Friday, November 17, 2006
New York Dolls @ First Ave
Yes there are plenty of arguments you can make regarding the status of this band. Obviously they're missing a few members. And it may be tough to continue on under that name but they are still playing music of the Dolls. And while it wasn't the most exciting show I've ever been to, I had a hell of a good time. Who wouldn't want to see David Johnasen with his sparkling costume jewelry and crotch bulge thats bigger than his legs. Plus Sylvain is still there rockin out and wearing that ever awesome Max's Kansas City Belt. The guitarist filling in Johnny Thunders role was pretty much a clone with more muscle. However, playing styles are completely different. Johnny's style was always all over the place and the replacement was way to clean and precise. Had too much of a format to his playing. Not that he didn't have talent, its just a different style. Here's a couple of pics my friend got on his cell phone.
Last weekend
Friday night was Faggot at Station 4. Really don't care for that place but great people, and rockin' tunes so I decided to go. They were playing in conjunction with a peircing type convention that had people hanging from crosses that were hooked into their bodys. It was pretty intense, they looked in a bit of pain, but hey if that's their thing.
Saturday night was a drive to Madison to see Bible of the Devil at the High Noon Saloon. Now here's a place I dig, especially the $3 drink prices! And to top it off I got a room at the Hilton Monona Terrace for $66. So I got to stroll up to the lobby check in with my holey chuck taylors and a new york dolls tshirt, surrounded by people in suits and ties. I loved every minute of it. The place was very posh with an extremely comfortable bed and a most beautiful view of the capital. Dinner at Casa Lara included a 64 oz pitcher of margaritas and then on to the show just in time for Bible to start. They were definitely on that night, blistering straight through a set of aggressive rock. I even bought a tshirt. Lots of whiskey and wine later and that bed at the hilton was the right place for me.
The next day on the way home we stopped by the Land of Evermore and extremely cool sculpture garden located just outside Baraboo, WI. Anyone that makes that trip should check it out. Here's the web site: http://www.drevermor.com/ The coolest scrap metal sculptures I've ever seen. We'll definitely be going back.
Saturday night was a drive to Madison to see Bible of the Devil at the High Noon Saloon. Now here's a place I dig, especially the $3 drink prices! And to top it off I got a room at the Hilton Monona Terrace for $66. So I got to stroll up to the lobby check in with my holey chuck taylors and a new york dolls tshirt, surrounded by people in suits and ties. I loved every minute of it. The place was very posh with an extremely comfortable bed and a most beautiful view of the capital. Dinner at Casa Lara included a 64 oz pitcher of margaritas and then on to the show just in time for Bible to start. They were definitely on that night, blistering straight through a set of aggressive rock. I even bought a tshirt. Lots of whiskey and wine later and that bed at the hilton was the right place for me.
The next day on the way home we stopped by the Land of Evermore and extremely cool sculpture garden located just outside Baraboo, WI. Anyone that makes that trip should check it out. Here's the web site: http://www.drevermor.com/ The coolest scrap metal sculptures I've ever seen. We'll definitely be going back.
Monday, November 06, 2006
"Big Girls Always Want More"
The addiction is growing. With my new tattoo I can only think of more things I want done. I was discussing tattoos with a co-worker and was just about to say that I would never get anyone's face tattooed on me but stopped myself before I could finish the sentence. I simply adore this picture and wonder if my thoughts of putting it on my body are indicating a high level of insanity. 
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Bad blogger
So a lot has happened since July but I haven't take the time to recap it here. Lots of local shows, and outsiders like Screamin Cyn Cyn and the Pons and Priestess. One day I'll see if my calendar has accurately reflected my shows and update a list. But rest assured I have not stopped going to them. Just stopped typing.
My most recent venture was a trip to Austin. Four days of rockin music, great food, beautiful weather and plentiful margaritas.
Started out there on a Saturday night with some awesome food and drink at the Iron Cactus on sixth. Caught Taylor Hollingsworth, King Khan BBQ and parts of the Detroit Cobras before crashing in the hotel room. All the sex, drugs and rock and roll the night before left me a little worn out.
Sunday started out with lunch and drinks at the Rio Grande. The Big Tex was definitely worth the cash and their 5.95 tostada is more than the light meal it advertises. Then hit the Austin book festival which was conveniently right by our hotel. We stayed at the La Quinta inn on 11th and San Jacinto, had a huge room for $100 a night that was close to everything. After the festival and chilling a bit at the hotel we took a cab to Barton Springs Road where we had anticipated dinner at Chuy's (more mexican). But it was so beautiful out and the patio at Shady Grove was calling me. So burgers, margaritas and mexican martinis it was. After that started a mini bar crawl. Went next door to Baby Acapapulco for a margarita. This place a bit crazy with a picture of Janis Joplin flying on the ceiling. From there we started our walk back towards downtown and hit the Barton Springs Saloon. Looked like a gas station turned into bar, had a drink and watched a bit of The Village with the bartendar. Our next bar was the Cedar Door. Eh, it was ok. Had a mexican martini and continued on towards sixth st. We stopped at Casino El Camino which had a pretty great jukebox. Points deducted though for having only the newest NY Dolls album and not an older one. After that we hit the Red Eyed Fly where I thought we were going to get a chance to stay with the people drinking after close, but no dice. All in all a fun jaunt.
