than a band that just stands on stage. Do something besides stand with your feet glued to one spot. Look like you are at least having fun please. K?! Thanks!
On the subject of just live shows, here are a couple other things I've noticed that I don't appreciate:
3 bands on the line-up...that's awesome! Grab a couple beers...rock out in the crowd...When the first band is done...swap out the gear (come on, 15 minutes or less)...second band hits the stage...and the first band is out the door...WTF?! Why not at least catch the band you are playing with and support them? I just think this shows poor musicianship. Thoughts?
Is it really all about getting paid? Whatever happened to "for the love of music?"
Seriously...I'd like some input here...especially if you are in a band....
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Huguenots, Static Minds, the magic babies - 12.5.2008
Slims....Friday night...complete and utter honesty in this post.
The Huguenots started the night out. They hail from Chapel Hill and this was my first time seeing them. Honestly, I was not impressed. Their crowd booked it out the door when they were finished playing. Must have had a tea party at Top o' the Hill to attend to...understandable. I'm stereotyping when I say this...they had Chapel Hill written all over them...looked it...and smelled it. I don't normally like to say I'll never see them again but too poppy for me. Everything sounded the same. It was nice to see the instruments changing hands a couple times between the bass player and the 2 guitarists...but, not my type of jams.
Static Minds next on the list. Yay!!! First show for them. Of course, these guys are not new to the scene, but this band was awesome. Pieced together from the Suburban Sweethearts, minus Joe Yerry, plus Andy Kerr, these guys totally rocked. I liked the Sweethearts, but this is definitely a great project. I will definitely be keeping up with them! and you should too...
The last band of the evening: the magic babies. This was my second time seeing them. I caught them a couple weeks ago at Tir na Nog, and, again, not impressed. Here's my thoughts on them - and yes, I actually took notes while they were playing. First off - I think they sound like whining girls playing "safe" rock. The drummer definitely is an energetic player - the others in the band - not so much. When I saw them at Tir na Nog, I told my friends that I was with this "So, if the Scooby Doo Gang made a band....this would totally be them." A friend of mine made a reference to Squeeze. I halfway agree - but, I kind of like Squeeze. Anyways, I was bored at both shows. Maybe I'm being brutal, but at least it's honesty.
Two good things from the night - Static Minds and Chris Serino behind the bar.
The Huguenots started the night out. They hail from Chapel Hill and this was my first time seeing them. Honestly, I was not impressed. Their crowd booked it out the door when they were finished playing. Must have had a tea party at Top o' the Hill to attend to...understandable. I'm stereotyping when I say this...they had Chapel Hill written all over them...looked it...and smelled it. I don't normally like to say I'll never see them again but too poppy for me. Everything sounded the same. It was nice to see the instruments changing hands a couple times between the bass player and the 2 guitarists...but, not my type of jams.
Static Minds next on the list. Yay!!! First show for them. Of course, these guys are not new to the scene, but this band was awesome. Pieced together from the Suburban Sweethearts, minus Joe Yerry, plus Andy Kerr, these guys totally rocked. I liked the Sweethearts, but this is definitely a great project. I will definitely be keeping up with them! and you should too...
The last band of the evening: the magic babies. This was my second time seeing them. I caught them a couple weeks ago at Tir na Nog, and, again, not impressed. Here's my thoughts on them - and yes, I actually took notes while they were playing. First off - I think they sound like whining girls playing "safe" rock. The drummer definitely is an energetic player - the others in the band - not so much. When I saw them at Tir na Nog, I told my friends that I was with this "So, if the Scooby Doo Gang made a band....this would totally be them." A friend of mine made a reference to Squeeze. I halfway agree - but, I kind of like Squeeze. Anyways, I was bored at both shows. Maybe I'm being brutal, but at least it's honesty.
Two good things from the night - Static Minds and Chris Serino behind the bar.
Check these babies out...
Not a review - but, a selection of shows that you should try to fit in your schedule.
