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
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
Sunday, October 13, 2002
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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