Monday was a day of much activity. We started out taking a bus out to Rudy's BBQ. I adore that place. The brisket is so good and the cream corn can't be topped. I was never a huge fan of cream corn until I went there. I don't know they're secret, but damn good. After Rudys we took the bus to central market. Awesome grocery store. Lots of good samples, which was bad on a full stomach but I picked up some wasabi peas, and three kinds of salsa. From there we went back to the hotel to drop off the food stuff and right back out the door. We took the bus to the south congress area stopping in my favorite costume shop Electric Ladyland. It was packed due to being the night before halloween but I think that place is so great. We also hit some cool art shops sporting very elaborate day of the dead type peices. After hoofing it around congress and stopping by H-E-B for Big Red we walked to Waterloo records. Was very happy to see some Bible of the Devil in their stacks. I picked up used CDs by Priestess and Birthday Party.
Could have drop
ped a ton of cash in that store. After another stop at the hotel we hit Casino El Camino for burgers and then Emo's for the ever amazing Stinking Lizaveta (drummer pictured to the left). This band is just so fucking awesome and there was such a small crowd. Not fair at all. They have so much energy and every member of the three peice puts out such a stong sound. They're on of my favorite bands to catch live. Highly recommended. After the show we went back to the hotel where I decided it was a good idea to go swimming. Despite the weather being warm, the pool was freezing. Lasted about 10 minutes before we went in an polished off a bottle of wine.
This brings us to Tuesday, Halloween. Was great because we slept late, layed around watching a special on the Exorcist and just relaxed. Our hotel room had two tv's, we could have watched it in stereo. Nothing like hearing "Your mother sucks cocks in Hell, Karras, you faithless slime" and Linda Blair's endless spewing in surround sound. First stop on Halloween was El Arroyo. This awesomely divey mexican place with a very interesting sign seen below.
And the waiters had shirts with pictures of the sign saying "Body By Queso." The outdoor seating was covered by tents that had chandaliers hanging and their wonderful happy hour gave us 2.75 margaritas and half off top shelf. The queso was great as were my fajitias. Could have spent the night there, ha! After stopping at the hotel and hanging outside in the beautiful 70 degree weather it was time to head out. First stop was a margarita at the Iron Cactus, then Beerland for a drink and to catch Mr. lewis and the funeral 5. From there we moved to Emos and danced the rest of the night away to Flametrick Subs and Satans Cheerleaders (pictured on the left). 
What a great show that was. I had so much fun rocking out to them, red lights, cheerleaders, stand up bass. It was just what the night called for. Got to take in all the costumes on sixth street while waiting for pizza. Austin is definitely the place to go on halloween.
Wednesday was our day of departure. But not before I stopped into True Blue Ta
ttoo for my newest tattoo (picture soon to come) done by Scott Ellis. This is Scott Ellis, note that is not me in the picture.
Overall it was an awesome trip that went by way too fast. Now back to work. Last night was the Lip Splitters at the Uptown, always have a great time at their shows. Some of the coolest people the scene has to offer, and damn entertaining. And yes at work on a sunday, sipping coffee listening to Pink Moon.
My most recent venture was a trip to Austin. Four days of rockin music, great food, beautiful weather and plentiful margaritas.
Started out there on a Saturday night with some awesome food and drink at the Iron Cactus on sixth. Caught Taylor Hollingsworth, King Khan BBQ and parts of the Detroit Cobras before crashing in the hotel room. All the sex, drugs and rock and roll the night before left me a little worn out.
Sunday started out with lunch and drinks at the Rio Grande. The Big Tex was definitely worth the cash and their 5.95 tostada is more than the light meal it advertises. Then hit the Austin book festival which was conveniently right by our hotel. We stayed at the La Quinta inn on 11th and San Jacinto, had a huge room for $100 a night that was close to everything. After the festival and chilling a bit at the hotel we took a cab to Barton Springs Road where we had anticipated dinner at Chuy's (more mexican). But it was so beautiful out and the patio at Shady Grove was calling me. So burgers, margaritas and mexican martinis it was. After that started a mini bar crawl. Went next door to Baby Acapapulco for a margarita. This place a bit crazy with a picture of Janis Joplin flying on the ceiling. From there we started our walk back towards downtown and hit the Barton Springs Saloon. Looked like a gas station turned into bar, had a drink and watched a bit of The Village with the bartendar. Our next bar was the Cedar Door. Eh, it was ok. Had a mexican martini and continued on towards sixth st. We stopped at Casino El Camino which had a pretty great jukebox. Points deducted though for having only the newest NY Dolls album and not an older one. After that we hit the Red Eyed Fly where I thought we were going to get a chance to stay with the people drinking after close, but no dice. All in all a fun jaunt.
