was leaving. No I though exit mean bathroom.

Then I headed over to the Urban Wildlife for Hot Rod Hearse and members of the Squabs. Always good to go to a free show with $2 PBR tallboys. Missed quite a bit of the Squab boys set but I've always enjoyed their music. Hot Rod Hearse as usual played a very strong set. The boys put all they've got into that music and their performance shows it. If you're at all into Rockabilly and you haven't checked out this band, there's something wrong.

Thursday, October 27, 2005

Sir Paul

Last night I went to see Paul McCartney with my Dad. My Dad is a huge Beatles fan and dished out $250 a piece for our tickets, I knew this meant a lot to him. He showed up in his Beatles shirt and was singing before we even left for the concert.

Being that he is so into this band, it is the music that I was raised with. Every Sunday morning we listened to Beatles albums, and the Beatle Brunch as he made breakfast, read the newspaper and spent the day just as he pleased often times pulling out a guitar to jam along. It was very cool to see him in his element dancing and singing along to songs that I've been hearing all my life. His eyes lit up and he shouted "Magical Mystery Tour" as the first chords of the evening came roaring out into the packed crowd.

We heard lots of Beatles songs including Blackbird, Drive My Car, Please Please Me, She Came in Through the Bathroom Window, Good Day Sunshine, Back In The U.S.S.R., The Long and Winding Road, I'll Follow The Sun, Eleanor Rigby, Penny Lane, Yesterday, Let It Be, Hey Jude and Helter Skelter.

Though I'm not a Wings fan Maybe I'm Amazed and Band On The Run got a great response from the crowd despite the fairly stand still approach that was taken during most of the show. Live and Let Die of course had the pyrotechnics of a Kiss show with large booming balls of fire followed by streams of blue, green and orange colored flames.

His backing band was pretty good, nothing really too impressive but that didn't matter. Paul mixed things up with rockers, solo acoustic numbers and piano driven songs. His voice still sounded great which was such an added bonus when hearing these songs.

While it's not a concert I would pay $250 to attend I was happy to be able to share the music and the show with my Dad who probably had one of the best nights he's had in years. Was very nice to see his excitement.

Jonathan Richman/Vic Chesnutt

Tuesday night was Jonathan Richman and Vic Chesnutt at the Turf Club.

Vic opened up the show and I think he's a pretty talented songwriter. He's in a wheel chair and has limited use of his right hand and uses a thumb pick. But he's got a voice that is very cool in that deep yet a perfect hint of nasal that not many people can pull off. I need to spend more time taking in the lyrics to his songs and the music overall. I was really digging one of his final songs that talked about saving a woman from a man that beat her and being her hero, which is not what she wanted. If anyone knows the proper name to this song please let me know.

Jonathan despite having some laryngitis put on a strong performance. His songs are very fun and I love his guitar playing. He is a very animated person that can always put a smile on his face. To me his eyes look sad and then he smiles and it just makes me giggle. An all around entertainer who knowingly couldn't keep his voice up so he danced and really got the audience into it. Very fun set at a great club.

Tuesday, October 25, 2005

Soul Asylum

Last night Soul Asylum was supposed to play the 7th St Entry which I was looking forward to so much. Well there were PA problems and the set got moved over to the First Ave Mainroom. It was still a very good show but I was really looking forward to seeing those guys with Tommy Stinson on the Entry stage. They let more people into the show for the mainroom, some free and some paid $12. But the crowd was not as moving as I thought they would have been in the Entry.

Tommy on bass and Michael Bland on drums helped create a huge sound at the show. Dan Murphy was in top notch form and was very focused throughout the set. Dave sounded very good and was having a great time rockin out with Tommy. His chant of "Karl, Karl, Karl" at one point seemed a bit cheesy but you know the guys are going through hard times. The sound came out strong on songs like Bittersweat Heart, Somebody To Shove, and Just Like Anyone. Other strong points were the cover of Summer of Drugs, Cartoon and Closer to the Stars. Their new songs came out loud and rockin and I'm really looking forward to their next release.

Bible Of The Devil back at Big V's

Bible of the Devil (from Chicago) at Big V's. Really cool metal rock with a great stage presence and a fast quick guitar sound. I missed the first band and the second was a singer/songwriter guy from NYC named Mishka Sobalis (not sure on the spelling of the last name). He had depressing songs that he tried to make you laugh with. There were some good lines like "my love is as big as the titanic, is that an iceberg between your thighs."

There was a lot going on in Mpls that night so it meant very few people at the show. Which is sad cause Bible of the Devil rocks. Was cool to chat with the guys afterwards as well as they had just gotten back from Europe. I wouldn't mind checking them out in Chicago sometime.

Who?

Why Six Six Crush of course:

Six Six Crush at the Urban Wildlife. The Urban Wildlife has closed their stage side for reconstruction or some other reason so the band just plays in the corner of this bar. And its a small corner, but the sound has been improving, its free and there's $2 PBR tallboys. Throw Six Six Crush into that mix and its a very wonderful evening in my books. The band was the only one playing so they did two sets. They played a lot more songs than usual which was awesome. Because they're in the window corner on 4th St downtown there were some people rockin out outside while they were smoking. And we got some great looks from the goth crowd coming from the HIM concert down the street at the Quest. Also due to this lighting was briefly provided by the mpls pd who stopped a car that was going the wrong way down 4th. The extended jam during Evil Gobblins ended the night very well.

Friday, October 14, 2005

Zeke/Nashville Pussy

Saw this duo at the 400 Bar last night. Zeke of course was on. Fast metal meets 70s rock. Sure they've slowed down a tiny bit since quitting the Speed but still a rockin show. There was a pretty good size contingent there to just see them (I was one of them).

Nashville Pussy was pretty disappointing. I had never seen this band before but from my friends accounts, they're missing their fire breathing bass player. They replaced her with someone with no personality that got the job because she's a chick. All the band had was their schtick and it ain't there anymore. Ruyter is pretty good at what she does and was at least working for stage presence. We left after about 5 or 6 songs.

Because we left early we still had time to run over to the Triple Rock for the Rank Strangers. Always like checking out the Rank Strangers great rock sound with the perfect hint of pop. Wasn't too many people in attendance lost night which wasn't an issue for me. Always love a night when I can catch two shows, especially two so different in style.

Wednesday, October 12, 2005

Sound of Urchins

Sunday night my friends band supported the Sound of Urchins show at the Entry. Opening the show was a band called Demolition Factor. Pretty standard punk in the Ramones style, which was ok. Six Six Crush was the second band and as always put on a stellar performance, kicking ass on the Entry stage. I herad them described as ZZ Top meets Black Flag, which does work.

Sound of Urchins is a band that consists of members of the Moist Boyz (One of the Ween brothers side project) and they hail from NY. The set started out kind of rockin but couldn't really keep my attention. They seemed to have way too many songs where the singer/drummer started out with this rowdy countdown that would make you think the song would rip and it didn't. So yeah, didn't even finish the set. Liked the vocals though. Check em out, make your own decision.

Monday, October 03, 2005

Drinking, Once Again

Yet another spectacular taping of Drinking With Ian in the Entry on Sunday.

Interviewed was former Low bassist Zak Sally, who now is in the comic book business, Paul F. Tompkins of the Mr. Show fame and Gerard of Rifle Sport who is a cook at the Bakery on Grand. He made Poutine, which was the first time I've ever tried. Pretty good snack for canadian junk food.

The music was more than awesome. It started out with a set by Maps of Norway, a band I rarely miss. It was probably the best set I've seen them do yet. Very strong female vocalist over a joy division influenced rock. Not as dark and slow as joy division but you definitely tell that the songwriter digs them.

Die Electric and Thunder In The Valley also put on the strongest sets I've seen from them as of late. Die Electric is a rock band with a punk nature. They played their asses of last night. Thunder In The Valley has a sort of new wave/punk/garage sound to them and have seemed to move more towards the straight rock ethic. Only second time I've seen that band and I'll definitely be trying to make more shows.

One of the added bonuses of being in the Entry last night was the surprise set we got. In the mainroom Against Me, The Soviettes, The Epoxies and Smoke or Fire played. I missed the show being that I was at the taping. Well one of the guys that puts on the show knows the key board player from the Epoxies. At about 12:30 the Epoxies carted their gear into the Entry and rocked the crowd that was down to about 30 or 40 at that point. Complete with fog machine, white lights and guitar lazers this band ruled the Entry.

Talked to Fritz afterwards a bit and thanked them for the extra set. Saw some kid ask him to spit beer in his face, which he obliged.

Very rockin evening that included 4 free shots, and here and only here could I be rockin out to Die Electric while eating Poutine!

