Five Four/Caverns/Mother - Velvet Lounge - March 7 2009

Mother were a six piece band that pretty much created the sound of a trio. Take a tip from a friend of mine if you ever tour... Less members are less mouths to feed. Musically, their songs began by sounding like Thin Lizzy outtakes with roadies singing. But then, to be fair, the last couple of songs were strong and rocked nicely. So there is a kernel of something working here.

Caverns - Read my review below. Nothing has changed other than I put them and Detroit's Paik as THE two most interesting and intense power trios working today (and they both have very original takes on the power trio concept).

Five Four - I left early as it got crowded and I was mostly here to see Caverns and remind myself of the goods and bads of this club as I may be bringing a band here in a few months. I've warned the band of the negatives, so we shall see.

Quote of the Day: Well, it was more of what was throught but I would have heard it if I could read minds. "Who is this weirdo?" was thought by a good friend of mine when I stopped to stare at her as we almost walked right by each other on Mass Avenue today. Fortunately we both recognized one another, although even as I recognize someone, when it is a surprise, it takes such a long time for my otherwise quick brain to process the information. Nice to know small town style can occur in DC.

Black Lips/Gentleman Jesse and his Men/Sons of Guns - Black Cat - March 5 2009

Sons of Guns - Normally I get annoyed when I walk in late and miss part of the opening set. Not this time as just a short amount of noise from this band was enough of a warm-up. They played rock music, like a bad version of the old Texas punk of say Poison 13. Not terrible but quite forgettable. But they are from Utah. I've been there, I know, I know.

Gentlemen Jesse and his Men - A nice set of punchy pop-rock with just enough punk to remind me of an Americanized version of the early Jam. Very Weller like vocally and good catchy music with guitars that keep it moving with a jangly snarl. One song was closer to the Beatles, but all in all a good set by a likable band.

Black Lips - I've seen the band before and there weren't anything new in wait for me, but I came back so I knew what I was getting. And that was a jangly rock psyche set that owes a bit more to the garagey part of the 60s as opposed to the explorers of Space (although that found it's way into the set a bit). I liked the lava lamp like ink blot cells projected out, but the black surfaces of the club muted the effect a bit much, so I wasn't confused enough to think I was seeing the Velvet Underground or Jefferson Airplane or anything. Good set, good fun and a good crowd as well.

Quote of the Night - "What did you say? Ok..." in response to an enthusiastic drunkard who was loud but so incoherent I didn't understand a thing he said and he was right next to me. "People who yell in nightclubs..." That was a quote either Tony or Chip Kinman of Rank and File said onstage to a heckler back in the early 80s. And after a long Federal career, that heckler grew up... ...to be me... Good day.

Whigs/Dead Confederate/Trances Arc - Black Cat - March 4 2009

Trances Arc - The first of a trio of Georgia bands spanning Atlanta to Athens kicked off with a medium paced earnest rock sound. Forgettable may be too harsh, but I had a lot on my mind and they didn't grab me from my thoughts too often. Still, it's three bands, so hey, not bad.

Dead Confederate - I've seen Dead Confederate before and the reverb is still set on 11. But that's ok by me as I enjoy their psychedelic slo-core with some faster punches and wallops peppering in on occasion. Jesus and Mary Chain, what have you wrought?

The Whigs - Everyone's favorite political party is now a band and has a had a growing following year by year, unlike the political party. I liked the singer-guitarist with a voice somewhere between Neil Young and Presley... that's Reg Presley of the Troggs. Catchy pop rock with songs that weren't too long and were reasonably laden with hooks. Solid and hard not enjoy for a simple night out on the town.

Surprise of the Night - Everything went like clockwork with quick changeovers and the headliner beginning before eleven allowing them to play a nice long set. Both openers played reasonably sized sets, too, so lots of music and no frustrating waits. I'm even getting through the door more quickly at the Black Cat. Hallelujah.

Blitzen Trapper/Alela Diane - Black Cat - March 2 2009

Alela Diane started things out with a song that was a bit too country for my tastes. The second song made me sit up and take notice as it was a much more mystical folk-rock styled song. The rest of the set varied but most mostly high quality singer-songwriter US folkrock for the most part. Her dad was on guitar making this the rare act where the parent is not the feature (Spirit comes to mind as another). She could have done without the cover song which sounded too much like her sound already (I've forgotten it alrdeady, but it was an old hit by a female singer songwriter). Still, a really nice job by someone who get give some of the mainstream artists in this genre a run at their money.