Monday was a day of much activity. We started out taking a bus out to Rudy's BBQ. I adore that place. The brisket is so good and the cream corn can't be topped. I was never a huge fan of cream corn until I went there. I don't know they're secret, but damn good. After Rudys we took the bus to central market. Awesome grocery store. Lots of good samples, which was bad on a full stomach but I picked up some wasabi peas, and three kinds of salsa. From there we went back to the hotel to drop off the food stuff and right back out the door. We took the bus to the south congress area stopping in my favorite costume shop Electric Ladyland. It was packed due to being the night before halloween but I think that place is so great. We also hit some cool art shops sporting very elaborate day of the dead type peices. After hoofing it around congress and stopping by H-E-B for Big Red we walked to Waterloo records. Was very happy to see some Bible of the Devil in their stacks. I picked up used CDs by Priestess and Birthday Party.
Could have drop
ped a ton of cash in that store. After another stop at the hotel we hit Casino El Camino for burgers and then Emo's for the ever amazing Stinking Lizaveta (drummer pictured to the left). This band is just so fucking awesome and there was such a small crowd. Not fair at all. They have so much energy and every member of the three peice puts out such a stong sound. They're on of my favorite bands to catch live. Highly recommended. After the show we went back to the hotel where I decided it was a good idea to go swimming. Despite the weather being warm, the pool was freezing. Lasted about 10 minutes before we went in an polished off a bottle of wine.This brings us to Tuesday, Halloween. Was great because we slept late, layed around watching a special on the Exorcist and just relaxed. Our hotel room had two tv's, we could have watched it in stereo. Nothing like hearing "Your mother sucks cocks in Hell, Karras, you faithless slime" and Linda Blair's endless spewing in surround sound. First stop on Halloween was El Arroyo. This awesomely divey mexican place with a very interesting sign seen below.
And the waiters had shirts with pictures of the sign saying "Body By Queso." The outdoor seating was covered by tents that had chandaliers hanging and their wonderful happy hour gave us 2.75 margaritas and half off top shelf. The queso was great as were my fajitias. Could have spent the night there, ha! After stopping at the hotel and hanging outside in the beautiful 70 degree weather it was time to head out. First stop was a margarita at the Iron Cactus, then Beerland for a drink and to catch Mr. lewis and the funeral 5. From there we moved to Emos and danced the rest of the night away to Flametrick Subs and Satans Cheerleaders (pictured on the left). 
What a great show that was. I had so much fun rocking out to them, red lights, cheerleaders, stand up bass. It was just what the night called for. Got to take in all the costumes on sixth street while waiting for pizza. Austin is definitely the place to go on halloween.Wednesday was our day of departure. But not before I stopped into True Blue Ta
ttoo for my newest tattoo (picture soon to come) done by Scott Ellis. This is Scott Ellis, note that is not me in the picture.Overall it was an awesome trip that went by way too fast. Now back to work. Last night was the Lip Splitters at the Uptown, always have a great time at their shows. Some of the coolest people the scene has to offer, and damn entertaining. And yes at work on a sunday, sipping coffee listening to Pink Moon.
Friday, July 14, 2006
June/July recap
June re-cap
6/3 - Riverboat Gamblers w/ Birthday Suits @ Triple Rock. (no longer consider myself a Gamblers fan, too pop)
6/6 - Six Six Crush, The 86'd, Class of 86, Six Six Howlers, Six Pack Queen @ Spring Inn (awesome night of evil rock)
6/8 - Awesome Snakes (ex Soviettes), The Retainers @ Hexagon - Didn't care for either band
6/9 - Six Six Crush @ The Entry (Me, my guy and 5 strippers, that was the crowd, 66 Crush opened)
6/10 - Birthday Suits @ The Turf and Koalas @ The Spring Inn (two of my top local bands, great sets by both)
6/11 - Taping of Drinking With Ian saw The God Damn Doo Wop Band, Die Electric and Gay Beast (thumbs up for Die Electric)
6/13 - Faggot w/ Insect Warfare and Geargrinder @ The Bedlam. All sorts of awesomeness. I sang These Boots Are Made For Walking with Faggot. And it is on tape, well DVD.
6/15 - Some pop punk band in a basement two blocks away. Cops came before I saw the band that lives there.
6/22 - Mark Mallman solo show @ The Artists Corner. Just Mark and a grand piano, free newcastle, vodka and a free whiskey shot. Good times.
6/24 - Roky Erickson, The Boredoms @ The Intonation Music Festival in Chicago. Did I mention I love Roky?
6/25 - Tyrades, Bill Dolan, Panther @ The Intonation Music Fest. LOVED Tyrades, not so much the other three.
6/26 - Hank III w/Murder Junkies in Des Moines - My buddy is a huge fan, shorter set but small place, was pretty fun
6/27 - Hank III w/Murder Junkies @ First Ave - Longer set, packed crowd, people really into it, it rocked.
6/27 - Bellrays @ The Entry - Holy hell was this band awesome. Really stellar guitar player (broke strings on three guitars) matched with a beautiful soulful voice.
6/30 - Birthday Suits @ The Entry - Very energetic two peice that always puts on a great show.