Grudge Match!

Friday nights festivities featured a "Grudge Match" between the Mighty Mofos and Kruddler. Advertised as Loser Leaves Town. Going into this everyone, including Kruddler knew the Mighty Mofos were going to hand them their ass on a silver platter. As much as I enjoy a Kruddler show, there is no one, that can out perform the Mofos. And they were in top form on Friday night. There was pretty much nothing of a crowd which is odd being that its the Mighty Mofos but I guess there was not much advertising for the show. This was a show of all shows, rocking guitars, bloody lead singers and dancing provided by me. Can never express my complete love for this band. Hope to never miss a show of theirs. Great guys who chatted with a friend and I afterwards as well. Being the dork that I am, I took a flyer, a set list and a pic that Ernie tossed my way. If there is anyone in Mpls that has not seen the Batson Brothers perform, do something about it, soon.

Austin City Limits Festival

When I saw the Roky Erickson was playing the Austin City Limits Festival, I knew I had to go. I found a friend in Dallas that was going with a couple of other people and booked my flight and festival ticket. I had planned on flying into Dallas and then riding with my friend to Austin as the ticket was much cheaper. So the day before I'm supposed to leave we get a call that our hotel reservations have been canceled due to hurricane Katrina evacuees. There was available in a 2 hour radius because of the Galveston and Houston evacuees as well. So pretty much everyone canceled. And I couldn't get to Austin without my friend in Dallas. So I was bummed to say the least, canceled my flight and everything. At about 1pm on Friday I got an email from the friend in Dallas that said, if you can get down here tonight I found us a place to crash. I was on a plane at 4:45 and heading to Dallas which cost me an extra $140. We drove to Austin from Dallas on Saturday morning and spent all day in 101 degree weather. But when Roky went on it was all worth it. The set was great, his voice has really held up and you can tell he was really into the show. The backing band the Explosives were very stellar with a set list that included Don't Shake Me Lucifer, You're Gonna Miss Me, Two-Headed Dog, I Walked With A Zombie, Bermuda, The Beast, Starry Eyes, Splash 1, White Faces and Creature With The Atom Brain.

I made two days of the festival so yes I did see other bands. Bob Mould's band was another highlight for me. He seemed in such a great mood and the band was tight and quick. The addition of Brendan Canty on the drums was a strong move. The guy just rocks. The Husker and Sugar songs came off really well and his newer stuff sounds a lot better live.

Other acts I saw:

Kacy Crowley
Split Lip Rayfield
Mike Doughty
Built To Spill
The Frames
The Walkemen
Ambulance LTD
Eisley
Doves
Arcade Fire
Dave Alvin and the Guiltymen (Another highlight, such a great guitarist)
Wilco

Monday, September 19, 2005

Over the Weekend

Ok for this weekend:

Friday I was at the Turf Club for the Kruddler CD release show. Lots of bands on this bill, the Rockford Mules, a cool band called Canvas I believe (out of towners) and the Rank Strangers. They add a perfect amount of pop to a strong rock sound. I've really liked this band for a while and hope to see them much more frequently in the near future. Kruddler is definitely has a pop element with their high pitched vocals but puts on a fun show, and really great guys.

While at the Kruddler show I saw a flyer for a show on Sep 30th that EVERYONE should go to.

Grudge Match

The Mighty Mofos
vs
Kruddler

Loser Leaves Town

Its going to be sooo great. I love the Mighty Mofos

Saturday:

The Legendary Shack Shakers with Scott H. Biram. Lets preface this by saying I hate the 400 Bar with impunity. $5 for tap beer is god damn ridiculous. And if you go outside, they take your ID so you can't sneak next door in between bands and drink for cheaper. Bastards.

I was very very impressed by Scott H Biram. His show has been called a "one man show of hellfire blues." To further quote the Austin Chronicle " a yelping good time of talking blues, foot stomping, the occasional yodel and harmonica, and between-song rants about prison, the devil, wild women, and whatever else pops into his head." Very cool set that had us all dancing and rocking along. When I get more moeny I'll buy his cds too.

The Legendary Shack Shakers, a great psychobilly band with Col. J.D. Wilkes at the helm. The crowd was going nuts and the shack was more than shaking. Despite a few assholes in the crowd the show was awesome. They have so much energy and the Col. Wilkes is a great frontman. Ripping hair from his chest, spitting and crowd surfing he made sure everyone was into it.

Sunday:
Kung Fools and the Unstuck at the Triple Rock. Not too many people out on a Sunday despite the fact that this was the first time the Kung Fools had played together in 8 years. The Unstuck are a fun punk band with a bit of a pop element and featuring Mike from the Quincy Punx on drums. Would have been more fun if the crowd got into it but these guys always put on a strong set.

The Kung Fools I was just not feeling last night. Too many issues with the guitars and just not getting me in the groove. Most people there had a great time and I imagine they put on a really decent show in their day. But the lack of energy in the place did not help keep my attention.

Monday, September 12, 2005

Going Outta Business show

One of my favorite local bands the Midnight Evils played their last show at the 7th St Entry on Saturday. Out for the show was a great bill of TC Howlers, The Akwards, Six Six Crush and Gee as in Jesus.

Unfortunately I missed the Howlers set but thats always a great band to check out. The Akwards have a great surf rock set that can get anyone moving. Six Six Crush was their usual amazing rocking self proving why they deserved a spot on this bill. I never get sick of seeing this band and they were definitely in form. Gee as In Jesus is such a fun band to see and sing a long with. The last time I saw these guys was at the Evils record release show. Can't thank enough for getting these guys to play.

The Evils were more than on. They rocked that packed Entry room with so much power, I didn't stop moving. It was hot crowded but I that didn't hold back my dancing. I was sad to think that it was my last time hearing them play Twin City Lights and Got My Mojo Workin among others. And the finale with Curan smashing his bass on his amp head and the fight that insued over the peices of the bass was just beyond me. And to add a bong being broken over the drum set. It was a perfect rock n roll ending.

Love the Hex

Thursday 9/8 was an evening at the Hexagon. Falcon Crest played with the Lonely Assasins Club, Build My Gallows High and Mayday Mayday Mayday. I'm going to skip right to Build My Gallows high because I can't wait to say how much I enjoy seeing this band. I literally get lost in the music and I think thats the greatest feeling. You can easily pick out different beats to bob your head to in any song and the drumming is some of the best in the twin cities. I like Lonely Assasins Clubs deeper vocals and Falcon Crest is great in almost the opposite way with their fast hard hitting rock. Always a good show when Falcon Crest is on stage. This was a great bill and free none the less. Gotta love the Hexagon.

Wednesday, September 07, 2005

Eleganza!

The Rolling Stones post show party was at the Turf Club last night. No Keith didn't show but the band still put on a great performance. Great Stones covers along with songs by Creedence and the great cover they do of ZZ Top's Thank You. Love hearing that song. The large band filled that stage but it didn't take away from a great sound coming out. Always fun to check out this band they're probably the only band that I see that does strictly covers. And the $1 cover made it a lot easier.

Tuesday, September 06, 2005

Back To The Triple Rock

Sunday 9/4 was Danko Jones, All American Cheapshots and the Koalas at the Triple Rock. I arrived late and missed the Koalas which I was really disappointed about because I've heard great things about the band. Plus watching Lori B drum is never a bad thing. The Cheapshots had a strong loud set and got the place warmed up for Danko Jones. I had never seen Danko before but it was a really fun show. Good old hard rock almost in an AC/DC sense. Strong vocals and great drumming and bass. And Danko's guitar playing definitely brought the rock. It had me moving the whole show. If you like hard rock, this is a band that you shouldn't miss. http://www.dankojones.com/

Sicbay at the Triple Rock

9/3 was Sicbay at the Triple Rock. Also playing was Valina from Austria. Pretty good band in the art rock sense. I'm not really into art rock but I was glad I saw there set. Getting a sample of foreign music is never a bad thing. Sicbay too is a bit art rock but they have enough of an edge to keep my attention. Its been a while since I've checked out a Sicbay show but I'm glad I went.

Quick Rock Trip

Friday 9/2 I headed to Madison with three other people to check out Cheap Trick and Alice Cooper. Cheap Trick is a band I have extreme love for, but I have seen them put on a better show. Still I'll never ever get sick of hearing Robin Zander sing, he's definitely one of my top five vocalists. We got Big Eyes, Southern Girls, Voices, Dream Police, and of course I Want You To Want Me and Surrender, just to name a few. They played "that 70s song" and that was one I could have done without as well as The Flame. Lucky for the people around me they didn't play "Tonight Its You" because I can't hear that song without a stroke enducing sing a long.