12/11 - The Luckiest Girls @ Slim's (Raleigh)
12/12 - Pink Flag, Ex-Monkeys & Cantwell, Gomez and Jordan @ Pizza Palace (Durham)
12/13 - Dry Heathens, Pink Flag @ Alivia's (Durham)
12/13 - Princess and the Criminals @ Slims (Raleigh)
12/13 - The Pneurotics @ The Pinhook (Durham)
12/14 - The Luckiest Girls, Birds of Avalon @ Lincoln Theater (Raleigh)
12/15 - The Future Kings of Nowhere @ Cat's Cradle (Carrboro)
12/17 - Pink Flag, Secada @ Marvell Event Center (Durham)
12/18 - Left Outlet, Dirty Little Heaters @ The Pour House (Raleigh)
12/20 - The Virgo 9 @ Nightlight (Chapel Hill)
12/20 - Patty Hurst Shifter @ Slims (Raleigh)
12/26 - American Aquarium @ Tir na Nog (Raleigh)
12/31 - Red Collar, Hammer No More the Fingers, Kerbloki @ Local 506 (Chapel Hill)
1/2 - Western Civ @ The Cave (Chapel Hill)
1/8 - Ex-Monkeys @ The Pour House (Raleigh)
1/8 - Pink Flag @ The Pinhook (Durham)
1/16 - Pink Flag *Women's Caucus Rape Crisis Benefit* @ Arts Center (Chapel Hill)
1/23 - The T's @ Slims (Raleigh)
1/29 - Hammer No More the Fingers @ Tir na Nog (Raleigh)
2/13 - The Virgo 9 @ Armadillo Grill (Durham)
2/17 - A Rooster for the Masses @ The Cave (Chapel Hill)
2/21 - A Rooster for the Masses @ The Pinhook (Durham)
3/7 - The Virgo 9, Dirty Little Heaters @ The Pinhook (Durham)
12/11 - The Luckiest Girls @ Slim's (Raleigh)
12/12 - Pink Flag, Ex-Monkeys & Cantwell, Gomez and Jordan @ Pizza Palace (Durham)
12/13 - Dry Heathens, Pink Flag @ Alivia's (Durham)
12/13 - Princess and the Criminals @ Slims (Raleigh)
12/13 - The Pneurotics @ The Pinhook (Durham)
12/14 - The Luckiest Girls, Birds of Avalon @ Lincoln Theater (Raleigh)
12/15 - The Future Kings of Nowhere @ Cat's Cradle (Carrboro)
12/17 - Pink Flag, Secada @ Marvell Event Center (Durham)
12/18 - Left Outlet, Dirty Little Heaters @ The Pour House (Raleigh)
12/20 - The Virgo 9 @ Nightlight (Chapel Hill)
12/20 - Patty Hurst Shifter @ Slims (Raleigh)
12/26 - American Aquarium @ Tir na Nog (Raleigh)
12/31 - Red Collar, Hammer No More the Fingers, Kerbloki @ Local 506 (Chapel Hill)
1/2 - Western Civ @ The Cave (Chapel Hill)
1/8 - Ex-Monkeys @ The Pour House (Raleigh)
1/8 - Pink Flag @ The Pinhook (Durham)
1/16 - Pink Flag *Women's Caucus Rape Crisis Benefit* @ Arts Center (Chapel Hill)
1/23 - The T's @ Slims (Raleigh)
1/29 - Hammer No More the Fingers @ Tir na Nog (Raleigh)
2/13 - The Virgo 9 @ Armadillo Grill (Durham)
2/17 - A Rooster for the Masses @ The Cave (Chapel Hill)
2/21 - A Rooster for the Masses @ The Pinhook (Durham)
3/7 - The Virgo 9, Dirty Little Heaters @ The Pinhook (Durham)
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Rat Jackson, A Rooster for the Masses - 11.15.2008
HELL YES!
I've seen Rat Jackson multiple times and I love them. If you are their friend on Myspace, I hope you read their bulletins. Insane. Lots of dick jokes, references about your mom and sister - hilarity. These guys support the local scene too. I've seen the members out at shows in the area and I love seeing musicians support each other! Makes my heart melt and makes me want to stick my dick in 'em. How about that?! Their set was great. Energetic boys. I picked up their CD a couple months back and I like it. Beer and Rat Jackson Good Times band go hand in hand. I definitely suggest checking them out in the new year. I will definitely remind you.
A Rooster for the Masses - I was new to them this month. I definitely have heard of them before but never made it to any of their shows. Let's just say, I made it to all their shows this week. 3 total. Pour House, Troika and then The Cave...I just gave myself away, now didn't I? Shhhhh....please! I picked up their new album - Broken Era - at Troika and it's still in my cd changer. Catchy tunes, sweet riffs, and energetic rock. I dig it! The Cave was a little small for their sound, but I still enjoyed the show. Their Pour House show was fantastical, which was their Raleigh CD release show. Their next scheduled show in the area is February 17th at The Cave. Mark it on your calendar. Better yet, I'll remind you as it gets closer.
