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.
Monday, June 27, 2005
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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