7/2 - Dave Alvin @ The Turf - Hot as hell, rockin guitar, Dave rules, ask Wolf he was there
7/8 - Hank III w/Murder Junkies, Those Poor Bastards in Madison - Met the Hank III message board nerds. Kind of cool, they're a different breed. Hung out with singer from Assjack, rocked out, no injuries.
7/11 - Faggot and Voetsek @ Bedlam theatre.
7/12 - Chooglin @ The Foundry Pub in St. Paul. Always awesome to see a big rockin band in a small dive bar.
Here's some more info on the weekend and days surrounding Roky Erickson in Chicago:
We'll start with thursday night. Got in free to the opening of the Solstice Film Festival. There was free newcastle, kronenberg, and Shakers Vodka. Mark Mallman did a solo set on a grand piano. This was at the Artists Corner in St. Paul which is a jazz club and pretty cool setting for free and everything. Kind of odd though seeing a Mark Mallman show not packed with his hipster fans, most people weren't paying attention to him. From there went for free shots at Pizza Luce for a Drinking With Ian viewing party.
Friday night we left for Chicago at 11 pm and drove through the night. Arrived shortly after 6 in the morning with 6 and a half hours to kill before the hotel would let us check in. Ate at a greasy restaurant called the Golden Nugget while we got to listen to some awesome stereotypical cop banter. Later that day hit the Intonation Music Festival for my beloved Roky Erickson. The guy I was with was not familiar with Roky but went because he know's I'm so into him. He was blown away by the set. Roky was in top form, voice sounded great and his lead guitarist in the Explosives is just phenomenal. As always great hearing Starry Eyes, You're Gonna Miss Me, Zombie, Two Headed Dog and other classics. And to show the diversity of this fest, right after Roky, the Japanese band ,The Boredoms, played. That was an extreme set as well as the band consists of three drummers and a keyboardist that together can push to points of energy, speed and intensity that are unbelievable. While I was watching the boredoms, the guy I was with ran to the bathroom and came back with a ticket stub autographed to me by Roky Erickson. I flipped out. Just missed a chance to meet the man myself. He didn't come get me because he didn't want us both to miss out on the chance of getting something signed for me. Was very cool.
Sunday we went back to the Intonation Festival to see a local Chicago band called the Tyrades. Definitely a band I think a few boardies (hint zook and scooter) would get into. Unfortunately the band doesn't have a web site and its hard to track down when they're playing. They have a great punk female vocalist and guitar and bass player that punch their guitars and at the end of the set ended up smashing one and tossing the other into the crowd. Great way to open the day. Caught a bit of the NYC band the Panthers and was really not impressed. Though you could barely hear the guitar, the vocalist just didn't do it for me.
Monday we drove from Chicago to Des Moines to catch Hank III on our way home. Was very cool as the venue had a capacity of 300 people. Sound was okay, decor was definitely lacking but great to see the band in such a small area. The three sets of country, hellbilly and assjack, while shortened at this show, were very energetic. Not many people stayed for the assjack set which meant being even closer to the action. Though the last time Gary came at the crowd I got knocked into by many people and blew out my ankle. War wound definitely worth pain. We'll see if I agree with that if it doesn't go away soon.
Tuesday, got back to mpls just in time to be 20 minutes late to work. From work went to the Hank III show at First Ave. The Murder Junkies opened still featuring Merle, who was a great presence to see on stage. They were a rockin band but I wasn't as into them as many people there. Hank III came on and did a longer set this time with a packed floor. In most places the only moshing during a Hank III show is during the Assjack set. Not at First Ave. People were dancing and moshing all throughout the country set as well. And lighters lit for the song "Not Everybody Likes Us" which as cheesy as it sounds, brings tears to the eyes of the guy I was with. Just before Assjack finished I headed over to the Entry when the Bellrays went on. What an amazing band they are. One of their shirts has the line "Blues is the teacher, punk is the preacher" and how true that is to their set. Very rock/punk guitars that filled the Entry and fronted by a bluesy soulful singer who did the best cover of Highway to Hell I've ever seen. Really had the entry dancing and if I wasn't peg legged I would have danced even more. I'm disappointed in myself for never seeing this band before, and I won't miss another one of their shows in town. Highly, highly recommended.
6/3 - Riverboat Gamblers w/ Birthday Suits @ Triple Rock. (no longer consider myself a Gamblers fan, too pop)
6/6 - Six Six Crush, The 86'd, Class of 86, Six Six Howlers, Six Pack Queen @ Spring Inn (awesome night of evil rock)
6/8 - Awesome Snakes (ex Soviettes), The Retainers @ Hexagon - Didn't care for either band
6/9 - Six Six Crush @ The Entry (Me, my guy and 5 strippers, that was the crowd, 66 Crush opened)
6/10 - Birthday Suits @ The Turf and Koalas @ The Spring Inn (two of my top local bands, great sets by both)
6/11 - Taping of Drinking With Ian saw The God Damn Doo Wop Band, Die Electric and Gay Beast (thumbs up for Die Electric)
6/13 - Faggot w/ Insect Warfare and Geargrinder @ The Bedlam. All sorts of awesomeness. I sang These Boots Are Made For Walking with Faggot. And it is on tape, well DVD.