I love being introduced to new rock in the area. I'll catch other shows of any genre too, but lean more to the rockNroll side of life.
I've seen Rat Jackson multiple times and I love them. If you are their friend on Myspace, I hope you read their bulletins. Insane. Lots of dick jokes, references about your mom and sister - hilarity. These guys support the local scene too. I've seen the members out at shows in the area and I love seeing musicians support each other! Makes my heart melt and makes me want to stick my dick in 'em. How about that?! Their set was great. Energetic boys. I picked up their CD a couple months back and I like it. Beer and Rat Jackson Good Times band go hand in hand. I definitely suggest checking them out in the new year. I will definitely remind you.
A Rooster for the Masses - I was new to them this month. I definitely have heard of them before but never made it to any of their shows. Let's just say, I made it to all their shows this week. 3 total. Pour House, Troika and then The Cave...I just gave myself away, now didn't I? Shhhhh....please! I picked up their new album - Broken Era - at Troika and it's still in my cd changer. Catchy tunes, sweet riffs, and energetic rock. I dig it! The Cave was a little small for their sound, but I still enjoyed the show. Their Pour House show was fantastical, which was their Raleigh CD release show. Their next scheduled show in the area is February 17th at The Cave. Mark it on your calendar. Better yet, I'll remind you as it gets closer.
I love being introduced to new rock in the area. I'll catch other shows of any genre too, but lean more to the rockNroll side of life.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
A Tinn Djinn & Left Outlet - 10.30.2008
I expected a good time, but experienced a great time. Another fantastic WKNC 88.1 Local Beer/Local Band show at the lovely Tir na Nog. This was my first time being ascquainted with A Tinn Djinn on the stage and I must say I was impressed. A few friends have told me I needed to see them and I loved what I saw. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing those boys again. But on to the main act.
Left Outlet with the Rocky Horror Picture Show theme. I adore them. I'm probably giving my "under cover author-ness" away with this one but, Left Outlet is definitely my favorite local band here in Raleigh. I haven't missed a show of theirs in months and unless I'm on my death bed I will not miss a show, but then again, what better way to die then to be lulled to death by beautiful people and their art. The one thing I enjoy about Left Outlet is they don't sound like Raleigh...Left Outlet has their own sound and they do what they please. The set list was an array of new songs. I had a set list, but my dumb, drunk ass left it on the bar with pieces of a drum. From memory though, the only older songs played were Prudence, The Artist and Call Me the Moon. If you've never been to a Left Outlet show, you must...A Fine Line is my new favorite song. The reason - just watch Tim sing it. I heard them play this song earlier in the week and I actually was moved by it. I don't know the lyrics, I don't know the meaning behind this song but I was wowed...this song feels and breathes. I can't think of the words to even begin to describe the sensation I felt watching Tim and the rest of the boys during this song. Wow... While rummaging through Youtube, I ran across this video from someone who apparently likes to shoot ass footage. Left Outlet - Tir Na Nog
If you've never seen Left Outlet, you need to. Mark my words.
If you've seen Left Outlet and it's been a while, give it another try. There's a newness here. If you aren't impressed, let me know. Next show - December 18th, 2008 - The Pour House Music Hall. Be there.
I will try to not be a slacker when posting my thoughts about shows. I promise.
Happy Turkey Day to all!
Left Outlet with the Rocky Horror Picture Show theme. I adore them. I'm probably giving my "under cover author-ness" away with this one but, Left Outlet is definitely my favorite local band here in Raleigh. I haven't missed a show of theirs in months and unless I'm on my death bed I will not miss a show, but then again, what better way to die then to be lulled to death by beautiful people and their art. The one thing I enjoy about Left Outlet is they don't sound like Raleigh...Left Outlet has their own sound and they do what they please. The set list was an array of new songs. I had a set list, but my dumb, drunk ass left it on the bar with pieces of a drum. From memory though, the only older songs played were Prudence, The Artist and Call Me the Moon. If you've never been to a Left Outlet show, you must...A Fine Line is my new favorite song. The reason - just watch Tim sing it. I heard them play this song earlier in the week and I actually was moved by it. I don't know the lyrics, I don't know the meaning behind this song but I was wowed...this song feels and breathes. I can't think of the words to even begin to describe the sensation I felt watching Tim and the rest of the boys during this song. Wow... While rummaging through Youtube, I ran across this video from someone who apparently likes to shoot ass footage. Left Outlet - Tir Na Nog
If you've never seen Left Outlet, you need to. Mark my words.
