From: melanie
Date: Mon Oct 28, 2002 6:12 pm
You gotta go see these guys!!!!!! The energy! The attitude! The strut! The moves! The tunes! The absolute ridiculousness of the RAAAWWWWKKKKK!! They have it all! (plus tight jeans) Not exactly a cerebral musical outing, but they'll get your pelvis. fun fun fun! And some of the Von Bondies did backing vocals on the album. The Cooper Temple Clause still have me awestruck by what they do, but The Datsuns have my face aching from grinning too much... They are very much of the "keep it simple stupid" school, which isn't easy to do this well! OK, I admit, I'm over-excited again, but go see them anyway!
--Melanie
US TOUR NOVEMBER 2002
THU 31/10 New York Bowery Ballroom
THU 02/11 Hoboken Maxwells
FRI 03/11 Philadelphia The Khyber
SAT 04/11 Cambridge TT the Bears
SUN 05/11 Montreal La Salla Rosa
MON 06/11 Toronto Tequilla Lounge
TUES 07/11 Columbus Little Brothers
TUES 08/11 Chicago Empty Bottle
TUES 09/11 Detroit Magic Stick
TUES 10/11 Cleveland Grog Shop
TUES 12/11 New York Mercury Lounge
TUES 15/12 Los Angeles Troubadour
TUES 16/12 San Francisco Bottom of the Hill
EUROPE TOUR DECEMBER 2002
THU 29/11 Berlin / Germany SO36 w/ the Hellacopters
FRI 28/11 Hamburg / Germany Grosse Freheit w/ the Hellacopters
SAT 30/11 Essen / Germany Zeche Carl Festival w/ the Hellacopters
SUN 01/12 Koln / Germany Live Music Hall w/ the Hellacopters
MON 02/12 Aarau / Switzerland KIFF w/ the Hellacopters
TUES 03/12 Milan / Italy Alcatraz
w/ the Hellacopters
THU 05/12 Barcelona Apolo w/ the Hellacopters
FRI 06/12 Madrid Arena w/ the Hellacopters
SAT 07/12 Bergara Sala Jam w/ the Hellacopters
MON 09/12 Paris La Boule Noir w/ the Hellacopters
TUES 10/12 London Astoria Kerrang Festival w/ the Hellacopters
WED 11/12 Manchester MDH w/ the Hellacopters
THU 12/12 Glasgow Garage w/ the Hellacopters
FRI 13/12 Wolverhampton Wulfrun w/ the Hellacopters
SAT 14/12 Antwerp Hof Ter Lo w/ the Hellacopters
SUN 15/12 Stuttgart Rohre w/ the Hellacopters
MON 16/12 Munich New Backstage w/ the Hellacopters
TUES 17/12 Frankfurt Batschkapp w/ the Hellacopters
THU 19/12 Lingen Schlachthof
The owner of the original legendary Chicago punk bar, OZ, and producer of the infamous punk album Busted at OZ comments on music along with others. Visit Busted At OZ
Monday, October 28, 2002
Sunday, October 27, 2002
YYYs and Liars
From: demhopkins
Date: Sun Oct 27, 2002 10:38 am
The Fireside Bowling Alley where they played is a total shithole. That being said, the YYYs did a perfect set. Things got switched and they ended up opening for The Liars. Karen, who has been having voice problems) was in great form. The sound was excellent and still hard to believe all that was happening with a guitar, a drum, and a voice that is the first great new women's voice of this century. On top of that, Karen is completely down to earth, easy to talk to, and really enjoys being in the crowd after the show not just talking—but getting to know people. She was standing by the merch booth and posing for pics with everybody. I told her that Conrad Keely called the YYYs the best band in the US today--and I could see why--she just blushed. (No I don't think they are the best band in the US today--but they performed as if they were). Great guitar and drums--but it is all about her presence and that great fucking voice. Didn't seem possible for The Liars to follow the YYYs set--but they did with a very tight--non self-indulgent set--that was less performance art than stuff I had seen by them and very about the music and pleasing the crowd. I didn't realize what a really fine band The Liars are. Prosiacs opened with a set that won over the room. I wasn't familiar with them at all. It was just a great night for NYC bands in Chicago last night. But--I left thinking I would follow Karen anywhere. It's been awhile since I have felt like being anybody's groupie. Also--the YYYs have material every bit as strong (some stronger) than what is on the EP. Karen did this very cool (almost love ballad) song that I can't get out of my head. Great night, great music--shit venue. Kids in Chicago deserve better—but it is the only place in town for under 18s--and it was very cool to see the much younger kids out in force and supporting this new music. Both Chicago YYYs/Liars shows sold out. Just announced—McLusky is playing Chicago on November 7 as part of the US tour.