Blitzen Trapper - A sold-out show with everyone mostly turning up despite the snow and ice from earlier in the day. The band started off strong with eclectic pop sometimes toward power pop. Nice catchy songs, quirky arrangements--good fun. Then they went a little quieter and my mind wandered a lot more than it should have. The lead singer then did some solo songs with his guitar and harmonica and then a duet before the band returned. That slowed down the momentum for me. But they did a bit of a psychy freakout toward the end which was a nice surprise. A really good band who I would advise to stick with the fuller sound. If you're going to go solo with an acoustic guitar, you better be really really good. I know John Martyn and Davy Graham have just left us, but you have to be a bit better than this to replace them.

Quote of the Night: "Bad banter!" someone yelled while the band was talking between songs. I am not sure they really said that as the banter wasn't really bad, just unimportant and that doesn't sound like something someone would shout. Sounds more like what my mind would twist something into.

And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead/Funeral Party/Midnight Masses - Rock'n'Roll Hotel - Feb 26 2009

Midnight Masses started things out by singing in a circle with backs to microphones and ended the set the same way with a build to and fade from a strong set of dynamic smooth psychish Americana. Although I sometimes have a bias against larger bands (Vocals/bass/drums/2 guitars/keys/drum or 3rd guitar) who don't sonically show me the need, I got over my bias and got into their steady moving emotional sound. Very accessible and easy to enjoy. One guitarist looked like the mysterious protagonist in Val Lewton's The Seventh Victim and the singer reminded me of a young Phil Lynott--I miss Phil Lynott. This Brooklyn band is on its way to SxSW. Good luck!

Funeral Party hit the stage on time and delivered a nice energetic set. Good noisy independent straight noisy rock with an earnestness that seemed strained at times, but that's a minor criticism. There was some variety in the songs with the guitarist doing a U2 thing and then one intro had me thinking they were going to cover the Dead Kennedys "Holiday in Cambodia" based on the swirling intro. But not to be. Good set.

Having already gotten my money's worth, I was only too pleased to see one more band (with another cool name)...

And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead came on to a jam packed room and delivered a strong set which the audience enjoyed. Although it may have been a bit more obvious if it wasn't as jammed as it was and the audience could move, making it look more like a 9:30 Club sellout as opposed to R'n'R Hotel sellout. I used to be able to breathe in this club. But back to the music. This band has a solid loud accessible sound that seems to combine just about every major rock movement since the sixties (except grunge maybe). The amalgamation works for the most part. An annoying crackling buzz marred the set, but it was more noticeable in their monitors than it was in the crowd except for some quiet moments where it was quite annoying. But the quiet moments were few and the band laid it out and delivered.

Quote of Night: From Trail member to soundman... "If you drink white wine and eat artichokes, it tastes like poo."

Tom Jones - 9:30 Club - Feb 25 2009

Tom Jones makes another appearance at the 9:30 club and I just had to revisit my youth and take this one in. None of my music friends made fun of me as there is a certain coolness and respect given to Tom Jones which is also given to Tony Bennett. There may be a few more, but most of the others probably play Branson and not the 9:30 Club.

Mr. Jones had an eleven piece band behind him--four brassmen, drums, bass, keys, guitar, three backup singers with the male doing some percussion. The brass and singers took some breaks so it was nice to hear some songs in a stripped down setting, although the full band never went over the top and instead kept a smooth solid backing with Tom Jones always in front of the sound. I always listen closely to the sixtyish singers and find they sing quite well, but don't quite hit some of the highs and do the screams in their older songs. I think Mr. Jones has a few limitations, but not many as he still had a great voice with some guts behind it. I was worried at first as the sound wasn't quite as good out of the gate as it eventually became.

The hits were there, of course, and some newer material. I give him a lot of credit as his recent album has a majority of songs where he was a co-writer. That takes some effort even for people that were prolific writers which he was not.

So a good night of fun with a near-sell out audience that was a bit younger than I thought it would be (Ray Davies still had the oldest crowd I've observed at the 9:30).

Quote of the night: Tom Jones talking about a Howling Wolf song he played--"it was recorded as 300 pounds, but I'm happy to say on a good day, I'm only 200 pounds" ...and more ladies underwear flew onto the stage.

Fujiya and Miyagi/School of Seven Bells - 9:30 Club - Feb 19 2009

School of Seven Bells came out as two women on guitar and keyboards surround a male guitarist. Drum machines in use with both of the women singing. Early on, I was a bit worried that although I liked the first song, the easy listening shoe-gaze lush melodies would get tiresome. The guitars didn't do anything fancy as a unit, the keyboards were for atmosphere, this may indeed get old. But, the vocals were stellar (not unlike a less dynamic Chimera ( 1970 UK version--and that's today's requisite obscure reference no one has heard of) and there were enough good songs amidst the more easy listening songs to make for a nice set. So I was pleasantly surprised.