If you've seen Left Outlet and it's been a while, give it another try. There's a newness here. If you aren't impressed, let me know. Next show - December 18th, 2008 - The Pour House Music Hall. Be there.
I will try to not be a slacker when posting my thoughts about shows. I promise.
Happy Turkey Day to all!
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Goner, Red Collar, The Loners - 10.02.08
Are your ears still buzzing from this massive rock show? Ok, I know it's Saturday, and this show was Thursday, but, damn, there's always so much goin' on! If you weren't there, you definitely missed a tasty treat. Thursday nights at Tir na Nog...WKNC's Local Beer/Local Band night. I enjoy the local band, I drink the tasty local beer (Mmmm...Big Boss as usual for me!), can't say I'm a huge fan of WKNC, but everyone has their opinion. I appreciate their efforts at supporting the local scene, hell, Kelly seems like a swell lady, hosting these Thursday night soirees and she's quite lovely at the Raleigh Times as well, so, tip well, because...well, she's cool. One dj I see out a lot (a lot is two words) enjoys the local scene, but, sometimes his words are not worthy of my ears. I go to a lot of shows, not just in the rock scene - I'll check out your bluegrass, your hiphop, I'll go watch your grandma sing in the choir at church if you asked me to. It's all Art to you guys and you put your heart and soul into it. Opinions were meant to be shared, some are definitely more vocal than others, some just have better communication channels, like a radio station....anyways, to my point. Open your closed mind up...give it a listen, give it a chance. Just because you don't like it, doesn't mean the next ten people you talk to won't like it.
Now to the main squeeze.
I was hoping for a tight packed, in your face, energized rock show tonight and I was far from being disappointed.
After the VP debate ended (someone help that woman, PLEASE!), Goner kicked off the evening with their gotta-tap-my-foot-and-nod-my-head rockNroll...I haven't seen Goner play in a bit over a year I think. I've listened to the album and I like it. Fight of Your Life is definitely a kick-ass song with a personal anthem-like feel. Groovy tunes all around. You really don't miss guitars in this trio....with the bass, keys and drums it fits! I liked the fans that were there, singing along and totally into the mood. That's the kinda show I love. Now that I have my own copy of their album, "Rock N Roll Always Forgets," I'll learn the words and get a better feel of their music. Very impressed....i'm very impressed.
Red Collar....what can I say that hasn't been said already?! The high energy, I just have to point out I didn't see one broken string tonight! That's a first, or a second. I've seen Red Collar too many times to try to count on fingers and toes, so I have to use coat hangers now. Red Collar shares the top spot as my favorite local band with another swell act...who I will talk about later this month...I picked up The Hands UP EP a long time ago and have been anxiously awaiting the *NEW* album, which I will cancel my life for that cd release party. But anyways, back to the show...I didn't grab a set list...but, this show was a mixture of their older stuff like Stay, Hands Up, Used Guitars...and new songs...which I still can't think of the names but I know one of them was Our Fathers, which just blows my mind. Red Collar on stage is a blast..an aggresive, kickass, adrenaline rush. This band definitely has an outstanding stage presence, Mike is all over the place. I can remember a distinct moment at Local 506 in Chapel Hill, Mike, while still playing guitar, walks right off the stage, onto my shoulder and then into the crowd, just amazing...and still playing on top of the people...freakin' awesome. And like this hasn't been said before, but if you only check out one local show in your lifetime - make it a Red Collar rockNroll show, you will not be disappointed. Jason Kutchma, Mike Jackson, Beth Kutchma & Jonathan Truesdale...seriously, guys - I love you.
Closing up the night were The Loners. Ok, prior to tonight I was a virgin to their music. Two piece acts always intrigue me. I don't normally like to form an opinion on a first show, but I do feel a bit comfortable with this one. It was hard to stick a style tag on these guys, I couldn't make up my mind. So I came up with this - Calliopean-soul-rock-punk-ARGHHHHHH!!! music. I dig it. And, I ask myself, why haven't I checked these dudes out sooner? I'm listening to the songs on their myspace as a refresher...definitely dig the sound live. If someone asked me the "Who do they sound like?" question...my response..."Alien Sex Fiend...with a punk/rock twist...no..wait...that only describes a smidgen...soul smackin' rock...Just go see them live and tell me who you think they sound like...cuz I can't put my finger on it" Original...love it...will see again!