6/15 - Some pop punk band in a basement two blocks away. Cops came before I saw the band that lives there.
6/22 - Mark Mallman solo show @ The Artists Corner. Just Mark and a grand piano, free newcastle, vodka and a free whiskey shot. Good times.
6/24 - Roky Erickson, The Boredoms @ The Intonation Music Festival in Chicago. Did I mention I love Roky?
6/25 - Tyrades, Bill Dolan, Panther @ The Intonation Music Fest. LOVED Tyrades, not so much the other three.
6/26 - Hank III w/Murder Junkies in Des Moines - My buddy is a huge fan, shorter set but small place, was pretty fun
6/27 - Hank III w/Murder Junkies @ First Ave - Longer set, packed crowd, people really into it, it rocked.
6/27 - Bellrays @ The Entry - Holy hell was this band awesome. Really stellar guitar player (broke strings on three guitars) matched with a beautiful soulful voice.
6/30 - Birthday Suits @ The Entry - Very energetic two peice that always puts on a great show.
7/2 - Dave Alvin @ The Turf - Hot as hell, rockin guitar, Dave rules, ask Wolf he was there
7/8 - Hank III w/Murder Junkies, Those Poor Bastards in Madison - Met the Hank III message board nerds. Kind of cool, they're a different breed. Hung out with singer from Assjack, rocked out, no injuries.
7/11 - Faggot and Voetsek @ Bedlam theatre.
7/12 - Chooglin @ The Foundry Pub in St. Paul. Always awesome to see a big rockin band in a small dive bar.
Here's some more info on the weekend and days surrounding Roky Erickson in Chicago:
We'll start with thursday night. Got in free to the opening of the Solstice Film Festival. There was free newcastle, kronenberg, and Shakers Vodka. Mark Mallman did a solo set on a grand piano. This was at the Artists Corner in St. Paul which is a jazz club and pretty cool setting for free and everything. Kind of odd though seeing a Mark Mallman show not packed with his hipster fans, most people weren't paying attention to him. From there went for free shots at Pizza Luce for a Drinking With Ian viewing party.
Friday night we left for Chicago at 11 pm and drove through the night. Arrived shortly after 6 in the morning with 6 and a half hours to kill before the hotel would let us check in. Ate at a greasy restaurant called the Golden Nugget while we got to listen to some awesome stereotypical cop banter. Later that day hit the Intonation Music Festival for my beloved Roky Erickson. The guy I was with was not familiar with Roky but went because he know's I'm so into him. He was blown away by the set. Roky was in top form, voice sounded great and his lead guitarist in the Explosives is just phenomenal. As always great hearing Starry Eyes, You're Gonna Miss Me, Zombie, Two Headed Dog and other classics. And to show the diversity of this fest, right after Roky, the Japanese band ,The Boredoms, played. That was an extreme set as well as the band consists of three drummers and a keyboardist that together can push to points of energy, speed and intensity that are unbelievable. While I was watching the boredoms, the guy I was with ran to the bathroom and came back with a ticket stub autographed to me by Roky Erickson. I flipped out. Just missed a chance to meet the man myself. He didn't come get me because he didn't want us both to miss out on the chance of getting something signed for me. Was very cool.
Sunday we went back to the Intonation Festival to see a local Chicago band called the Tyrades. Definitely a band I think a few boardies (hint zook and scooter) would get into. Unfortunately the band doesn't have a web site and its hard to track down when they're playing. They have a great punk female vocalist and guitar and bass player that punch their guitars and at the end of the set ended up smashing one and tossing the other into the crowd. Great way to open the day. Caught a bit of the NYC band the Panthers and was really not impressed. Though you could barely hear the guitar, the vocalist just didn't do it for me.
Monday we drove from Chicago to Des Moines to catch Hank III on our way home. Was very cool as the venue had a capacity of 300 people. Sound was okay, decor was definitely lacking but great to see the band in such a small area. The three sets of country, hellbilly and assjack, while shortened at this show, were very energetic. Not many people stayed for the assjack set which meant being even closer to the action. Though the last time Gary came at the crowd I got knocked into by many people and blew out my ankle. War wound definitely worth pain. We'll see if I agree with that if it doesn't go away soon.
Tuesday, got back to mpls just in time to be 20 minutes late to work. From work went to the Hank III show at First Ave. The Murder Junkies opened still featuring Merle, who was a great presence to see on stage. They were a rockin band but I wasn't as into them as many people there. Hank III came on and did a longer set this time with a packed floor. In most places the only moshing during a Hank III show is during the Assjack set. Not at First Ave. People were dancing and moshing all throughout the country set as well. And lighters lit for the song "Not Everybody Likes Us" which as cheesy as it sounds, brings tears to the eyes of the guy I was with. Just before Assjack finished I headed over to the Entry when the Bellrays went on. What an amazing band they are. One of their shirts has the line "Blues is the teacher, punk is the preacher" and how true that is to their set. Very rock/punk guitars that filled the Entry and fronted by a bluesy soulful singer who did the best cover of Highway to Hell I've ever seen. Really had the entry dancing and if I wasn't peg legged I would have danced even more. I'm disappointed in myself for never seeing this band before, and I won't miss another one of their shows in town. Highly, highly recommended.