--Dem
Date: Sun Oct 27, 2002 10:38 am
The Fireside Bowling Alley where they played is a total shithole. That being said, the YYYs did a perfect set. Things got switched and they ended up opening for The Liars. Karen, who has been having voice problems) was in great form. The sound was excellent and still hard to believe all that was happening with a guitar, a drum, and a voice that is the first great new women's voice of this century. On top of that, Karen is completely down to earth, easy to talk to, and really enjoys being in the crowd after the show not just talking—but getting to know people. She was standing by the merch booth and posing for pics with everybody. I told her that Conrad Keely called the YYYs the best band in the US today--and I could see why--she just blushed. (No I don't think they are the best band in the US today--but they performed as if they were). Great guitar and drums--but it is all about her presence and that great fucking voice. Didn't seem possible for The Liars to follow the YYYs set--but they did with a very tight--non self-indulgent set--that was less performance art than stuff I had seen by them and very about the music and pleasing the crowd. I didn't realize what a really fine band The Liars are. Prosiacs opened with a set that won over the room. I wasn't familiar with them at all. It was just a great night for NYC bands in Chicago last night. But--I left thinking I would follow Karen anywhere. It's been awhile since I have felt like being anybody's groupie. Also--the YYYs have material every bit as strong (some stronger) than what is on the EP. Karen did this very cool (almost love ballad) song that I can't get out of my head. Great night, great music--shit venue. Kids in Chicago deserve better—but it is the only place in town for under 18s--and it was very cool to see the much younger kids out in force and supporting this new music. Both Chicago YYYs/Liars shows sold out. Just announced—McLusky is playing Chicago on November 7 as part of the US tour.
--Dem
Saturday, October 26, 2002
The Pattern and The Liars
From: Heidi
Date: Sat Oct 26, 2002 2:19 am
Real Feelness--The Pattern. The band describe their album as punk soul boogie, I'd say that it's a killer blend of Sixties British mod, plus hard and punk rock attack and energy. I'd definitely recommend it. They Put Us All In A Trench and Threw A Monument On Top, The Liars It's a salad like combination of new wave-ish percussion and hand claps on machines, punk rock shouting and art rock like guitars and bass. The end of the album is a bit self-indulgent, 30 minutes of a construction job done to syncopated beats, but otherwise it's a great album.
--Heidi
Date: Sat Oct 26, 2002 2:19 am
Real Feelness--The Pattern. The band describe their album as punk soul boogie, I'd say that it's a killer blend of Sixties British mod, plus hard and punk rock attack and energy. I'd definitely recommend it. They Put Us All In A Trench and Threw A Monument On Top, The Liars It's a salad like combination of new wave-ish percussion and hand claps on machines, punk rock shouting and art rock like guitars and bass. The end of the album is a bit self-indulgent, 30 minutes of a construction job done to syncopated beats, but otherwise it's a great album.
--Heidi
Monday, October 21, 2002
The Wildbunch / Electric Six
From: Suzel
Date: Mon Oct 21, 2002 5:43 am
I've been told by Derek Miller (for those who know him) about The Electric Six, formerly Wildbunch... Very good rock, pure indecent tone and very funny videos.. Mister Jack White's friends deserve a check here's the link to their videos "Danger High Voltage" with Jack White screaming Danger Danger and "Young as hell": http://www.the-wildbunch.com/multimedia/ Have a look at the flyers too at the bottom of the page.