Fujiya and Miyagi - I had heard krautrock mentioned in the description of this band which intrigued me enough to go to this show. The show started with keys/guitar/bass with all three singing. Late in the second song, the drummer jumped in giving a needed humanity to the percussion. I admit a bias against drum machine only bands in all but a few instances (Big Black being one). I wasn't hearing the krautrock which wasn't too surprising as that term is one of the more difficult descriptors out there as it covers a wide range of Germanic 70s progressive. I heard more of a English electronica pop not unlike Midge Ure lead Ultravox (although I haven't heard that in 25 years, preferring insted the John Foxx lead Ultravox). But as the set went on, the electronic grooves got a bit more intense at times with some nice guitar and key moves coming off the steady rhythm section. For the second time tonight, I was pleasantly surprised that I could lock in with the band as opposed to tuning out the sameness.

One of my many regrets was not accepting post punk dance music (particularly the Manchester Factory scene post Joy Division) as much as I should have. I felt that would have given me a bit better diversification as a young person. But it's never too late, I suppose.

Rant of the Evening: There was a slow building crowd tonight and since there was space, I quickly left my viewing area near the soundboard in the back as three people decided to have a non-stop conversation in front of me talking over the music. I went off the side stage right in front and continued to be annoyed by the 9:30 Club staff talking over in the music with one guy having a nice nasal high pitched voice which easily cut through the music. Now as much as I hate the former, I realize I should accept some of that-especially in the back. But I won't accept the people receiving a portion of my money from cutting into my enjoyment at my expense.

Kevin Seconds/Vic Ruggiero/Kepi Ghoulie - Black Cat - Feb 15 2009

Kevin Seconds is the "big name" here from the Reno based hardcore band, 7 Seconds. The supporting players are also from bands, Slackers and Groovie Ghoulies respectively. They all played together, each supporting one another with the woman on merchandise, filling in on bass for a bit. Electric and acoustic guitars, bass, and light percussion made it a bit more than straight acoustic folk music, although much of Kevin Seconds set was just him with an acoustic guitar. Vic Ruggiero was more the blues rock-folk type and Kepi Ghoulie was more eclectic pop rock.

Likable enough, but not much in the way of standout cuts or style. There was a nice crowd of about 60-70, many of which were familiar with related bands of course. The crowd enjoyed it more than I expected. All three players did have good personality and were having a good time and made the in between song banter mor enjoyable than most. So the Red Sea did not part tonight, but ten bucks was better spent here than at a two-star movie.

Quote of the night: Vic Ruggiero said something to the tune of--"Which of these two songs would you like to hear? You know, this is like American Democracy--a band will give you two choices, neither of which you like, you'll yell for one and then they'll play something else. American Democracy, still better than alternatives I guess". He did later decry that Obama's election gives him less to write about now. Keep looking, there's lots to write about.

Actually Vic's best quote is from his Myspace page: "Every stupid band's got a prick that goes solo these days..."

(Sounds of) Kaleidoscope/The Tennis System/Big Gold Belt - Black Cat - Feb 12 2009

Big Gold Belt - Two piece opener with a guitarist working in front of a Mac and a female singer/monotone delivery system (about half and half). Singer looked good and was better when doing cutesy vocal touches. Droning, shoegaze electronica fun, I suppose. One song moved me toward the end.

The Tennis System - Pure shoegaze at the start but the set moved into a pop-psyche direction, not unlike a poppier, more upbeat Ride. I don't know my shoegaze scene too well and it seems like many categories to be awash with fuzzy borders and category combinations, but all-in-all, a catchy band.

(the sounds of) Kaleidoscope - I saw this band a couple of years ago and was wary as I already have two different Kaleidoscopes in my record collection, but they were likely aware and have the parenthetical clause working here. I enjoyed the band a few years ago and was very happy that I thought them even better this time around. Strong driving psychedelic rock with good atmospheric vocals (when not lost in the mix) are the focus here. Two guitars blazing away in a washed out echo over the driving rhythm section. A good band that I will be happy to see any time they show up.

I began the evening as one of the eight people to watch the opener, although it quickly grew to thirty to forty. The large crowd peaked in the middle set and then faded to about half at the time the headliner closed. The show started at around 9:30, moved smoothly with the headliner beginning at 11:10. Metro line finishing at midnight and weekday work needs may have added to the decline. I don't think it was band quality, but I think there are real issues on when to start and end shows and I'm not sure I have the answer. I would enjoy having them start earlier and always wanted that when I had my M-F 8-5 job, but so few people seem to be there at the early hour. Is that because they are conditioned that way? I think so as some "matinee" shows at the 9:30 will certainly attract a full cloud if they've plunked down $25 to $40 to see the act.

This is the second time in a row, I've seen significant tapering off of crowds and I will continue to monitor this behavior as I find it disturbing (and if that's the worst of my problems, I will sleep well).