Alice Cooper proved that he can still rock. The set was great and the theatrics were still hot. I got to witness the guillotine execution which lead to a Frankenstein resurrection. It was so cool. His daughter was a part of the show as well in which she danced around with his head after it was cut off. I was so glad we made the drive down to Madison. I hadn't been to an arena show in a long time and this was certainly one of the few reasons to go. We drove back right after the show, but what a great night.

Its the first of the month

No I'm not singing welfare carols. Sept 1st was spent at the Turf Club with Six Six Crush, Dirty Johnny and the Makebelieves and the TC Howlers. Very fun show. The Howlers with their rock spiced with rockabilly and country can easily get you moving. Dirty Johnny and the Makebelieves, despite their technical difficulties put on a pretty good set and fit the bill well. Six Six Crush, as always, rocked the Turf. By now I should be getting sick of seeing this band, but I don't see that happening, especially now that I'm starting to catch on to some of the lyrics. Great music, great guys, great band.

Monday, August 29, 2005

In The Garage

The Divebomb Honey and Maps Of Norway played the last Radio K "In The Garage" show at the Dinkytowner on Sunday. Also playing was Superdanger who I missed but have heard good things about.

I've always thought these two bands needed to be on a bill together. The Divebomb Honey are great new wave and always entertaining. Vocals are strong and the keyboards are very fun. Maps of Norway as always was rockin. Rebecca's vocals are outstanding. Matt's bass playing sets a great tempo and the guitar gives them a sound that sets them aside from a lot of local bands. I'm really hoping these guys put out a record soon.

Thursday, August 25, 2005

Midnight Evils @ First Ave

For their second to last show the Midnight Evils played the First Ave Mainroom. Also on the bill were Death To Our Enemies, Seawhores, The Deaths and Chariots.

I missed Death To Our Enemies but was blown away by Seawhores sound. They were the loudest band of the evening and you felt their it run through you. I think that loudness may be covering something up but I'll have to check them out again as I it was something I couldn't get past to focus on the music as much as I should.

The Deaths were a very slow rock band and didn't seem to fit the bill at all. I spent the majority of their set going between the Entry and outside. It was beautiful night to hang out.

Chariots I've seen once before and that was for their CD release show in the Entry. I was a little concerned that the big stage wouldn't work well with this band. Being that the singer also does some keyboard playing, their set up works perfectly on the Entry stage creating a smaller pocket for the singer to thrash around. But the band sounded very good coming through the speakers of the mainroom and I was glad to see them do well. I think quite a few people got into it. They really warmed things up for the Evils.

As always, the Midnight Evils did not disappoint. It was a really fun night of rockin music but also a sad reminder that this will soon be done. I'll never get sick of hearing that band rip through their cover of Muddy Water's Got My Mojo Workin or the song Twin Cities Lights which is almost impossible to not rock out to. I of course, did in fact, rock out.

Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Movies and Music In The Park



Monday night was Arcwelder in Loring Park for Movies and Music in the Park. Arcwelder is a great rock band who mix it up quite well. By that I mean they switch off vocals with the guitarist and drummer ala Husker Du. Also the Guitarist and Bassist take turns on each instrument. As far as vocals go I think the drummer has more of a Bob Mould sound to him and the guitarist more like D. Boon. I love their bass heavy sound and how the bass seems to lead the melody. I wish this band would play more often being that the last time I saw them was opening for Shellac this past spring. I realize that bands gain more by not playing as often and therefore getting a bigger crowd, but every couple of months would be nice. Either way, I can't get enough of them. And it was so beautiful out last night in MPLS that it was just the perfect setting. The movie playing was Johnny Guitar but I didn't stick around due to a friends birthday and cheap PBR night at the Tower.

Monday, August 22, 2005

Sunday Evening at the Triple Rock

Last night (8/21) was Six Six Crush, Mitra and Red Desert at the Triple Rock. I arrived a bit too late to catch anything other than the last few cords for Red Desert.

Mitra features ex member's of Speeddealer andwas definitely along the same lines. Their sound is tinkering a bit close to nu-metal but the fast pace kept my head bouncing. I'm really not sure what was going on with the singer, he seemed to have started the show with a raging hard on and I believe end up pissing himself before the set was over. I guess he was just that into it.

Six Six Crush, well yeah. Love the band, and I don't know what I can say that I haven't said before. I go to pretty much every show they play and will not stop doing so. Its sad there were so few people at the show, the band is so good and should have a larger crowd. It will happen, time will tell.

Thursday, August 18, 2005

Its about time!

The return of the Amish Armada. They haven't played in minneapolis in two years. The bill as odd as it was, consisted of great bands. The object of many gushing posts, Six Six Crush, were the openers. They sounded so good last night at the Triple Rock. As do most bands, the rooms got a great sound. They switched the set up on me a little bit, which I guess was good, but when I walked into the venue and heard the song they normally close with I thought I had missed the show.

Next up were two bands that fit the bill with each other but not so much with Six Six Crush or the Armada. They were good bands, just different sound. After Six Six Crush was The Lonely Assassins Club. Their songs are a bit long for my taste but the sound is really good. I met the singer and she has a great deep voice and is a very stellar bass player. Its a slower rock, but definitely rock. I'd describe them as maybe a Maps of Norway/Kontrol Panel mix. I KNOW I'll be checking this band out again.

After LAC was this band from Salt Lake City called UME. I was very impressed with this band. Great female vocalist and guitar player. Had a Carly Simon look and sound. But the music was loud, quick and hard. I'll be looking for more info on them and should I ever again have money, pick up a release of theirs.

And the headliners, the fucking Amish Armada. What can you say about this band other than that they're all over the place. The stage has around 10 people on it or more at any given moment. And when the extra hands aren't on stage singing they're all over the place beating each other up and wrestling, with fake blood a plenty. The vocal stylings of "Elijah Damned" are never to be missed but back up when the hammer comes out, some computer is going to be no more. And to end the set, a tarp is set out, drenched in fake blood and the guys all do a slip and slide type action to Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. And people wonder why I go see this band?

Evil Block Party

Sat 8/13 -- The Midnight Evils played the Pizza Luce Block Party. Started the evening off with 241s at the Leaning Tower and headed down to Luce around 6. When I arrived it was just as Die Electric was finishing up, fun generic rock band who I would probably see again. Especially if its free like this block party. Next up was Ouija Radio. I think this band has some good potential. Its takes me a while to get into the vocalist but when she puts forth the effort it sounds really good. Though I'd have to say they should cut out the cover of Boris the Spider. Just doesn't sound as good with a high pitch voice. Next up, the Midnight Evils. Rockin as always. And even better that it was outside on a beautiful night. The crowd was huge and very into it. Never get sick of hearin those boys cover of Muddy Waters' Got My Mojo Working. Between bands there were performances by the ladies of Lili's Burlesque. The guys went nuts, and I love the classy style of it all.

Har Mar Superstar was up after the Evils, and yeah, decided not to stay for that one. Returned to the Tower for more 241s.

Friday, August 05, 2005

Triple Rock and Turf Club

Wednesday was the Dillinger Four show at the Triple Rock. The only opening band I caught was Cardinal Sin. I knew I had seen the band before but couldn't remember it until a fellow audience member yelled out "Bastards of Young." One of the band members answered with "we play other songs good too." The guy kept yelling for Bastards of Young and when the band said they had two songs left he asked "is one of them by the Replacements." I guess he pushed to hard because we were denied the Mats cover. Other than that, not a band I would go to a show just to see. They have a bit of that emo punk vibe thats getting oh so popular with the kiddies and is just not for me. Dillinger Four on the other hand rocked the house as the always do. I love when a band has so much energy that you can't help but get into it and jump around. The crowds always very into it at a D4 show which helps as well.

Thursday night back to the Turf for another Maps of Norway show. I really like this band. The vocals are very cool and fit the music so well. I've had an issue lately with seeing bands whose vocals don't seem to match with what the music is doing. The sound behind the vocals of Maps is great. Higher toned guitar and a tight bassline that really keeps everything in line. The have those songs that seem almost like their on the verge of going over the edge, but don't, and I mean that in a good way. Definitely one of my favorite local bands. Looking forward to seeing them play with the Divebomb Honey on August 28th. I think thats a perfect bill.

The Knitters @ First Ave

What a great show this was on Tuesday night (8/2/05). Dave's guitar playing was so great. John Doe said "Dave Alvin plays the guitar so hard that my guitar is out of tune." So true. Those two were flat out ON last night. And Exene's voice sounds beautiful singing these country songs. They have never been to mpls and I hope they come back.