--Suzel
Here are their upcoming gigs (dates that you'll find on their site too):
Tue., 10/22/02 - Brighton, UK @ Pressure Point
Wed., 10/23/02 - London, UK @ The Barfly @ The Monarch in Camden
Thu., 10/24/02 - Manchester, UK @ Night and Day
Fri., 10/25/02 - Glasgow, UK @ Nice and Sleazy
Sat., 10/26/02 - Nottingham, UK @ Nottingham Social
Mon., 10/28/02 - London, UK @ Trash
Thu., 10/31/02 - New York, NY @ The Bowery Ballroom; part of the CMJ
Music Fest
Wed., 11/27/02 - Detroit, MI @ TBA w/ Les Sans Culottes
Date: Mon Oct 21, 2002 5:43 am
I've been told by Derek Miller (for those who know him) about The Electric Six, formerly Wildbunch... Very good rock, pure indecent tone and very funny videos.. Mister Jack White's friends deserve a check here's the link to their videos "Danger High Voltage" with Jack White screaming Danger Danger and "Young as hell": http://www.the-wildbunch.com/multimedia/ Have a look at the flyers too at the bottom of the page.
--Suzel
Here are their upcoming gigs (dates that you'll find on their site too):
Tue., 10/22/02 - Brighton, UK @ Pressure Point
Wed., 10/23/02 - London, UK @ The Barfly @ The Monarch in Camden
Thu., 10/24/02 - Manchester, UK @ Night and Day
Fri., 10/25/02 - Glasgow, UK @ Nice and Sleazy
Sat., 10/26/02 - Nottingham, UK @ Nottingham Social
Mon., 10/28/02 - London, UK @ Trash
Thu., 10/31/02 - New York, NY @ The Bowery Ballroom; part of the CMJ
Music Fest
Wed., 11/27/02 - Detroit, MI @ TBA w/ Les Sans Culottes
Thursday, October 17, 2002
The Damned at Metro in Chicago - hearing damage
From: Sky
Date: Thu Oct 17, 2002 1:05 am
Here it is 12:29 on a school night and I just can't unplug. I think I may have hearing damage, but I couldn't be happier. The Damned played an absolutely blistering set tonight!! I would encourage anyone who has ever liked The Damned to see them on this tour. They shredded through great old tunes like Street of Dreams, I Just Can't be Happy Today, Video Nasty (very rare!), Disco Man, Wait for the Blackout, Ignite, Under the Floor Again, Neat Neat Neat, New Rose, Love Song and to close the night Smash it up I and II. They tossed it together with solid newer material (from their last, Grave Disorder) like Democracy, Song.com, Absinthe, SO Hot If You Weren't Dead (a not so friendly ode to John Lennon) and She (written for Patricia Morrison). They even slipped in an unplanned and completely raved up version of Eloise too. The energy in that room was just incredible, wild, primal...there were tons of young kids moshing up a storm. The one that caught my eye could not have been more than 10 if he was a day. Very cute...When I saw them last year they had only been touring behind Grave Disorder for about a month and they weren't as comfortable with the new songs as they were tonight. Captain Sensible was burning up the strings (at one point playing over his head and behind his back), Dave Vanian was in top vox and looking very stylish, Patricia Morrison was completely solid and Monty Oxymoron is perhaps one of the most energetic madmen I have ever seen assault a keyboard. The only let down was that the drummer that they had on tour with them last year (PINCH from English Dogs and Janus Stark) was not playing tonight. He was completely off the wall last year, and the new drummer was no standout. Got to have some fun with Captain Sensible after the show again (we met him last year too). He was the only one from the band to come out and meet the fans. He was totally into it, and he hung out for a good 2 hours! When we left he was hopping around shoving baby carrots up his nose and chanting "Carrots are good" in an impromptu little ditty. (he had offered me carrots from a platter of crudities he was prancing around with, to which i replied oh yeah thanks, carrots are good.... it just got progressively more outrageous from there..... Folks.... 5 words SEE THIS TOUR, BRING EARPLUGS
--Sky
Date: Thu Oct 17, 2002 1:05 am
