Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Chooglin & Bridge Club @ The Entry 5/12

Heading to the Entry on a Saturday night is always enough to put me in a good mood. Made it out in time to see two bands on the bill and they were Bridge Club and Chooglin. Both bands that I have seen before but I have to say Bridge Club was definitely the star of the show tonight. I really don't go see this band enough. I wish I knew enough about them to be able to tell you what songs they played and which one I enjoyed most but I haven't familiarized myself with them on that level, yet. And I do mean yet, I will be trying to get to more of their shows in the near future. There's just something this band puts in a song that keeps me interested. Going to so many shows I can get easily distracted. But I'm pulled in with the variety in the vocals and the melody and power that comes out of the guitar work. They really have the trio thing working well for them. Normally my first suggestion would be add another guitar, but right now I'm really happy with what I'm hearing, and seeing from this band.

As far as Chooglin goes, I've seen quite a few really great sets from this band so their performances are always held to a high standard and I just don't feel that the set held up that night. There was off timing and some vocal issues. Good guys and rockin tunes, just not one of their top shows in my books.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Naked Raygun @ Triple Rock 5/4/07

Ok I'm going to be the first to admit that I wasn't extremely impressed with this show. I was glad to take advantage of the chance to see this band but they're not something I'd go out of my way for again. It is always inspiring to see a crowd so into a show but it couldn't get me any where as into the music as they were. Plus there was way too much audience participation on the vocals. Jeff looked very happy about how into things the crowd were but I did come here to hear you sing too. I also forgot that it would be an evening of "oooohh oooh ooooowhs." And honestly there's just a certain limit I can take of them. Especially with the band before them, The Methadones also having music filled with that. I've never been a fan of the Methadones, there's too much pop in their punk for me. Anyway. Again, glad I went, got a chance to see it, just wasn't really my thing.

Gore Gore Girls, Ouija Radio, Sons Of Yeah

Another great night at the 7th St Entry on 5/3/07. I pretty much appreciated all bands on this bill for their talent and strong sound. Sons of Yeah started out the show and the crowd was pretty thin at that point. Really wish there were more people as I love dancing to this band but am not much for dancing by myself. If you're reading this and haven't seen this band I highly suggest it. Yes they are all my friends but its the music that brings me to every show. Its a great 50-60s style garage rock that always keeps my toes tapping. The ever talented Ouija Radio was up next which brought a lot more people into the entry. Very progressive, very hard rockin and hard working band. Last up was the Gore Gore Girls. It was so fun to dance to this band with some good friends. And the ladies definitely had the men in the room whiping drool from their chins. They're a great blend of garage rock, sixties girls groups, rockabilly and a punk influence that can't be denied. All bands worked really well together and of course it was the Entry. That always adds a little something.

Tuesday, May 01, 2007

Out of Towners

So I've come to realize there may actually be more people out there that realize that I sometimes write about the shows I see. And my lack of posting does not equal lack of band watching because lord knows I've been out. Too much maybe. But thats a topic for a whole other meeting.

I've had the opportunity to see a number of really great bands in the plast month or two. I admit that I'm extremely stuck in my local scene and over the past month or so have seen Sons Of Yeah, Six Six Crush, Jehovah's Shitlist, Hypstrz, Bluebird, Come Ons, Virgin Whores, Birthday Suits, Lip Splitters, Ouija Radio, Norsemen, Bellevue Death Squad and 30 Second Crash (to name a few), many of them multiple times. But I've also seen a good lot of touring bands that deserve to be mentioned.

Let's start off with the Carbonas (atlanta, ga) and Pets at the Turf Club on 3.22.07. I worked until 930 and lets just say that the performance really made me kick myself for missing their earlier set at the Alamo house. I can't write a review to save my life but the energy, enthusiasm and danceability of this band really made for a grand time at the Turf. Most of the crowd consisted of the bands playing and the few fortunate enough to be out and catch the act, but there were quite a few hips shaking and I'll be looking forward to everytime they come back to mpls.

Next up I'd like to talk about Stinking Lizaveta at the Triple Rock on 4.2.07. I know I've written about this band before, but you'll keep reading it because this band is really one of my favorite bands to see live. And as always I'm amazed at the lack of people at their shows. The last three times I've seen them have been twice on tuesdays and one monday but still. This is Stinking Lizaveta people, get the fuck out to the show. And for those of you lucky enough to have caught this post, you'll be informed that they will be back on May 28th again at the Triple Rock. I promise you will not be let down. Its a prog, stoner, metal rock combination that is too fun not to experience

http://www.stinkinglizaveta.com

The next out of towners show was Madison's Screamin Cyn Cyn and the Pons teamed up with NY's Mathematicians also playing were the ever entertaining Ouija Radio. Cyn Cyn I think is a great band to get you in the mood to dance, rock out and just plain smile. Rockin tunes and great people, always a pleasure to have in town. And how do I describe Mathematicians, a little beastie boys, a little devo, a little, oh I don't know I suck at this, Elvis Costello? Yet the songs are well mathematic. They have songs that will have you moving your ass in a different way while feeling more than connected to each member. And this time they brought a light show. It was a swell time at the Hexagon that evening.

The Vicious @ Memory Lanes on 4.13.07. Yet again a band that made me wish I didn't have a 1-930 schedule because I'm sure they tore apart the Alamo. Even on a sound system at a bowling alley this swedish punk band fully lives up to their name. They're a group that I have come to adore. And with a self given description of "Graveyard Rock" you know the lyrics definitely rule, what I caught of them. I was very impressed by all musicians and all elements of this band. I really wish I had more cash to buy their 12in at the show, but in time it will come. For a great punk show, keep an eye out for The Vicious.

Two more, take a breath, bathroom break, grab some whiskey.

Clorox Girls at Triple Rock on 4.19.07. I spent the first half of the evening watching Six Six Crush at the Poodle Club that I regret I only made the last Red Dons song. This band features members of The Observers, a band I came to love after seeing at Big V's with the Clorox Girls. Anyway, sorry to miss the guys but of course got a great set from the C-Girls. Another night were I was very disappointed in the lack of attendance, but the Clorox Girls didn't lack in energy. Ryan Perry sums it up well by saying "Musically, Clorox Girls seamlessly blend strong pop beats, surf riffs, and bubble-gummy harmonies that evoke thoughts of (while from the wrong coast) some of the Ramones' sweeter love songs as well as hints of Chuck Berry and Ritchie Valens. "

Birds of Avalon at The Entry on 4.24.07. Was summoned down to the Entry when I found out the Sons Of Yeah (a band I am very devoted to) had been added to the bill at the last minute. I must say I'm definitely glad I had a reason to go to the Entry. I had sadly not heard of the Birds of Avalon and would have missed one hell of a show. They're a prog/psych band with a vocalist that I found to be exactly what I like. The band filled the stage and the Entry with a sound and show that you couldn't take your eyes off of. I really enjoyed the vocalist and had a chance to chat with him afterwards, very swell guy. Hope to see them back soon. Here's a quote off their myspace page that I found pretty truthful: "Led by a pair of guitarists who seem, by sheer force, to be powering their amplifiers rather than the other way around, Birds of Avalon make thunderous, precise rock with enough proggy smarts to keep you on your toes.” "