Sunday Sept 16th at Stasiu's
I went to see The Diealones and The Last Vegas. I'm not sure if I've ever expressed how much I like rocking out to the Diealones. Johnny's sounding great and he's backed by a powerful duo in Dave and Chris. Despite having one guitarist the band puts out a massive, fast paced sound.
http://myspace.com/thediealones
The Last Vegas are a Chicago band I was able to check out at Big V's a couple of years ago when they played with Six Six Crush and Bible of the Devil. I have to say that the lead singer looks like a cross between Keith Partridge and Mick Jagger. Definitely an entertainer, kept me on my toes and into his voice. Evidently their song Raw Dog is in Guitar Hero II. Never seen the game so I can't say whether or not thats a good thing. But the dolls influenced rock was right up my alley and provided for a rocking Sunday night.
http://myspace.com/thelastvegas
Tuesday Setp 18th at Big V's,
Went to see my good friends in Mommy Sez No, The Lip Splitters and 30 Second Crash at Big V's. I have to admit Mommy Sez No's songs are catchy and I end up singing them for days after a show. And since they play so often, they're constantly running through my head. Got some great stickers from Jeff and always good catching up with Mike. The Lip Splitters were up next. Jamie and Aaron have taken over vocals since Peckerwood left the band. I think there's quite a few people swaying with the allegiance as he was one of the major drawers for the band. I've heard a lot of people refer to the line up without Peckerwood as simply the Coffin Cheaters. I won't go that far but there are definitely some similarities. Either way I think Aaron and Jamie have done a good job picking up on the vocals and Ben, well Ben is always going to be one of my favorites. 30 Second Crash was up next and I like those boys more and more everytime I see them. A lot of my friends have taken up saying the term "Lordy Pete" and I keep responding, "No, Whiskey Pete." If you don't know what that means, go see a show.
http://myspace.com/mommysezno
http://myspace.com/lipsplitters
http://myspace.com/30SECONDCRASH
Wednesday Sept 19th at Stasiu's
Back to Stasius for Gay Witch Abortion. What can I say? The same thing everyone says when they talk about Gay Witch Abortion, Shawn Walker has to be the best drummer in Minneapolis. I've heard people refer to him as the Keith Moon of Mpls. Well they wouldn't be wrong. I am time and time again mesmerized by his playing. But it does have to be noted that guitar player Jesse Bottomley is not being outshined. The guitar playing is for lack of a better term, phenomenal. Its almost like the drums and guitar are challenging each other only to end up crashing into one another with a grace that pulls you into the song. Yeah yeah yeah, like em alot, and I'll be seeing them again tonight.
http://www.myspace.com/gaywitchabortion
Thursday September 20th at Triple Rock
Well my friends in the Norsemen got to open for the ever entertaining Andre Williams. The Norsemen are one of my favorite local bands and their mix of garage rock and 70s ny punk always keeps me coming back. And I know they were all excited about playing with Andre. Doning a beautiful purple suit with white shirt and tie, Andre grooved his way on stage. At the ripe age of 71 he was working his magic and using what has become of his vocal talents to pull everyone in. The band backing him, the Goldstars, where a lot of fun on their own with dedicated guitarists and strong bass playing. One of the great lines of the night from Andre "If it weren't for you honkeys, this nigga wouldn't be here. Cause the niggas, they don't like me, and I couldn't give a fuck." You could tell Andre was very appreciative of the crowd, or lack their of, that showed up. I picked up a seven inch at the show of Andre covering "Its A Long Way To The Top If You Want to Rock and Roll" and "Fight For Your Right To Party." I'll I have to say is when he gets to "your mammy threw away your best porno mag" you have to love it.