May recap
5/4 - Last night I saw one hell of an awesome rock show at the Entry. And only one of the bands was local. Openers were Huge Rat Attacks. I was a lot more impressed with them than I thought I would be. I really liked the vocalist. Some of their songs were a bit long for my taste but stellar guitar work and catchy tunes. Second up was a band from New York called Diamond Nights. Very awesome Dolls style 70s era rock. They really got the audience involved as well getting everyone down on the floor appreciating all that is the Entry. Very energetic singer that had me thinking Freddy Mercury without the falsetto. Nice guy as well. Last up was the non stop rock of Priestess. You can check out some of their songs at preistessband.com. I went to the show on recommendation of a couple of rockers that caught them at SXSW. I am now sad I've missed shows by them here in the past. They had a fantastic drummer and the guitars did not stop for just under an hour and a half. Wonderful majestic rock! I bought a tshirt and a shot glass. And yes the tshirt does have a skull. Its quite awesome I assure you.
5/7 - Sunday night I went to see a friends band play a fashion show at the Varsity theatre. The designer was one of the people in the band, and her line is called "Total Crap Unincorportated." And while some of the close were pretty much that, it aided in being one hell of an awesome night. I walked in and Skoal Kodiak was playing a very beat heavy rock band and there were ladies in tribal wear and paint, many topless, dancing all over the runway to some pretty cool music. Next up was my friends band Faggot, an interesting style of hardcore and rock. Lead singer was clad in a jock strap and a very puffy pink and purple bow and train set. Again more models strutting their stuff in a clothes this time a lot more fashionble, but still a little short in the top area. Lining the runway was different pillows and cushions and while my friends band played a massive pillow throw/fight began. It was a blast. Throwing pillows at people across the room and rocking out. Last up was the Demolition Dollrods from Detroit. I thought they were a really fun band, awesome female vocalist with a sound that was a mix of punk, garage and 70s dolls style. The one thing I couldn't get over though was the lack of drums. Yes there was a drummer with a simple set up of one bass and one snare. I thought the songs would have been a lot better with a full drum kit and a more complex drumline. Either way, I danced and had a great time. After the dollrods finished everyone at the show jumped up on stage and danced to "Shake It Up" twice. It was quite the disco ending and very very fun.
5/9 - Tuesday I went to on of the boards favorite bands, The Panty Huffers with the Abusers and Reverend Pokey Bunge @ Club Underground. RPB is a little more electronic/gothy/punk/rock. With a guitarist that dresses like an evil teletubby. Pretty fun. The other two I've posted about before.
5/10 - Wednesday I caught Drag the River at the Triple Rock. I'm sure RJ will be shocked at whats to come, maybe it was the night, the mood, the lack of crowd, and large mixture of alcohol but I just didn't get into the band as much as I thought I would. I thought the steel guitar was under used and for some reasons one of the singers reminded me too much of the Eagles. I kept imagining him breaking out into Peaceful Easy Living. The band definitely has some talent and knows what they're doing but they just didn't seem to into it. And I was really shocked at the lack of crowd for a Wednesday, but hey I guess that happens.
5/12 - Friday I saw Six Six Crush at an awful St. Paul bar called Noose. Ask Wolf about the name. They were opening for Impaler, only reason they were playing it. Six Six Crush ruled as always. Unfortunately my ride was in as crabby of a mood as possible so I didn't get to stay for Impaler.
5/13 - Last night I checked out a band called Harsh Reality which had members of the band All The Pretty Horses. Guitars weren't bad, drummer was awesome, but vocalist just kind of pissed me off. Kind of a let down. Decided not to stay for Dumpster Juice.
5/18 - Koalas w/bang bang and some weird comedy type guy at the Triple Rock
5/20 - Faggot with an awesome band (name will be found later) that consisted of an amazing drummer with two rockin violas.
5/21 - Stinking Lizaveta w/ Trailer Park Queen at the Triple Rock. STINKING LIZAVETA IS AMAZING. GO SEE THEM NOW!!!!
5/22 - Captured By Robots @ the Triple Rock. There were crazy robots, some of them monkeys of the clergy, there was a wedding. But the covers the band did were only funny for a few minutes.