One of the night funniest moment last night. They were introducing their bass player Johnny Ray and he's from MN. He said he was from "Minnetonka Beach." Anyway some drunk girls started yelling:

Drunk girls: I LOVE BIG ISLAND!
John Doe: Big Island, whats Big Island? Is that a place young girls go and get drunk and shout stuff??
Exene: Well I never..!


Some highlights for me were:

Poor Little Critter On The Road
Walkin' Cane
Rank Stranger
Poor Old Heartsick Me
Cryin' But My Tears Are Far Away
Call of the Wreckin' Ball
Skin Deep Town
Give Me Flowers
Someone Like You
Burning House of Love
and the smokin guitars on Rock Island Line

Tuesday, August 02, 2005

An oddity of shows

So kind of a different week for me as far as music goes.

Thurs 7/28 -- Hit the Uptown Bar for the free show of Spank Ray and Sofa Kingdom. There were a couple of other bands but I honestly wasn't paying the most attention. Saw half of Spank Rays set and its up beat guitar rock. Should have watched more. Sofa Kingdom is a good live band but I had a CDR of theirs and wasn't as impressed. Only caught a couple of their songs before leaving but have seen them more than a few times. Overall could have been a pretty damn good free show if I concentrated a bit more. I don't usually spend more time socializing outside htan in front of hte band, but thats kind of what happened.

Fri 7/29 -- Teenage Fanclub at First Ave. This band can get a pretty loud sound for being a pop band. Never get tired of the in between song banter because I love the scottish accent. I actually prefer Raymond's voice to Norman's but all three are very talented. Highlights of the show were Alcoholiday, Sparky's Dream and Your Love Is The Place Where I Come From. All the new stuff sounded great and it was defintely worth the ticket price.

Sat 7/30 -- Two shows actually. Started out at the free show at the Foundry. There I was able to catch Falcon Crest, RentMoneyBig (aka Supergender) and the Stnnng. Because of the time I thought this was going to be an outdoor show. I was wrong, they just set up in this cool dive bar and the regulars had to cross the bands to hit the bathroom, a couple of accidents almost happened. Falcon Crest always puts out a great sound. That band is always on and I enjoy catching them any chance I get. I'm a fan of RentMoneyBig and they are the main reason I went. Out of Lincoln, NE they have a great sound, lots of energy and an overall great preformance every time I've seen them. Wish I had more money to finally pick up the CD, one day it will happen. The Stnnng was the last act I saw and while I don't like them as much as the other two bands their still an act to catch. Chris is always all over the place with his vocals and energetic demeanor. The drums and guitar are very tight.

The Foundry show was an early one and was done around 10. From there I caught the last of Mark Mallman's 7 nights at the Hexagon. Again another free show only this one was packed. With them was Vicious Vicious. Both bands are the power pop type. Vicious Vicious' singer has a voice that reminds me of a cross between John from Cake and Kevin from Better Than Ezra. The vocals are good but the backing music is pretty bland for my tastes, though I see why people really enjoy their sets. Their show starts out a bit slow and eases into some more rockin songs that show the true potential of the band. Now if they can just take that and run with it, they could really make something of themselves. Mark Mallman puts on a pretty good show for that type of music. Climbing around while still playing piano and really pushing all he's got into it. I'm glad I was able to check out one of his nights despite being around a bunch of people that you could tell pretty much just wanted to be seen there.

Wednesday, July 27, 2005

July 19-23

As time goes I'm less and less creative with posts. Pretty much just state the band and maybe whether or not I think you should go see them. Here's another week long update.

7/19 -- The last Coffin Cheaters show at the Uptown Bar. Not necessarily a great band but fun, fast songs and I'm really glad I made their last show. Not a huge crowd but the people there were very into it.

7/20 -- Back at the Uptown Bar for Six Six Crush. Missed openers Black Strap and heard they were great. Stateline Motel in my opinion has some real potential. I think their guitar player/back up vox has a good rock voice. Wouldn't mind hearing him front a side project. And of course Six Six Crush. Well I've said it all before, they rock, go see them, NOW.

7/21 -- Since I missed Black Strap the night before I headed to Big V's. I was able to see them with Bloodcow who were fucking awesome. My friend described them as Pantera with a sense of humor, but damn so much fun. Very energetic great quick vocals with a more metal guitar. And a great drummer keeps them together well. Black Strap's set was almost chaos on stage but in a good way. Their songs last maybe a minute long but are fast and loud with some very mixed up vocals. Rich's guitar playing really stands out in this band and its great to see this kind of action on stage. A MUST SEE.

7/22 -- Friday night I ventured to the Nomad and checked out Steve Poltz. A nice acoustic set which was a break from what I've been seeing lately. Cool laid back PBR guzzling time. Guy does a good cover of "Skyway" as well. Supposedly he was pan handling out front before the show. Cool down to earth guy.

7/23 -- Went to the Panty Huffers show at the Uptown Bar. Missed the Squabs which sucks but I hope to check them out again soon. Jehovah's Shitlist is ok but not what I was there to see. I was outside when the Panty Huffers started and walked in to a thong clad Rob running out the door. He was in his normal rock star form that night. All over the uptown bar he was outside singing, climbing on tables slithering across the floor and just exuding energy. So much fun to see Rob perform. The Panty Huffers are definitely a local favorite of mine.

Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Yes, more shows

Friday was Six Six Crush at the Urban Wildlife. Obviously, I go to see this band a lot. They're really good. But it was weird being at the Urban Wildlife. Their venue isn't open so it was just the band playing in a corner. It worked out cause Six Six Crush can rock any venue, but it was just a very up close tight situation. They didn't let it get to them and rocked anyone who happened to be in the area. Tonight they're playing the Uptown Bar and it should be a great fucking show.

Sunday was Blowfly at the Triple Rock.



The original Dirty Rapper. Lets just say he was all I expected him to be. Fly flashy suit, young white guys in his band and all about the pussy. I've never heard more songs about pussy in one night before. He's into the ladies and he'll tell everyone of them about it. It was a little weird with the crowd being pretty smally so it was easier for him to point people out, plus he's getting up there in age (how many times can you watch an old man grab himself? The answer is many!) but I was definitely still entertained by it.

Tuesday night was the Coffin Cheaters last show. Not the greatest band out there but their songs are fun, their guitars quick and we will miss them. They played their punk sped up version of Dead Flowers but for some reason was hearing Color Me Impressed in the guitars. I kept hearing "Intoxicated lover ending our french kiss. Can you stand me on my feet?" Not a huge turn out but definitely a crowd that appreciated them for who they are and that made it great.

Friday, July 15, 2005

Framin', Spittin', Gamblin'

Last night was the Riverboat Gamblers at the Triple Rock with The Spits and The A-Frames. I missed most of the A Frames set but have always liked what I've heard from those guys. The Spits had me movin and I was into their sound. Vocals a little Joey Ramonesque but the music wasn't as much of a knock off. Ski masks, robot suited keyboard players and loud guitars really got me into their show. I'll be looking forward to seeing these guys again. The headliners, of course the Riverboat Gamblers were a mass of energy as normal. Mike was all over the Triple Rock jumping at the crowd running toward the bar, standing on railings. Even climbing walls which lead to a gash in his arm due to a run in with an Exit sign. The two fine ladies I was with are an EMT and an ER nurse. They stitched him up and brought him to the ER. Such a fun show and the crowd was definitely into despite that heat and humidity that has been Mpls for the past week or so. Seven days in a row of 90+ degrees. Its pretty much just gross. Overall great show, great Thursday night. Well worth the $10 to get in.

Tuesday, July 12, 2005

Catching Up

Ok so I haven't been motivated to post anything, which doesn't seem to matter a whole lot. I left off with the Drinking With Ian taping on Sunday June 27th.

Wed 6/29: Took a couple of nights to myself and got back to the music with the Acoustic Garage Sale. This is a garage sale for charity that usual features quite a few vendors as well as a long list of musical acts. It wasn't very advertised and there were very few vendors. I was able to pick up some cool vinyl and a couple of posters. Grant Hart went on with a rant regarding his thoughts on our Governor and of course the President. He also stated for the record that he himself is an asshole and wanted to make sure everyone was aware. It was quite interesting. Other good performances I caught were Rich Mattson and Whorehouse, featuring members of the Midnight Evils and TC Howlers. Great acoustic cover of ZZ Top's Thank You.

Thur 6/30: Groovie Ghoulies at the Triple Rock. Got their late so I only saw the Ghoulies but as always a really fun show. I catch these guys everytime they come to town.