Here it is 12:29 on a school night and I just can't unplug. I think I may have hearing damage, but I couldn't be happier. The Damned played an absolutely blistering set tonight!! I would encourage anyone who has ever liked The Damned to see them on this tour. They shredded through great old tunes like Street of Dreams, I Just Can't be Happy Today, Video Nasty (very rare!), Disco Man, Wait for the Blackout, Ignite, Under the Floor Again, Neat Neat Neat, New Rose, Love Song and to close the night Smash it up I and II. They tossed it together with solid newer material (from their last, Grave Disorder) like Democracy, Song.com, Absinthe, SO Hot If You Weren't Dead (a not so friendly ode to John Lennon) and She (written for Patricia Morrison). They even slipped in an unplanned and completely raved up version of Eloise too. The energy in that room was just incredible, wild, primal...there were tons of young kids moshing up a storm. The one that caught my eye could not have been more than 10 if he was a day. Very cute...When I saw them last year they had only been touring behind Grave Disorder for about a month and they weren't as comfortable with the new songs as they were tonight. Captain Sensible was burning up the strings (at one point playing over his head and behind his back), Dave Vanian was in top vox and looking very stylish, Patricia Morrison was completely solid and Monty Oxymoron is perhaps one of the most energetic madmen I have ever seen assault a keyboard. The only let down was that the drummer that they had on tour with them last year (PINCH from English Dogs and Janus Stark) was not playing tonight. He was completely off the wall last year, and the new drummer was no standout. Got to have some fun with Captain Sensible after the show again (we met him last year too). He was the only one from the band to come out and meet the fans. He was totally into it, and he hung out for a good 2 hours! When we left he was hopping around shoving baby carrots up his nose and chanting "Carrots are good" in an impromptu little ditty. (he had offered me carrots from a platter of crudities he was prancing around with, to which i replied oh yeah thanks, carrots are good.... it just got progressively more outrageous from there..... Folks.... 5 words SEE THIS TOUR, BRING EARPLUGS
--Sky
Sunday, October 13, 2002
Clinic show
From: demhopkins
Date: Sun Oct 13, 2002 6:57 am
This was the show this week where I wanted to see all the bands on the bill. The Standard deserves some attention. They got a great response as the opening band and supply a very full guitar driven sound that is akin to TSOOL, Cooper Temple, etc.
Apples in Stereo are not one of my favorite bands but they focused on their new material which is almost a garage "concept" album. It was only when pulling out old material--like some bad country Cat Stevens "Peace train" type of shit that they really went wrong. But that was an occasional miscue. Overall, they fucking rocked with the new material and their drummer is the closest thing to Mo Tucker that I have ever seen. She absolutely keeps this band together.
Clinic was the perfect ending to 14 bands in 4 days. I have heard that their shows are hit or miss. They were definitely on tonight. Sold out room--and Clinic played it for what it was worth and added a 3 song encore. Most impressive, not replicating the songs as they are on the album (CD). Clinic seems to be a true love-them-or-hate-them band. Very hard for me to convince friends to go to this show. If you are in the hate them category because they tend to drone on--you will not experience that in concert. They take the stage to kick ass—the whole doctor/mask nonsense should really go. Clinic doesn't need a gimmick--they had the room dancing (and I mean dancing like I haven't seen at a concert with "our" bands) so far this year. What I wished for in their last two recordings, I found tonight. The first Clinic release which is a compilation of their first 3 EPs is so powerful. The last two releases are very laid back in comparison--but the way they delivered the material from those albums was with energy and urgency. Clinic--an awesome party band (I never would have thought).
--Dem
Date: Sun Oct 13, 2002 6:57 am
This was the show this week where I wanted to see all the bands on the bill. The Standard deserves some attention. They got a great response as the opening band and supply a very full guitar driven sound that is akin to TSOOL, Cooper Temple, etc.
Apples in Stereo are not one of my favorite bands but they focused on their new material which is almost a garage "concept" album. It was only when pulling out old material--like some bad country Cat Stevens "Peace train" type of shit that they really went wrong. But that was an occasional miscue. Overall, they fucking rocked with the new material and their drummer is the closest thing to Mo Tucker that I have ever seen. She absolutely keeps this band together.