Friday September 21st at Turf Club
The Sinks who's record should be coming out next month
Brimstone Howl from Nebraska was back in town. Their songs are mostly about the small town in Nebraska the majority of the town hails from. Bluesy punk songs about a cyclone hitting the town is one of the best on their latest LP. Also check out the song Heart Attack for a true showing of what this band is about. The band closed with the four members, instruments in hand walking around the floor in an almost chicken match fashion with the one guitar player on the others shoulders and the bass player holding up the drummer. Definitely got the crowd into things and showed St. Paul how the Nebraskans roll.
http://myspace.com/brimstonehowl
Up next was the Hipshakes from the UK. What can I say about this band other than fast, extermely fast. Their quick punk guitar sound and thrashing vocals really pulled me in. I wasn't sure whether to knock over the person next to me or attempt to dance. Both Brimstone Howl and the Hipshakes crashed at my friends place where I introduced them to my $9 a case Mountain Crest beer, check out that tab!
http://myspace.com/thehipshakes
Last but certainly not least, Birthday Suits were added to the bill as headliner and I couldn't have been more pleased to show up and find this out. I never get tired of seeing this band, especially watching them thrash about at the Turf. The drumming has an electric speed to it while Hideo slams from side to side using every inch of the stage. The songs range from catchy, melodic to in your face, flat out rock. The next show I'll be attending of theirs will be on Monday October 1st at the Triple Rock. If you have failed to check out this band yet, your are making very poor life choices.
Saturday September 22nd at Club Underground, Stasiu's and The Hexagon.
Yes this was a three show night for me. You know I was in my element. The evening started early with a set by Ouija Radio outside at Club Underground. This was a perfect night for outdoor music. I was impressed by the stage set up, slight sound issues but Ouija Radio overcame. I am going to fail at getting the song names right but I really dig the Ghosts in the Radio song and the always enthusiastic closer (maybe a sign that I should finally pick up a damn CD). I love the energy Matt puts out and the general demeanor and action he and Christy produce when on stage together. As always Christy was lookin lovely and her guitar playing continues to get better and better. After Ouija Radio was the Skullcranes. A band with humorous songs that I actually enjoyed, about time. I get their schtick and I can dig it. While I not become a follower of this band, I won't cringe to see them on the bill. While I was very into Ouija Radio there's definitely a few bands I would have enjoyed more in the Nord NE festival and am looking forward to outside rocking next year.
The next show sent me to Stasiu's to catch the set by Madison's Screamin Cyn Cyn and the Pons. Love these guys and I have to say their show at Stasiu's was one of the best I've seen by them. The sound in that room really does the band right and the crowd really got into it. I live to see that band play the song "If That Bitch." Other greats from the set were "The Cowboy Song," "Slumber Party" and "Girls Night Out." They will be back at Stasiu's on October 20th.
After the Cyn Cyn set we headed over to the Hexagon for my beloved Mighty Mofos. Randy is the best bass player ever! I can't keep gushing about this band, you people just have to see them. They're top notch people and the garage rock is, well, renders me speechless, I love it.
Ok so this brings us to..
Sunday September 23rd at First Avenue
Yes I got into Paul Westerberg for 'The Craft' at First Ave. It was a very cool interview/solo performance. As always I would like more tunes but it was very fun seeing Paul in his laid back demeanor in front of a huge stage set up being interviewed for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. If you've read the first posts on this page you know I'm a fan. I got to hear a new tune, an old Replacements cast out and one of my favorites "Its A Wonderful Lie" along with quite a few others. It was the fix I needed. I really miss the tour I went on. Check out Man Without Ties or Paulwesterberg.net for more information on the show, video clips and some great pictures.
After the show I headed over to the Triple Rock for a movies and music event. My friends Chad and Tracy were DJing under the Rock The Monkey and the movie "Evil Aliens" was played courtesy of Scott from Cinema Apocalypse. If you've never checked out the CA show, I definitely recommend. Scott plays some great clips of movies you probably would otherwise not hear of.
http://myspace.com/cinemaapocalypse
And I actually spent Monday night in.....
Tuesday Sept 25th at Stasiu's
I know this goes beyond the week but I have to mention the band I checked out on Tuesday. My friend Doug is in Eric and the Savages and this band was right up my alley. Very Dolls and Oblivians inspired rock which is what I love. It was a Tuesday night so everyone was seated but I definitely look forward to dancing with a weekend crowd very soon. They're quickly becoming one of my favorite local bands, especially with the departure of The Sons of Yeah. Boys be ready to have me following you around from show to show!