Sun 7/3: Crazy as it sounds, actually took Friday and Saturday off and just hit bars and did a movie night. Kind of relaxing but by Sunday I was going through withdrawl. And lucky I had Bob Mould to help out with that. He played at the Taste of MN and did a solo plugged in set. It was great to hear his new stuff as well as some great Sugar and Husker Du songs. Will never get sick of hearing Husker Du songs. Really looking forward to him bringing the full band in September to First Ave. Also planning on hitting Austin City Limits where he will be playing.

Monday 7/4: Dillinger Four at the Triple Rock. Great way to celebrate the 4th of July. Missed Metallagher who does Metallica covers with a guy dressed as Gallagher who between songs spouts lame jokes and smashes melons. Heard it was pretty damn funny. They came out for D4s encore and rocked on Master of Puppets. Off With Their Heads and Heads and Bodies were both rockin live as well. The guys in D4 announced that they found out there were only three squad cars on duty in the area so it was fuck the smoking band that night and everyone lit up. A very fun energetic show.

Wed 7/6: Took Tuesday as my only night off this week and was back to the Turf Club on Wednesday to see Maps of Norway. The bill was really wierd with some god awful jazz fushion thing that couldn't get their timing right as openers. Then Maps rocked in their normal fun as hell get you moving sort of way. After them was a sort of neu metal band called Angelic Animosity. Yeah its in the name. Their drummer though did have a bit of a resemblance to Walter Sobchak. We didn't stay for the final band, we found out they had horns and a manual lawn mower and that was enough for us to hit the door.

Thu 7/7: Wayne "The Train" Hancock at Lee's. A nice mellow hillbilly kind of a night. The rockabilly scenesters were definitely out for this one though too busy wanting to look cool and be scene to actually dance, but thats a whole other issue. Always a good time seeing Wayne. He too will be at the Austin City Limits Festival.

Fri 7/8: Tonight was the night of all nights. I love it when I can get in two shows. Six Six Crush was opening for the TC Howlers and The Spokes at the 400 Bar. We were able to see Six Six Crush, than the Howlers and head over to the Triple Rock where we caught Velcro Lewis and headlining was the Midnight Evils. Great performances by all bands and a rockin Friday evening.

Sat 7/9: Signal to Trust and the Stnnng at Big V's. Haven't seen these two bands play together since the lunch show in the Entry just after First Ave reopened. Signal had a new drummer and he proved to fit in perfectly. Always great to see these two high energy bands show their stuff. Especially in a cool place like Big V's.

Mon 7/11: Another night of two shows. Started out with a free ticket to see The Subhumans with From Ashes Rise. Both bands are hard, fast punk rock. From Ashes Rise is rumored to be on their last tour and it was great to be blown away by them once more. The Subhumans who's last show here was canceled due to visa problems was definitely in form. Always look forward to hearing Reason For Existence and was not disappointed. The whole set was tight, fast and loud. All ages show with a great crowd fully into it. After that show it was over to the Turf club. Celebrating the birthday of Vandy from the Midnight Evils with sets from Guided By Budweiser (GBV cover band, Pollard would be proud) and a plugged in set from Vandy and Co who were called Whorehouse at the acoustic garage sale but I'm not sure what last night. Some great covers of tunes by Dylan, ZZ Top, Stones, etc.

....and I'm spent. Ha, that should get me caught up

Monday, June 27, 2005

DWI

Last night was a filming of Drinking With Ian. Its a cable access show hosted but the ever entertaining Ian Rans. Three episodes were filmed giving us a free shot per episode (or two in some cases). The musical guests were POS, Building Better Bombs, and the always rockin Midnight Evils. The interviews were informing and the shorts and haikus hilarious. A great evening of taping and a good group of people there. The show can be seen on MCN channel 6 Thursday nights at 12:30 and Tuesday nights at 10 on MCN 16. There were no drunken appearances by me this time but still a good time to be had. Everyone should check out the show and the next taping at the 7th St Entry.

Afterwards there was a party at the house the host lives in as well as others that work on the show and work at First Ave. Free beer and a birthday too be celebrated it was a great time despite being a Sunday night. These people definitely know how to have a good time. Thanks for everyone involved.

TC Rock @ The Terminal

A great line up at the Terminal Bar on the 23rd which consisted of The Shockers, Six Six Crush and headlining was the TC Howlers.

The Shockers were stellar and definitely fit the bill. I'm not in a very descriptive mood but they brought the rock and had some pretty good vocals backed by a loud guitar (yeah I know thats pretty vague). Supposedly I knew the guy on vox but don't really remember that.

Six Six Crush, what can I say that I haven't already said? These guys are great. Cool people and hard rockin. Plus the mixing of Seth and Bob on vox just works so well. They were on Out of Step on radio K this past Saturday. Future shows are July 8th at the 400 Bar (with TC Howlers) and July 20th at the Uptown Bar. I'm sure I'll be in attendance at both.

TC Howlers were the headliners and definitely brought the rock in Midnight Evils fashion. The guitars were quick and loud and they had a member sporting a Keith Richards hairdo and the tightest pants I've seen on what looked like a 15 year old. Desite the age issue he kept up well and the band sounded great. I'll be seeing these guys any chance I get. A rockin good time.

Chicks and Cellos

So I went to see Matson Jones and Maps of Norway at the Triple Rock on the 20th. Maps of Norway were their usual kick ass selves. They have some great vocals but I see them just wanting to explode. They want to just dive in and rock their asses off. They hold back but not in a way that hurts their music at all. They have a lot of energy and strong sets and enjoy seeing them as much as possible.

Matson Jones is a band from a town just north of Denver, CO. I was told about this band by a friend in the Denver area. They're a four peice that consists of two lady cellists, and guy on the stand up bass and a great male drummer. Its been quite a while since I've seen a band without a guitar and really dug it. These ladies knew how to rock their cellos and definitely had beautiful vocals. But it was really all held together by a very talented drummer who was a force on the skins. I have their self titled cd and would recommend it to most people.

Friday, June 17, 2005

It's Gettin Out Of Hand

Wednesday night was Plate O Shrimp at the Triple Rock.

The line up had Mark of the Underdog headlining who were a younger group of guys that Plate O Shrimp and the Unstuck gave the headline spot to for support. Also on the bill was a band called 4130.

4130 opened and I wasn't very impressed with this band. Their vocals didn't seem to match up with the speed and sound their guitar was pulling off and it never really synched for me.

Plate -O- Shrimp played next followed by the Unstuck. These two bands have a split 7" out right now that I know for sure is at Treehouse Records and possibly Extreme Noise.

Mark of the Underdog is genuine pop music and they definitely had my foot tapping. Their songs have some good guitar backing with keyboard that subtle in the best way. I'm sure these guys are going to do very well in Minneapolis.

"And I Know The Only Change Is A Bullet In Your Brain"

Tuesday night was a great line up at Big V's with Falcon Crest headlining followed by the Observers, the Clorox Girls, The Fuck Yeahs and a fifth opening band, who's name escapes me at the moment.

The openers (name will be corrected later) were from Atlanta, GA and the first impression was a good one. They had a noisy guitar sound that kept you very focused on what was happening on stage. Their songs were longer than the average 2 minute punk song and a few seemed to drag but overall a good performance. Though the drum solo while very long and well lit was a bit much for my taste. One day the drummer will do his solo justice.

Next up were The Fuck Yeahs who as usual played a quick tight punk rock set. Complete with Paddy losing his shirt. They did what they do best and never cease to entertain me. The switching up of vocalist really works for this band, A great addition to any bill, yeah ANY bill.

I had heard a lot about how great the Clorox Girls are and have listened to an album of theirs but wasn't extremely knowledgable on their music. After what I had heard I was expecting to be blown away. Good music, good guitars though I have to say the album was more rockin than the show. I'm not saying I didn't enjoy their set, I did but I had gone it with a pretty high standard for these guys. That being said I would still recommend their stuff to most anyone.

I was there to see The Observers and was not disappointed. Their guitars are powerful and they had great energy. Both bass player and vocalist were all over the place and really put everything they had behind their sound. I almost didn't go to the show because a friend had bailed on me and I would be going solo but I'm so glad I didn't miss their set. I was very impressed and hope they come back soon. They have a couple of California dates then they're actually heading to Europe. I'm sure they'll do great there.

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Honey @ The Hex

Friday night was the Divebomb Honey at the Hexagon Bar. I had never been to the Hexagon before and I really enjoyed the place. If only because its the stereotypical dive bar. But the drinks were pretty cheap and the crowd very interesting. Nothing like some good people watching with your rock on a Friday night.