Clinic was the perfect ending to 14 bands in 4 days. I have heard that their shows are hit or miss. They were definitely on tonight. Sold out room--and Clinic played it for what it was worth and added a 3 song encore. Most impressive, not replicating the songs as they are on the album (CD). Clinic seems to be a true love-them-or-hate-them band. Very hard for me to convince friends to go to this show. If you are in the hate them category because they tend to drone on--you will not experience that in concert. They take the stage to kick ass—the whole doctor/mask nonsense should really go. Clinic doesn't need a gimmick--they had the room dancing (and I mean dancing like I haven't seen at a concert with "our" bands) so far this year. What I wished for in their last two recordings, I found tonight. The first Clinic release which is a compilation of their first 3 EPs is so powerful. The last two releases are very laid back in comparison--but the way they delivered the material from those albums was with energy and urgency. Clinic--an awesome party band (I never would have thought).
--Dem
Saturday, October 12, 2002
The Strokes show: stoned amazed brilliance
From: demhopkins
Date: Sat Oct 12, 2002 10:27 am
I don't have anything close to the words or sobriety to write what I want in a sentence or two. . The Strokes are so clearly the band against which all new music must stand. Julian--completely sober, standing back while his band turns it up a notch. He doesn't look bored or impatient. He is having a great time appreciating the genius (and it is ) of the musicians standing behind him. Two songs into the set and all I can think is that this can't be possible--this fucking talented group of kids has grown up (all the way) in one year. I hear debates about the new material--there is nothing to debate. They did 6 new songs. They have the ability to play new material and get the crowd to react like they have heard the songs all their lives. They play the old material and the kids are screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs, Every second of the show is well planned out and the band continues to take you up another notch. Sweating, drunk and stoned, I think about passing out and then decide to jump on the guy in front of me. He is cool and he holds me up for awhile.
The show didn't wind down. When they are doing the end of the set there is no doubt that an encore is NOT coming. I like a carefully thought out encore (ala Buttholes)--but The Strokes have smashed the expectation that every good show should end with an encore. They give it all during the show. Doesn't really seem to be a reason for them to do an encore.
I have never seen Julian (or imagined him) anything like tonight. Too much praise is just bullshit --I'm trying not to go there. But the 6 new songs are Julian presenting himself and the band in the most natural (kind of nothing to prove way) that I have ever seen him or them. The new material allows the band to go way outside of song structure and kick ass live. Last time I saw Julian I doubted whether he respected the people he was playing with. There is no doubt. And, the band repaid that respect with their performance.
The "new" Julian has matured into a great rock and roll front man. He wasn't swigging beer and falling down. He let it be known that he was serious when he says that it is the music matters. And he was a boy on a mission--getting it across. The Strokes in Chicago tonight were brilliant, overwhelming with the familiar material, but most impressive presenting the new material.
--Dem
Date: Sat Oct 12, 2002 10:27 am
I don't have anything close to the words or sobriety to write what I want in a sentence or two. . The Strokes are so clearly the band against which all new music must stand. Julian--completely sober, standing back while his band turns it up a notch. He doesn't look bored or impatient. He is having a great time appreciating the genius (and it is ) of the musicians standing behind him. Two songs into the set and all I can think is that this can't be possible--this fucking talented group of kids has grown up (all the way) in one year. I hear debates about the new material--there is nothing to debate. They did 6 new songs. They have the ability to play new material and get the crowd to react like they have heard the songs all their lives. They play the old material and the kids are screaming the lyrics at the top of their lungs, Every second of the show is well planned out and the band continues to take you up another notch. Sweating, drunk and stoned, I think about passing out and then decide to jump on the guy in front of me. He is cool and he holds me up for awhile.
The show didn't wind down. When they are doing the end of the set there is no doubt that an encore is NOT coming. I like a carefully thought out encore (ala Buttholes)--but The Strokes have smashed the expectation that every good show should end with an encore. They give it all during the show. Doesn't really seem to be a reason for them to do an encore.
I have never seen Julian (or imagined him) anything like tonight. Too much praise is just bullshit --I'm trying not to go there. But the 6 new songs are Julian presenting himself and the band in the most natural (kind of nothing to prove way) that I have ever seen him or them. The new material allows the band to go way outside of song structure and kick ass live. Last time I saw Julian I doubted whether he respected the people he was playing with. There is no doubt. And, the band repaid that respect with their performance.