5/26 - Chooglin' / Stnnng @ Triple Rock
5/27 - Marked Men, Birthday Suits, Mute Era @ Triple Rock
5/30- Calusa @ Club Underground
5/7 - Sunday night I went to see a friends band play a fashion show at the Varsity theatre. The designer was one of the people in the band, and her line is called "Total Crap Unincorportated." And while some of the close were pretty much that, it aided in being one hell of an awesome night. I walked in and Skoal Kodiak was playing a very beat heavy rock band and there were ladies in tribal wear and paint, many topless, dancing all over the runway to some pretty cool music. Next up was my friends band Faggot, an interesting style of hardcore and rock. Lead singer was clad in a jock strap and a very puffy pink and purple bow and train set. Again more models strutting their stuff in a clothes this time a lot more fashionble, but still a little short in the top area. Lining the runway was different pillows and cushions and while my friends band played a massive pillow throw/fight began. It was a blast. Throwing pillows at people across the room and rocking out. Last up was the Demolition Dollrods from Detroit. I thought they were a really fun band, awesome female vocalist with a sound that was a mix of punk, garage and 70s dolls style. The one thing I couldn't get over though was the lack of drums. Yes there was a drummer with a simple set up of one bass and one snare. I thought the songs would have been a lot better with a full drum kit and a more complex drumline. Either way, I danced and had a great time. After the dollrods finished everyone at the show jumped up on stage and danced to "Shake It Up" twice. It was quite the disco ending and very very fun.
5/9 - Tuesday I went to on of the boards favorite bands, The Panty Huffers with the Abusers and Reverend Pokey Bunge @ Club Underground. RPB is a little more electronic/gothy/punk/rock. With a guitarist that dresses like an evil teletubby. Pretty fun. The other two I've posted about before.
5/10 - Wednesday I caught Drag the River at the Triple Rock. I'm sure RJ will be shocked at whats to come, maybe it was the night, the mood, the lack of crowd, and large mixture of alcohol but I just didn't get into the band as much as I thought I would. I thought the steel guitar was under used and for some reasons one of the singers reminded me too much of the Eagles. I kept imagining him breaking out into Peaceful Easy Living. The band definitely has some talent and knows what they're doing but they just didn't seem to into it. And I was really shocked at the lack of crowd for a Wednesday, but hey I guess that happens.
5/12 - Friday I saw Six Six Crush at an awful St. Paul bar called Noose. Ask Wolf about the name. They were opening for Impaler, only reason they were playing it. Six Six Crush ruled as always. Unfortunately my ride was in as crabby of a mood as possible so I didn't get to stay for Impaler.
5/13 - Last night I checked out a band called Harsh Reality which had members of the band All The Pretty Horses. Guitars weren't bad, drummer was awesome, but vocalist just kind of pissed me off. Kind of a let down. Decided not to stay for Dumpster Juice.
5/18 - Koalas w/bang bang and some weird comedy type guy at the Triple Rock
5/20 - Faggot with an awesome band (name will be found later) that consisted of an amazing drummer with two rockin violas.
5/21 - Stinking Lizaveta w/ Trailer Park Queen at the Triple Rock. STINKING LIZAVETA IS AMAZING. GO SEE THEM NOW!!!!
5/22 - Captured By Robots @ the Triple Rock. There were crazy robots, some of them monkeys of the clergy, there was a wedding. But the covers the band did were only funny for a few minutes.
5/26 - Chooglin' / Stnnng @ Triple Rock
5/27 - Marked Men, Birthday Suits, Mute Era @ Triple Rock
5/30- Calusa @ Club Underground
April
Oh well lets see if we can recap.
4/21 - Two show night last night. First I stopped by the Spring Inn to see Jehovah's Shitlist. First sober show for singer so it was a support thing. Not a very big crowd and had never heard of the other bands so I didn't stick around. But Shitlist was rockin as usual. From there went over to the Triple Rock to see The Melismatics and Mark Mallman. I think there's some board members that would really dig the Melismatics. I like them in the same way I like Perfect. Great pop music. Mark Mallman I don't like as much but he's definitely an entertainer and always packs the place. Half of the time he plays his keyboard he's standing on it.
4/22 - Saturday night I hit the Nomad. The first band I saw were The Lie Ons who I was more impressed with than I thought. They fit well with Ouija Radio who was up second. Good pop rock on both parts, both with a little more of a punk edge but nothing I would call punk rock. Koalas headlined and they are one of my favorite local bands. And yet again they did not disappoint. They do a punk version of a Brother Ali song that is really fun all sped up.
After that show went over to a warehouse party where there were bands playing. By the time I got there I was only able to see Dumpster Juice. Not my favorite band but the people there were fun to hang out with and I got some free wine.
4/24 Last night I caught The Deaf and Jucifer at the Triple Rock. The Deaf are a local band that I really dig. They have two really good vocalists and a very strong rock guitar with a punk edge.
Jucifer is a duo from Athens, GA thats kind of a noise, punk, rock, glam, just all together awesome. With a wall of sound behind them thats over 7,000 watts of power behind one guitar.
4/28 - Friday night was spent at the 7th St Entry with Black Strap, Six Six Crush, Holy Ghostriders and Chooglin. Three of the bands I've confessed my love for on many occassions. The fourth, Holy Ghostriders, I wasn't much impressed with. They played rock music, and it wasn't bad for the bill, but after a couple of songs I got bored. No offense to the guys in the band but they were definitely playing with the cream of the crop, in my eyes, and weren't holding up.
