So a friend and I headed to the show at Turf Club last Saturday, mainly because I'm a freak for the Goondas and can't live without their music in my life. The lineup for this show was Hastings 3000, the Goondas, Red Pens, and First Communion After Party. I would like to point out that the Turf Club's own website contradicted itself on how much the cover charge was. One page said $5, another said $6. Whatever.
We got there partway into Hasting 3000's set, and we were both sad to have not been there for the entire thing. I learned that H3k is 1/2 of the Fuck Knights, and judging by how extremely good this guy was, I can only assume that the FK are totally awesome too. Yes, it was one guy on stage, playing guitar, playing drums (including tambourine), and singing. Talk about multi-talented!! His music was original and well-composed, with a hint of social awareness in the mix. I would definitely recommend seeing Hastings 3000 if you get the chance!
Next up, of course, were the Goondas. If you've read my original post on them when they played @ 501 Club, you already know how panty-wettening (is that a word?) their music is. When these guys make it big, I'll happily tell anyone who will listen how I was a prophet of their greatness. But I'd like to give a shout out to the drummer for a minute. He is so much fun to listen to and watch - the man knows how to beat some drums, and inevitably ends up only partially dressed. He could be at the front of the stage if you ask me. In case you still haven't gotten the message, GO SEE THE GOONDAS. THEY ARE AWESOME.
Following that act (which put them at a disadvantage right away) were the Red Pens. They are made up of a chick on drums and a dude playing a selection of guitars, one of which was brown. Here's the deal: I didn't like them. At all. The guitarist seemed like a Doug Martsch wannabe, except without the musical genius to back it up. The drummer knew about 2 beats and was incredibly boring. Plus, it totally sounded like they ripped off the Sex Pistols twice!! I know I heard the chorus from Anarchy in the U.K. during one of their songs, and was duly unimpressed. I got really pissed off when I realized that their new CD was listed in the City Pages as one of the best albums of 2009. What? Are you serious? Yes, City Pages, I'm calling you out on some bullshit. I can only hope that on their recording, they sound better and more original and more talented than they do live. I HIGHLY doubt it though. Don't spend any of your money on the Red Pens unless you're into aural masochism.
The sad thing about all of this is that we didn't stay for FCAP. Yes, the Red Pens drove us out before the headliners came on. The Red Pens should have opened for everyone else!! So that I would have missed them. Oh well. I still haven't seen FCAP so I'll save that review for another day.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Rockabilly Nite @ Club Underground
Before I begin my review of the music, I'd like to start with a couple general comments about the atmosphere. First, as soon as I descended into the room and approached the guy at the table to get my stamp, a wave of B.O. washed over me. I can only assume this was emanating from the young male contingency in the audience. The other observation that struck me was the fetishized 50's stylings of the people who I'm sure must be the "real fans." The clothing was updated with lots of leopard print and skulls & crossbones, so I was reminded that I was still in 2009.
Now onto the good stuff! The first band was Cool Hand, based out of Wausau, WI. I very much enjoyed their music - fun lyrics, solid performance, not a huge stage presence but very enjoyable. I would definitely see them again. The only thing that turned me off was the "stripper shoe" joke halfway through the set. But still worth my, or your, time.
Next up was Reckless Ones. These guys really had the crowd going, and I must say, they had quite a presence. They consisted of a guitarist/singer, a standup bassist, and a standup drummer. I love standup drummers. And I love standup bassists. The singer seemed to be channeling Robert Smith from The Cure underneath his suit and ascot, but I suppose you can't help who you look like. The crowd really got into their music, and there was all kinds of swing and other dancing going on at the stage. I very much enjoyed their music as well, although I was just bouncing along in the back of the room. It's hard to swing without a partner. Or any knowledge of swing dancing.
Finally, Hot Rod Hearse came on. I think a lot of the crowd was still out smoking when they started their set. Also a guitarist and standup bassist, but this drummer was sitting down. Anyway, they were also pretty rockin, and I felt bad that by the time they came on around 1 am, much of the crowd had either dispersed to elsewhere on the premises, or were too drunk to do much more than walk around being loud. But I would definitely check this band out again too.
So, final conclusion: I like rockabilly! It reminds me of Nashville, which brings up those feelings of deep love and longing. If only I didn't feel like a square for dressing like I usually do, i.e., like I live in this decade.
Now onto the good stuff! The first band was Cool Hand, based out of Wausau, WI. I very much enjoyed their music - fun lyrics, solid performance, not a huge stage presence but very enjoyable. I would definitely see them again. The only thing that turned me off was the "stripper shoe" joke halfway through the set. But still worth my, or your, time.
Next up was Reckless Ones. These guys really had the crowd going, and I must say, they had quite a presence. They consisted of a guitarist/singer, a standup bassist, and a standup drummer. I love standup drummers. And I love standup bassists. The singer seemed to be channeling Robert Smith from The Cure underneath his suit and ascot, but I suppose you can't help who you look like. The crowd really got into their music, and there was all kinds of swing and other dancing going on at the stage. I very much enjoyed their music as well, although I was just bouncing along in the back of the room. It's hard to swing without a partner. Or any knowledge of swing dancing.
Finally, Hot Rod Hearse came on. I think a lot of the crowd was still out smoking when they started their set. Also a guitarist and standup bassist, but this drummer was sitting down. Anyway, they were also pretty rockin, and I felt bad that by the time they came on around 1 am, much of the crowd had either dispersed to elsewhere on the premises, or were too drunk to do much more than walk around being loud. But I would definitely check this band out again too.
So, final conclusion: I like rockabilly! It reminds me of Nashville, which brings up those feelings of deep love and longing. If only I didn't feel like a square for dressing like I usually do, i.e., like I live in this decade.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