The "new" Julian has matured into a great rock and roll front man. He wasn't swigging beer and falling down. He let it be known that he was serious when he says that it is the music matters. And he was a boy on a mission--getting it across. The Strokes in Chicago tonight were brilliant, overwhelming with the familiar material, but most impressive presenting the new material.
--Dem
Friday, October 11, 2002
Doves show
From: Heidi
Date: Fri Oct 11, 2002 9:09 pm
I saw the Doves on the 7th, at SF's Fillmore, and had the most wonderful time. The band sure knows how to use visuals to enhance their compelling music. Clinic were very good (Bimbo's, 10/5), but I think that they kind of bored some people with the same tempos for nearly every song, however hypnotic their music was. I was very pleasantly surprised by their opening acts, Kaito, from Norwich, UK, and Apples In Stereo. Kaito was composed of 2 seemingly teenaged girls, an older dude and a ordinary joe drummer who had my attention with their art school, XTC/Clash/Wire-like primitive punk songs. Kaito's web site: http://www.kaito.co.uk, Kaito's record label, home to some cool local Northern California bands as well: http://www.www.devilinthewoods.com. Apples In Stereo I saw before, but was not impressed. This night, they had more power, punch and focus. They remind me of the Beatles colliding head on with navel gazing indie band. The Dirtbombs played Bimbo's Tuesday night. I like this soul-drench wholly danceable garage sounding band. My friend Michele and her rockabilly girl pals were there too, and really enjoyed the 2 opening acts, The Detroit Cobras, and Ko And the Knockouts. I love bands that combine their music with a sense of humor. Super Furry Animals, to me anyway, totally fall into that category. They played The Fillmore on Wednesday, and they were completely entertaining, playing songs from all of their albums, including their newie, Rings Around The World. My favorite album is Mwng, an all Welsh language album that is covered in Beach Boys influences. They had a screen on stage that showed the short films of the songs that accompany their album songs on Rings Around The World, as well as cool images along to their other, older songs. "Best mind-fuck yet", indeed.
--Heidi
Date: Fri Oct 11, 2002 9:09 pm
I saw the Doves on the 7th, at SF's Fillmore, and had the most wonderful time. The band sure knows how to use visuals to enhance their compelling music. Clinic were very good (Bimbo's, 10/5), but I think that they kind of bored some people with the same tempos for nearly every song, however hypnotic their music was. I was very pleasantly surprised by their opening acts, Kaito, from Norwich, UK, and Apples In Stereo. Kaito was composed of 2 seemingly teenaged girls, an older dude and a ordinary joe drummer who had my attention with their art school, XTC/Clash/Wire-like primitive punk songs. Kaito's web site: http://www.kaito.co.uk, Kaito's record label, home to some cool local Northern California bands as well: http://www.www.devilinthewoods.com. Apples In Stereo I saw before, but was not impressed. This night, they had more power, punch and focus. They remind me of the Beatles colliding head on with navel gazing indie band. The Dirtbombs played Bimbo's Tuesday night. I like this soul-drench wholly danceable garage sounding band. My friend Michele and her rockabilly girl pals were there too, and really enjoyed the 2 opening acts, The Detroit Cobras, and Ko And the Knockouts. I love bands that combine their music with a sense of humor. Super Furry Animals, to me anyway, totally fall into that category. They played The Fillmore on Wednesday, and they were completely entertaining, playing songs from all of their albums, including their newie, Rings Around The World. My favorite album is Mwng, an all Welsh language album that is covered in Beach Boys influences. They had a screen on stage that showed the short films of the songs that accompany their album songs on Rings Around The World, as well as cool images along to their other, older songs. "Best mind-fuck yet", indeed.
--Heidi
Von Bondies show
From: demhopkins
Date: Fri Oct 11, 2002 10:43 am
Not slick, not particularly tight just hard driving hard core bluesy rock and roll. My first time seeing them and unfortunately the place was only about 2/3 full but the Von Bondies put on a fierce show. The good was being able to rest my beer on the stage--the bad was that there was no effort required to get to the stage. Jason was a little hoarse but made up for it with energy and great guitar work. Talked to him briefly after the show and after this tour the band is taking a few months off (won't be back to Chicago for about 6 months). They are heading to the studio to put together a new 15 song release. They showcased some of the new material and it is as strong (or stronger) than stuff off the debut. Definitely looking forward to it. They are definitely a part of the whole Detroit music sound but packing a much bigger wallop than I anticipated.