4/29 - Saturday I went to the Minne-Mad fest at the Hexagon and what a great night it was. First up was Madison band Sleeping In The Aviary. I was pretty damn impressed with this band. I would call them a garage rock type band but I checked their site and they think themselves more classic rock. Bought their CD for $1 and have been enjoying that since the show. They even have the Price Is Right theme on it. Second up was the band I would call the worst of the night. Minneapolis band Fort Wilson Riot. There is such a thing as too much cow bell. And they just weren't my style. Third was a band from Madison that I adore called Screamin Cyn Cyn and the Pons. I had seen them twice before and the third time was just as awesome as the first two. Very fun songs with a strong guitar and amazingly cool front man. After the Pons was the Birthday Suits. If any of you locals have picked up the City Pages best of the Twin Cities, they were voted best live band and they deserve. Seen this band probably half a dozen times and each time it gets better. Very energetic punk duo that just will have you rockin out everytime. They have a CD out too that I would recommend. I also have a bootleg DVD of their CD release show in November if anyone's interested. After Birthday Suits was Awesome Car Funmaker. Not a bad band but another one that couldn't hold my attention too well. Especially when it competed with yelling PORN with Mark Mallman and watching two members of Chooglin fight over my best friend. It was quite the entertaining evening. Last up for the night was Ouija Radio. Who yet ended the night with a very rockin set. This is another band that I think members of this board would really dig. A very cool female vocalist/songwriter influenced by many bands, including the Who. Everytime I see them I like them a little bit better. After the show was the party at the Ouija house. Yeah it was a shocker to up when I left the house to go drink somewhere else, but very good time partying with the bands from Madison and some great locals as well.
4/21 - Two show night last night. First I stopped by the Spring Inn to see Jehovah's Shitlist. First sober show for singer so it was a support thing. Not a very big crowd and had never heard of the other bands so I didn't stick around. But Shitlist was rockin as usual. From there went over to the Triple Rock to see The Melismatics and Mark Mallman. I think there's some board members that would really dig the Melismatics. I like them in the same way I like Perfect. Great pop music. Mark Mallman I don't like as much but he's definitely an entertainer and always packs the place. Half of the time he plays his keyboard he's standing on it.
4/22 - Saturday night I hit the Nomad. The first band I saw were The Lie Ons who I was more impressed with than I thought. They fit well with Ouija Radio who was up second. Good pop rock on both parts, both with a little more of a punk edge but nothing I would call punk rock. Koalas headlined and they are one of my favorite local bands. And yet again they did not disappoint. They do a punk version of a Brother Ali song that is really fun all sped up.
After that show went over to a warehouse party where there were bands playing. By the time I got there I was only able to see Dumpster Juice. Not my favorite band but the people there were fun to hang out with and I got some free wine.
4/24 Last night I caught The Deaf and Jucifer at the Triple Rock. The Deaf are a local band that I really dig. They have two really good vocalists and a very strong rock guitar with a punk edge.
Jucifer is a duo from Athens, GA thats kind of a noise, punk, rock, glam, just all together awesome. With a wall of sound behind them thats over 7,000 watts of power behind one guitar.
4/28 - Friday night was spent at the 7th St Entry with Black Strap, Six Six Crush, Holy Ghostriders and Chooglin. Three of the bands I've confessed my love for on many occassions. The fourth, Holy Ghostriders, I wasn't much impressed with. They played rock music, and it wasn't bad for the bill, but after a couple of songs I got bored. No offense to the guys in the band but they were definitely playing with the cream of the crop, in my eyes, and weren't holding up.
4/29 - Saturday I went to the Minne-Mad fest at the Hexagon and what a great night it was. First up was Madison band Sleeping In The Aviary. I was pretty damn impressed with this band. I would call them a garage rock type band but I checked their site and they think themselves more classic rock. Bought their CD for $1 and have been enjoying that since the show. They even have the Price Is Right theme on it. Second up was the band I would call the worst of the night. Minneapolis band Fort Wilson Riot. There is such a thing as too much cow bell. And they just weren't my style. Third was a band from Madison that I adore called Screamin Cyn Cyn and the Pons. I had seen them twice before and the third time was just as awesome as the first two. Very fun songs with a strong guitar and amazingly cool front man. After the Pons was the Birthday Suits. If any of you locals have picked up the City Pages best of the Twin Cities, they were voted best live band and they deserve. Seen this band probably half a dozen times and each time it gets better. Very energetic punk duo that just will have you rockin out everytime. They have a CD out too that I would recommend. I also have a bootleg DVD of their CD release show in November if anyone's interested. After Birthday Suits was Awesome Car Funmaker. Not a bad band but another one that couldn't hold my attention too well. Especially when it competed with yelling PORN with Mark Mallman and watching two members of Chooglin fight over my best friend. It was quite the entertaining evening. Last up for the night was Ouija Radio. Who yet ended the night with a very rockin set. This is another band that I think members of this board would really dig. A very cool female vocalist/songwriter influenced by many bands, including the Who. Everytime I see them I like them a little bit better. After the show was the party at the Ouija house. Yeah it was a shocker to up when I left the house to go drink somewhere else, but very good time partying with the bands from Madison and some great locals as well.
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