The opening bands were definitely not of my taste. Les Ourses was pretty easy for me to ignore but they were the type of band that just had a snare and a cymbal and the drummer stood up. Both bands were pretty artsy, the second being Haunted House who I'm sorry I found to be just terrible. A mess of music that should have been brought together by the fact that they had two drummers, but it just didn't happen. One of the drummers hid his head behind a fraggle rock drum that he carried on his shoulder the whole set. I didn't get the significance of it but, for some reason he seems to enjoy that.

The Divebomb Honey are a great band with a lot of energy and Sheela's vocals are strong and fun. The combination of her, the keyboards and the talent on guitar kept me rocking the whole time (sorry I'm not a reviewer thats the best you're going to get out of me.) The band has a great sound and very well written songs. The keyboards, pulled out a dramatic one finger attack during their last song. Calling out anyone who plays guitar in a punk band, "I can do it with one finger!" even lifting the keyboard behind his head again using the one finger. It was hilarious being that I was there with a bass player in two bands.

Wednesday, June 08, 2005

Ode to Mpls

The Hold Steady @ First Ave

I avoided the crowd, heat and rain and skipped out on the Hold Steady show at Grand Old Days on Sunday. I had heard such great things about the show, how energetic it was an how great Craig played and sang. I had huge high hopes for the show at First Ave. I'll have to say I was a bit disappointed. I like the Hold Steady, I like the sound and I dig the lyrics. But to me that show was just like listening to the album at home. Well add Craigs dorky dancing (which I like) and a few comments about how great mpls is and that was about it. I talked to a lot of people that thought the show was so fucking great and were extremely happy. I guess I've been going to too many punk shows lately and just thought it was lacking the energy it could have had. Or maybe it was my longing for the old days of local Lifter Puller. I probably just wasn't in the mood and that hurt my perception of things. But the fact that I was standing next to the speakers and cold have a full conversation with my friend was not a good sign. There's no way I should have been able to hear her. And Craig said how playing the First Ave mainstage was a dream come true, well you did it last summer too at the City Pages 25th Anniversary show. They made it seem like they had never played the stage. Plus come on Lifter Puller has graced that stage, I'm sure of it.

Oh well, I don't deny that the band is great and I can really get into the music. Just not sure I adored the show as so many others did. Wasn't horrible and it was a good Monday evening completely with whiskey and walking. And there were some people in the crowd that I liked and hung out with so not an overall bad night. I would still highly recommend picking up Separation Sunday or The Hold Steady Almost Killed Me.

A new feat has been accomplished

Misery played at the Uptown Bar for the first time ever on Friday 6/3. And they brought with them a great bill of The Bullets, The Squabs and Six Six Crush. As always I gush over Six Six Crush. Great band with a punk metal sound that just plain rocks. The Uptown Bar has a fog machine so it was really weird to see the guys use it but definitely added an element.

The Squabs were on that night. A harder faster version of alt country and Rich was really hitting the vocals hard. It was obvious he knew he was in the company of greatness and was going to prove his worth.

I spent most of the bullets set hanging out with friends outside but what I did hear was tight and quick. Wish I would have paid more attention but this was definitely a social night. There were so many cool people there that I was able to catch up with.

Misery, I really like Misery and they proved why the Uptown Bar has been stupid in not booking them all these years. They are labeled as Crust but I don't feel comfortable using that term. Check out Next Time by them and definitely get to a show when possible.

Thursday, June 02, 2005

Ramones @ Lees and Six Six @ Tri Rock

So a pretty slow music week for me. On Friday the 27th was the annual Ramones tribute show at Lee's Liquor Lounge. As always it had quite a line up:

Plate -O- Shrimp
Mammy Nuns
Panty Huffers
Umbrella Bed
The Little Ramonas
Telephone
The Fillmores
Trailer Park Queen
Henry

I'm sure I'm forgetting a few but thats what I'm remembering. I missed Trailer Park Queen which I am pretty sad because I heard her Ramones parody was great. She turned Gaba Gaba Hey into Yabba Dabba Do. The Little Ramonas I really didn't like, thought the vocals were terrible. Oh well they just got together for this shindig. The Panty Huffers brought the rock as normal and got joined by Bob Murderer. There was beer poured on rock stars and everything. It was great. The Mammy Nuns are a band I don't like, despite their Bob song that gives props to Dylan, Stinson and Dunlap. They played this slowed down almost country like version of Sheena Is A Punk Rocker that just pissed me off. Others liked it but I declare that I should never not want to dance to that song. And I didn't want to dance to that song. Umbrella Bed was actually really cool as well. I'm not big into Ska but they really made those songs sound good. Hear they also did amazing things at the Clash tribute. Overall great performance by them. Then my friends in Plate O Shrimp owned the stage ripping through Ramones songs and playing I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You, which may be simple but I love that song. Wonderful whiskey filled night of rockin ramones!

Last night Six Six Crush got a headlining spot at the Triple Rock. They played with Racketball, Casket Life and Sofa Kingdom. I can't tell you how much I like Six Six Crush. They have so much energy and just rock your balls off (if you've got em, and I don't). I think they could be really big in this scene and are already really known. Their next show is friday at the Uptown Bar opening for Misery, On A Pale Horse, The Bullets and The Squabs. Should be a great night of rock.

Wednesday, May 25, 2005

Birthday Gal

So this past Sunday was my birthday. And what a weekend it was. Friday started out with my friend just telling me not to plan anything that her and I were going out. She picked me up and we went to Tony Jaro's for a greenie. At Tony Jaro's was my best friend Amanda who had flown in from California to surprise me. And boy did it do that. She was there with another friend I had played softball with growing up. We had a couple of drinks and decided to move on since there was a hideous girl group all tan and sparkly that had just entered. We decided to move on to Gasthof's home of Das Boot. There friends and family were waiting for me and there was quite the party. I would say we went through 6 boots and so much sniff snuff I was blowing brown snot for days. It was a great time and a very big surprise. Some family and friends pitched in and got me an Ipod Mini as well which was very cool.

Saturday I had lunch with some family after having to work for a brief bit in the morning. But Saturday night The Mighty Mofo's were playing at the 7th St Entry. One of my favorite local bands at my favorite venue. I was so happy. I knew this was going to be the ultimate celebration. The night started with 241s at the Leaning Tower with three friends. My friend Alycia and I decided that since it was so nice out we were going to walk to the club. And such a great walk it was. The Hos were out in record numbers in downtown minneapolis. Gals in their matching outfits of black pants and just a different colored sparkly halter top. The guys all in light jeans and different color collard shirts. They really all dress and look exactly alike. Alycia in her camoflauge pants, combat boots and moto primo sweatshirt and I in my plain black tshirt, ragged long john shirt underneath and dirty chuck taylors were obviously quite the opposite of these people, and we couldn't be more proud. We tried hooking up said groups of guys in girls so they could become matching couples, but they didn't see the humor in it that we did. We also passed by the wretched Barfly which has taken space in the Skyway theatre. Hideous neon peace sign earrings accented afghan shirts and ladies in hawaiian lays, our brains were going nuts with the people watching. But we did also compliment the few ladies we saw that we could tell were comfortable with themselves, weren't anorexic and were just beautiful people. So we were nice too.

We got to the club and the Floorshakers were on who were pretty good. They fit a bill well with the Mighty Mofos. Its rock and you can dance to it. We caught some of it and retreated to the mainroom due to its air conditioning. The Entry was so hot and nasty. There we had some drinks and met THE Billy Batson of the Mofos. Alycia reminded him of her birthday antics as he was doing sound that night in the Entry. He was very impressed by her and asked her when she was starting a band. I hope she does it. But I did get to converse with the man which was very cool. The night became very drunken with free drinks from friends and staffers at first ave. Lots of whiskey. The Loose Rails were up after the Floorshakers and were a bit too poppy and just not my type of band. So we retreated to the mainroom to cool off and to dance. There was no one dancing so we owned the floor. I don't dance well but since my friend Kim and I were drunk enough, it didn't matter. Next up the Mofos. Oh man I can never get enough of this band. I didn't stop dancing from start to finish and I was right in Billy's face. I had a group of pals around me and we had a blast. After the show Alycia and I hit the office in First Ave with some friends. I met the bookers Nate and Sonia. We hung out with guys from the Midnight Evils. Billy came in and thanked Alycia and I for our dancing which was really cool. The dork that I am said, "Well thanks for giving me something to dance to." As the Mofos finished my friend John turned to me and said it best, "We're so lucky to live in a city where we're able to go to shows like the Mofos, the Midnight Evils and Arcwelder, all the time." Amen brother, I love mpls.