So, that's it for my Thurday night...I'm not very creative and like I said, I'm just voicing my opinion to anyone who clicks this. Bands...share with your friends...if ya wanna...I'd appreciate it. Support the scene. Choose local music.
xoxo.
Now to the main squeeze.
I was hoping for a tight packed, in your face, energized rock show tonight and I was far from being disappointed.
After the VP debate ended (someone help that woman, PLEASE!), Goner kicked off the evening with their gotta-tap-my-foot-and-nod-my-head rockNroll...I haven't seen Goner play in a bit over a year I think. I've listened to the album and I like it. Fight of Your Life is definitely a kick-ass song with a personal anthem-like feel. Groovy tunes all around. You really don't miss guitars in this trio....with the bass, keys and drums it fits! I liked the fans that were there, singing along and totally into the mood. That's the kinda show I love. Now that I have my own copy of their album, "Rock N Roll Always Forgets," I'll learn the words and get a better feel of their music. Very impressed....i'm very impressed.
Red Collar....what can I say that hasn't been said already?! The high energy, I just have to point out I didn't see one broken string tonight! That's a first, or a second. I've seen Red Collar too many times to try to count on fingers and toes, so I have to use coat hangers now. Red Collar shares the top spot as my favorite local band with another swell act...who I will talk about later this month...I picked up The Hands UP EP a long time ago and have been anxiously awaiting the *NEW* album, which I will cancel my life for that cd release party. But anyways, back to the show...I didn't grab a set list...but, this show was a mixture of their older stuff like Stay, Hands Up, Used Guitars...and new songs...which I still can't think of the names but I know one of them was Our Fathers, which just blows my mind. Red Collar on stage is a blast..an aggresive, kickass, adrenaline rush. This band definitely has an outstanding stage presence, Mike is all over the place. I can remember a distinct moment at Local 506 in Chapel Hill, Mike, while still playing guitar, walks right off the stage, onto my shoulder and then into the crowd, just amazing...and still playing on top of the people...freakin' awesome. And like this hasn't been said before, but if you only check out one local show in your lifetime - make it a Red Collar rockNroll show, you will not be disappointed. Jason Kutchma, Mike Jackson, Beth Kutchma & Jonathan Truesdale...seriously, guys - I love you.
Closing up the night were The Loners. Ok, prior to tonight I was a virgin to their music. Two piece acts always intrigue me. I don't normally like to form an opinion on a first show, but I do feel a bit comfortable with this one. It was hard to stick a style tag on these guys, I couldn't make up my mind. So I came up with this - Calliopean-soul-rock-punk-ARGHHHHHH!!! music. I dig it. And, I ask myself, why haven't I checked these dudes out sooner? I'm listening to the songs on their myspace as a refresher...definitely dig the sound live. If someone asked me the "Who do they sound like?" question...my response..."Alien Sex Fiend...with a punk/rock twist...no..wait...that only describes a smidgen...soul smackin' rock...Just go see them live and tell me who you think they sound like...cuz I can't put my finger on it" Original...love it...will see again!
So, that's it for my Thurday night...I'm not very creative and like I said, I'm just voicing my opinion to anyone who clicks this. Bands...share with your friends...if ya wanna...I'd appreciate it. Support the scene. Choose local music.
xoxo.
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
What am I trying to do?
I want to have a voice. An opinion. Someone on the outside, looking in - examining the mood, the moment and the clarity that the local music scene provides. I'm not here to start a war, promote my friends, or bash another's antics...I'm simply here to be...to voice my own opinions, to take constructive criticism. I have a love for music...of all that is local and live...you've seen me at your shows...now sit back and listen to what I have to say. Maybe I'll encourage others to attend your shows, buy your records, shake your babies, kiss your hands and all that jazz.
Raleigh - Tir na Nog - Thursday - October 2 - Goner, Red Collar, The Loners
Stay tuned.
xoxo.
Raleigh - Tir na Nog - Thursday - October 2 - Goner, Red Collar, The Loners
Stay tuned.
xoxo.
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