The Kills opened and were actually pretty good but I couldn't get too excited because of another irrational prejudice--I just don't like bands that use drum machines. Didn't like it when J&MC did it on their first US tour way back when and I don't dig it now.
--Dem
Date: Fri Oct 11, 2002 10:43 am
Not slick, not particularly tight just hard driving hard core bluesy rock and roll. My first time seeing them and unfortunately the place was only about 2/3 full but the Von Bondies put on a fierce show. The good was being able to rest my beer on the stage--the bad was that there was no effort required to get to the stage. Jason was a little hoarse but made up for it with energy and great guitar work. Talked to him briefly after the show and after this tour the band is taking a few months off (won't be back to Chicago for about 6 months). They are heading to the studio to put together a new 15 song release. They showcased some of the new material and it is as strong (or stronger) than stuff off the debut. Definitely looking forward to it. They are definitely a part of the whole Detroit music sound but packing a much bigger wallop than I anticipated.
The Kills opened and were actually pretty good but I couldn't get too excited because of another irrational prejudice--I just don't like bands that use drum machines. Didn't like it when J&MC did it on their first US tour way back when and I don't dig it now.
--Dem
Thursday, October 10, 2002
Mooney Suzuki show
From: demhopkins
Date: Thu Oct 10, 2002 1:20 pm
It was completely manic and they blew the roof off the joint. Sam climbing on structure and Graham the other to reach the top of the massive pile of amps. The difference is that Graham never stopped playing guitar all the way up and then back down. It seemed impossible for Mooney to have more energy than they did opening for The Hives--but that performance (as great as it was) couldn't match the show last night. The set seemed a little short but judging by the time I got home--I don't think it was. Probably seemed that way because the charged through their material at a frantic pace. Graham spending much of the night playing in the crowd and proving why he is one of the best guitarists and live performers around. He matches Sam antic for antic. The band may have been a little over-mic’ed but that is minor. They proved once again that they are the hardest working band in rock. I've seen it twice but still can't believe how the drummer can stand and beat the shit out of the drums without falling over (playing sober probably helps). The entire set seemed speeded up as compared to the album. It wasn't a sold out show but fairly crowded with an audience that was completely in to them. They definitely were digging be the headliners. Only a one-song encore but all in all one of the better shows of the year. I fucked up and missed all of The Realistics set except the last song. Sahara Hotnights (I think that is the name) did a strong set (great drummer). A little bit Joan Jett. They are another band from Sweden. These Swedish bands are enough to make me want to relocate--then I think about the weather.
--Dem
Date: Thu Oct 10, 2002 1:20 pm
It was completely manic and they blew the roof off the joint. Sam climbing on structure and Graham the other to reach the top of the massive pile of amps. The difference is that Graham never stopped playing guitar all the way up and then back down. It seemed impossible for Mooney to have more energy than they did opening for The Hives--but that performance (as great as it was) couldn't match the show last night. The set seemed a little short but judging by the time I got home--I don't think it was. Probably seemed that way because the charged through their material at a frantic pace. Graham spending much of the night playing in the crowd and proving why he is one of the best guitarists and live performers around. He matches Sam antic for antic. The band may have been a little over-mic’ed but that is minor. They proved once again that they are the hardest working band in rock. I've seen it twice but still can't believe how the drummer can stand and beat the shit out of the drums without falling over (playing sober probably helps). The entire set seemed speeded up as compared to the album. It wasn't a sold out show but fairly crowded with an audience that was completely in to them. They definitely were digging be the headliners. Only a one-song encore but all in all one of the better shows of the year. I fucked up and missed all of The Realistics set except the last song. Sahara Hotnights (I think that is the name) did a strong set (great drummer). A little bit Joan Jett. They are another band from Sweden. These Swedish bands are enough to make me want to relocate--then I think about the weather.
--Dem
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