Ok so post show Alycia and I go to the place where one of the guys in the Midnight Evils lives, also joining us was Nate, one of the bookers from first ave. We hang out on their awesome deck cause its so beautiful outside, have some beers, some smoke and hear some great stories about different bands playing the venue and how the booker is good friends with Mike Watt. I was in my element. And we were there til roughly 5am.

The next morning, actual birthday, got up and did beer for breakfast at the CC Club with a few friends. Was fried from the previous night so was quite lazy. My dad came over and he had bought me a new stereo which was amazing. We got a lot of that hooked up and met my brother for dinner at the Tower. Then it was a chill night. I had drank enough the past two nights so I met some friends for ice cream and just hung out outside. It was a great birthday, the best I've ever had.

Friday, May 13, 2005

The Hearse at Lee's

So its been a slow week because I feel like shit and I have very little money after my Orlando jaunt. In fact I'll probably be selling some CDs in the morning to keep my night life going and my gas tank full. Last night was Hot Rod Hearse at Lee's Liquor Lounge. They opened for The Knotwell's. Hot Rod Hearse is a pretty straight forward Rockabilly/Psychobilly band. Fun sounds, great bass player and just an overall good show. The Knotwells seem more torn. They got a bit of Hillbilly, Psychobilly and then there's a Nick Cave sounding aspect to them. Pretty good band, though as a friend pointed out to me doing what the Amish Armada do, only not as well. I was expecting a better crowd because the show was free and it was a Thursday night. Sadly most of the people there were either in one of the bands or dating someone in the bands. There were still some people that got down and danced to The Knotwells. Very crazily I might add and one of them fell over right in front of me. But hey at least they're into it and they're moving.

Tonight I'll be off to the turf club for the Virgin Whores, The Squabs, Off With Their Heads and Fighter Heyabusa. And since I really really like The Squabs, this should be a great time. Despite the cold and lack of funds.

Tuesday, May 10, 2005

Because that's how I roll

Since 12 Paul Westerberg shows since last November is never enough, I did make the journey for the last scheduled show for him so far. This was at the House of Blues in Orlando, yeah Downtown Disney. Yes I was in Florida hell. Buildings in pink, peach, teal and wicker every where I looked. Sure it was warm and very nice outside but there was also screaming kids and geriatrics in hawaiian shirts as far as the eye could see. How Mr. Westerberg's booking agent could choose this as a last stop is really an inconceivable thought to me.

With Loni by my side again we were ready to make the shortest Florida vacation possible for a midwesterner. We were on a plane at 8 am departing for Orlando on Sunday morning. We got on another plane at 6am Monday morning heading back. Not even a full 24 hours in the state. We stayed at the lovely Grosvenor Resort.



Yes that building is pink and in the distance is downtown disney and a very round Planet Hollywood. Here we met up with fellow Westerberg fan, Richard, who could be the coolest Canadians I've ever met. Though I'm pretty sure I've only met 4 or 5. I met him at the Milwaukee and Chicago shows, I met Loni in Chicago as well. The day started out with Whiskey by the pool and too much swearing around little kids. Because when you're quoting the Big Lebowski you can't avoid statements like "I would have fucked you in the ass Saturday. I fuck you in the ass next Wednesday instead." After saying that I realized there were about five 3-6 year olds well within earshot. I hope when they were getting tucked into bed that night they said "Daddy what does fuck you in the ass mean?" "Well honey its something Daddies do to Mommies when they've been bad girls." Eight year olds Dude.

Ok back to subject. After a $10 cab ride that took us less than a mile (hey we were lazy and we had been drinking, fuck walking), we arrived at the House of Blues. Being that we're dorks and this is the last show we get in line to make sure we're up close. And yes we were close, only the stage in front of us. Which was a monstrosity being that it stood I would say about 4 feet off the ground. The whole show I was either looking up Westerbergs nose or getting splashed with his spit. But determined to rock out, I don't think I stopped moving the whole show. The curtains opened promptly at 8, which was shocking on its own. The set was very tight with few covers and songs I haven't heard much such as Don't Want Never, Man Without Ties, Black Diamond, Lush and Green and Folkstar, which smokes live by the way. There were problems with his amp and when a guitar just wasn't working for him he gave it a kiss and smashed it giving some fans a few really cool souvenirs. He held up the bridge and said how much is this worth to you guys, I yelled out my plane ticket back to mpls, but he didn't hear it and someone else got the bridge.

A woman we had met in line had a Hootenanny album that she had signed by him in 93. Despite me telling her not to do this she handed it to him while he was on stage and had him sign it. He signed something else for someone as well and I just thought, what the hell are you people doing, wait for the damn meet and greet. In line I met quite a few people. There was a woman that I had talked with at a show in LA and another woman who was doing a documentary. She was also at the LA show, she had Paul autograph her arm and later turned that into a tattoo. I love you're music Paul but don't think I would ever have your name tattooed on my body. Lyrics could be cool, like Jodi's I Will Dare tattoo. There was also a few fellow MWT posters and most of them were even staying in the same hotel as us. I'm sure 95% of the front row of fans were us and other out of towners. Florida was not represnting Westerberg fans well. The venue had a capacity of 2300 and when doors opened only 300 tickets had been sold. I would say there were maybe 450-500 people in attendance. It was quite shocking but I'm sure helped in me being able to be at the front of the crowd.

Later we did the meet and greet. Richard who had gotten a pass for after show was cool enough to stick out the line with us instead. We talked to Paul briefly while he was sitting on the steps of his bus. He told us that he saw us rocking out (my term not his) and that it really keeps him going and said how much he appreciated it. I was so happy, especially because I argue to people all the time that the crowd really effects the performance and it helps to show the band that you're into it. He signed my ticket stubs and we mentioned how someone thought we deserved passes in NY and showed him that we were given them. We then asked if we could talk to Michael Bland. He had told Loni via a private message to stop by and say hi. I had previously talked to him in Milwaukee and wanted to say hi as well. Paul let us up on the bus and Michael was so nice and happy to see us, especially Loni. So yeah we hung on the bus for quite a while. Jim Boquist introduced himself which was cool because I'm sure he's seen me at many of the 13 shows I attended. He was a very nice guy and told me that he appreciated us coming to the shows. He put on some good Stones tunes and hung with us for a bit. Michael told us a story about Jim and Paul filling plastic wiffle ball type balls with lighter fluid, lighting them up and throwing them down the aisle of the bus at each other. I thought that was great, I wanted them to do that right then and there. Imagine being the bus driver and peeking in your rear view mirror to little balls of fire flying around the bus. Oh to be in a band on tour.

Paul spent most of his time doing the meet and greet so I didn't get to talk to him on the bus, which is fine because I would have only said something stupid. It did feel kind of weird hanging out where Paul Westerberg was wandering around stuff. Just being chill with him there. At one point he was walking back to the door of the bus to go talk to more people and I just kind of looked down as he was walking by me not to be the obvious staring fan geek and he was doing this weird little jig with his hands, he was in a good mood, and just kind of scratched the top of my head. You know the kind of thing a friend does as they pass by and even though they have nothing to say they acknowledge you. So yeah I am a geeky fan girl and am still kind of dorking out over that. Richard leaned over to me and said something like "you just got adorned." I'm not sure what the word was cause I was in a bit of awe. Someone who I admire so much was being that casual with me. Jim too was that cool about things, very friendly to some fan who was hanging out. They're great people.

So after chatting for quite a while the three of us got a ride back to our hotel. We ordered some pizza and again sat by the pool drinking whiskey. By this point it was about one am and Loni and I had to catch a shuttle to the airport around 4 so we knew sleep was pointless. So the fabulous night ended with about a 45 minute long movie quoting session featuring such movies as Repo Man, Spinal Tap, the Big Lebowski of course and Office Space. Our plane left Orlando at 5:50 am, we had a slight layover in Atlanta and was back in mpls by 9:30 and at work by 11:30. Why? Because thats how I roll.

Saturday, May 07, 2005

Glam night

Last night I went to the Triple Rock to see the Filthy Divine and All The Pretty Horses. Filthy Divine has taken more a poppy turn and I'm not sure I'm digging it. Viva does have a great voice but I ended up going to the bar side for half of their show. But I was also keeping tabs on a really drunk friend.

I really really enjoy All The Pretty Horses. They have a good sound and put on a show worth checking out. There's a documentary about the singer called Venus of Mars that I haven't seen yet but is supposed to be really good. Here's a brief description of the documentary and may make you understand All The Pretty Horses if you haven't heard of them:

VENUS OF MARS
The eye-catching transgender singer of a Minneapolis glam rock band and her wife negotiate the frontiers of love and gender.

