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.

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.