On stage, wearing a vinyl corset and stiletto boots, s/he's Venus, lead singer of the glam rock band All The Pretty Horses. At home in Minneapolis with Lynette, her wife of twenty years, s/he's Steve. Born male, Venus is transgender. S/he's "in between" — taking female hormones, but not planning to have sexual reassignment surgery. To some, s/he's a pioneer, courageously exploring a brave new world of gender identity, free of categorization. To others, s/he's a freak. VENUS OF MARS is both the unique coming out story of Venus' gender-redefining journey, and the truly contemporary love story of a couple weathering dramatic changes in uncharted relationship territory.

There was a pretty good crowd at the TriRock for it, comprised mostly of lesbians, one of which tried to make out with my friend and was briefly successful. But people were into the show and the band put forth another stellar performance. Its so refreshing to see a band do something more than sit on stage and go through motions so this was something I really needed.

After the show we had to make the drunken white castle run and then watched Velvet Goldmine, so yes it was a glam filled night. Anyone who isn't familiar with Velvet Goldmine should check out the movie and even more important the sound track. Really great stuff from random artists cover some of glam's greatests.

Wednesday, May 04, 2005

How do you get old people off the phone?

I'm right now listening to an old woman tell me about her favorite book series. After repeatedly telling her I can't help her find out of print books. She actually used the term wah hooey. I guess thats old for fuckin' a! Ha thats not nice. But this call is going on 16 minutes. And I can't be mean and say hey listen I have other things to do. But I need to get off the damn phone. This gives you an idea of the people I have to deal with on a daily basis. I can't tell you how many times I've said thats interesting and tried concluding the conversation but this woman will have none of that. I now know more about this historical romance writer than I have ever cared to.

Oh great going on 20 minutes and now I'm hearing what her mother taught her when she was younger. She beat the nice into this old woman. Oh wow, people why do you think I want to hear all this. Ok 23 minutes and 49 seconds. This was a work call and I can't tell you how boring it was and I'm more than obvious. I don't mean to make derogatory comments about older people but she really needed someone to entertain her.

Tuesday, May 03, 2005

"Checkin' His Stash by the Trash at St. Mark's Place."

A week ago I hopped a plane with another Westerberg fan to NYC for two shows. We left Tuesday morning and came back Thursday morning. It was a quick jaunt to a city I hadn't been to in about 10 years. And what a Westerberg filled two days it was.

After getting to the city and getting settled in our hostel we made our way to the Tribeca Film Festival for Aurora Borealis. This film is based in Minneapolis and has a character (juliette lewis) who moved to Mpls because of the Replacements and in search of Paul Westerberg. This was a very small part of the movie. The rest of the movie was based on Joshua Jackson's character getting his act together, helping take care of his dying grandfather (Donald Sutherland) and dating a new woman (Lewis). Other than Donald Sutherland's acting I didn't really care for this movie. The love relationship between Jackson and Lewis' characters is way too much like Good Will Hunting. Also being that I have a deep love for the city I live in, I was appaled by their portrayal of Mpls. Ok we're really not stuck in the 50's and its not snowing all the time. Plus they make us look like we're all white trash Vikings worshippers, and trust me we aren't. Even the characters talk about hating Mpls and how there's nothing to do here. Which is sad because I find a lot of people have a loyalty to the city. Also hang with me for even two nights and I'll show you that mpls has a fuckin lot to offer. Bullshit. Ok back on focus. At the end of the movie there is someone that plays Westerberg per his refusal to be in the movie. They do have his clothes on and the hair is kind of similar but they were really off. First he's driving, PW does not drive, doesn't have a license. So now they have him driving this douchebag el camino muscle type car thats loud and obnoxious. And of course he's honking at Lewis and she calls him a prick. The credits hadn't rolled yet but we still left after laughing at that horrible depiction.

That night we met up with some fellow fans from MWT at the Collins Bar which is right by the venue and also by our hostel. We got some pre show whiskey a hot dog at the stand out front and then proceeded to the show. The show was a rather loose show but ripping through such greats as Stain Yer Blood, Skyway, Making Me Go, Knockin On Mine, Alex Chilton, Left of the Dial, Merry Go Round, Someone Take The Wheel, with covers of Live Forever, Whipping Post, Different Drum and the ever amazing cover BORSTAL BREAKOUT (obviously not in this order). I love that they played a Sham 69 song and man did they rock doing it. I also love when they cover I Got A Mind To Give Up Living by BB King which I did get in that first show. And man was Kevin Bowe smoking on the guitar during that song. We even got about 3 seconds of Customer. Very interesting, I think I'll leave that one to the Mats. Everything was far from the normal order at the shows I've been to and I really really really enjoyed that.

One of the people we were hanging out with pre show had gotten kicked out of the show due to a brawl with the bouncers that was taken to the streets. It also had a cameo by Christian Slater, but it's not my story to tell so we're going to leave it at that. So we met up with this friend back at the Collins Bar for some more post show Whiskey. This would be the bar of the trip.

Day two was spent wandering in the East Village. Walked over to CBGBs and stood on Joey Ramone place, of course while wearing my Ramones shirt cause thats how much of a geek I am. From there we stopped by Generation Records which I thoroughly enjoyed. I could have spent the whole day there. Picked up a Zeke CD and when thumbing through some of the punk section I found a Midnight Evils cd (local Mpls band, see many previous posts). From there our wandering lead us to St. Mark's place. This is a very cool street filled with punk shops and jewelry, misc stands galore. It was very cool to check the stash at St. Mark's. Trash and Vaudeville, Search and Destroy and countless other t shirt shops. If I had more money I would have bought so much. I spent my money at a thrift shop where I found a dickies shirt that was $40 in a trendy shop, for only $8. Quite the deal if you ask me.

Now to show. Again pre show drinks at Collins Bar. Get to the show and worm our way as close as we can. And can I say that this show was so damn amazing. The band was tight the set was great and the crowd finally got into it. Now I can't go to one of these shows without rocking out because its just that great. And its hard for me to see people standing around with such greatness in front of them. Well finally somone understood. While waiting in line a big black security who couldn't even remember PW's name was saying how loud the music was and that he didn't understand how people could just stand there and watch it. AMEN! I wanted to hug the guy. Me and my traveling buddy wanted tshirts made with his face on it. Well the crowd reacted better this night. Even though someone tried to get me to stop rockin out. But he ripped through an amazing set, again playing Borstal Breakout. When he had his acoustic out he asked if there were any requests before he put it away and I yelled Things. He got in my face (because there was no gap or barrier between stage and audience) and made sure to hear what I requested. He played it, of course having to come down to ask us how to start the next verse. But I was shaking it was so cool. So fast forward to the encore. I told my friend that I would give up Alex Chilton to hear IOU because the song is so amazing live. Well I was blessed further when he came out and played Nevermind. I hadn't heard that since the Pantages shows I was jumping for joy. And what do you know after Nevermind came IOU. Those songs are so fucking wonderful live. After a ripping Left of the Dial, the mics are taken down and the amps were off but the crowd would have none of that. We yelled, we cheered whistled clapped and even though the band had already been up upstairs ready to start their aftershow business, they came back and rocked us completey with Alex Chilton and I'm telling you I have not rocked out that hard to Alex Chilton since I first heard it. It was rock n roll bliss. The crowd was so into it, I was so proud. Afterwards me and a few others hung out to try and do a meet and greet. Two girls came out from backstage and gave my traveling buddy and I their passes because they said we were awesome how into it we were and deserved to be backstage. Well the security guy didn't think so as he was trying to get everyone to leave. So no dice there. Paul came out but since it was on the street he just hopped into the cab and we didn't get to say anything. I was bumbed but was still on such a high from the show I couldn't sit still. To the bar gentlemen....

Back to Collins Bar. Its me, traveling buddy Loni, Enrique and Steve. We decide we want shots for waiting for so long for nothing to happen. Well after about 3 or 4 shots of Jack and some whiskey 7s Loni heads back to the hostel. Enrique walked her there but came back to keep partying. By the end of the night I think we had done 6 or 7 shots of Jack easily if not more. Enrique even got them to serve us after the 4 am close. Now its 4 am, and I should have been heading to the airport. But instead I along with Enrique and Steve enter a convenience store where I proceed to get the clerks opinion on the best 40 they have to offer. Out of that came two 40s of Old English, drank in the phone booth, with a homeless man trying his best to join in. Somehow we stumbled to my hostel, woke up Loni and got to the airport just in time to miss our flight. And lets just say I shouldn't have even been walking. We had to wait about 2 hours for another flight, the whole time was spent by me passed out on the floor of JFK. Not my most shining moment. But a great time overall.

Next stop...... Orlando.