Quote of the Night: Kaleidoscope singer noting that "it's Thursday, some holiday--Martin Van Buren Day?"

Caverns/Deleted Scenes/Hammer No More the Fingers/Acedia - Rock'n'Roll Hotel - Feb 6 2009

Another night at the Rock'n'Roll Hotel, a lovely club unfortunately with a concrete floor colder than my condo's floor. Numbness aside, good music to be had...

Acedia - A Maryland band that is steady, psyche-rock. Vocals seemed a bit to pretty at first, but I think they deserve credit for not just turning up the reverb and sounding like everybody else. A few odd mistakes and moves, but they professionally blazed ahead and turned in a nice set.

Hammer No More the Fingers - First question I have with a band like this is will they live up to their excellent name? In a word, no, but they gave it a good attempt. They were a three piece and I almost sensed a Minutemen quirkiness at times, but it never really got that good or strong enough in any of the three instruments. A steady set from a seemingly educated band and I wouldn't mind seeing them again in a year.

Deleted Scenes - Maybe I'm overly attentive to names tonight, but this band lived up to theirs in that they are indeed the equivalent of a bonus feature to a main course DVD. Just not original enough to headline their own DVD or Mid-level rock club. Too many bands sound like this. Unfortunately none of them get signed to Sub Pop, well Band of Horses aside but their songs are better. What annoyed me was the Ric Ocasek yearning vocal style that can be done at any pitch, but always sounds the same and distracts me from the music every time.

Caverns - Here we have a three piece of drums, guitar and piano with no vocals. The drummer is hard rocking pounder, the keyboardist is classically trained, and the guitarist is a thrash-metalhead. Based on the sounds, it seemed that two different songs were going on but the players were together and created an exciting music that played out like a good mystery novel. Great unique sound that works far better than I can describe by summarizing the parts. The guitarist really covered the stage which was kind of fun as it didn't prevent him from releasing his tonnage of riffs. There was a brilliant and neglected band from the punk era that I am reminded of: MX-80 Sound. I hope this DC band goes far. Great job!

Antony & the Johnsons - Sixth Street Synagogue - Feb 3 2009

Another interesting show at the synagogue. I think I went to the first as they moved beyond lectures into music and other entertainments by bringing in Devandra Banhart over a year ago. Always a fun time here.

TBA - The very famous TBA opened the show. In this version, TBA was a female singer/guitarist who did a lovely job with laying down guitar lines that created that moody atmosphere that works in today's psyche-folk world. Her vocals were in the Marissa Nadler camp and I liked the way she strung a song cycle together with no breaks. too bad I never heard or saw her name.

Antony & the Johnsons - The transgender critical favorite made his first appearance in Washington DC and did a great job. A good band with lots of strings which were oddly placed in front of the stage with him half way back at the piano. Along with the usual low lighting (this is a temple), he was tough to see for our large section on the right. But the voice was the main ingredient and was in fine form. Intriguing music that reminded me of Kate Bush, not as a soundalike, but in principal they both have a classical style mixed in with hooky folk, rock and pop that is clearly a singular vision based on their approach and talents. Good show, well attended and supported by the enthusiastic crowd.

Quote of the Night - Antony had a few long rambling stories that were a little more rational than say, Grandpa Simpson, but had one simple quote I liked between a couple of songs: "Transcendentalism or masochism? I've reached a fork in the road..."

Thievery Corporation - 9:30 Club - Jan 28 2009

This was the second of five sold out shows. I find that amazing based on what I've heard from this duo. Still I wanted to check it out and see for myself.

Thievery Corporation - Although a duo, the show was augmented by six musicians and eight singers. The duo were on a platform at the top rear of the stage performing on keyboards, electronics and computers looking down from Mount Olympus. The music was heavy dub worldbeats electronica, I suppose. It had people swaying and dancing nicely, but it was a bit slick and at times empty. Washington Post writer Mark Jenkins is someone I almost agree with. He stated that since their material relies more on groove than melody, it tends to be samey. I think he's got it right. I didn't get to see enough of my favorite Brazilian singer, Karina who was briefly used.

Charity of the night: Since there were no good quotes or stories from the evening, I will mentin the Thievey Corporation's charity booth they had at the show. It is the UN World Food Program (www.wfp.org) who works on global food programs.

Vic Chesnutt/Elf Power - Black Cat -Jan 22 2009

Back to the Black Cat, small stage tonight, although it should be packed. It was although it thinned out considerable as the night wore on. Late starts on weeknights? I would like to be optimistic about that, but I really don't know.

Elf Power - I didn't care much for their recent album but was looking forward to seeing them live. And I was right, they were much more interesting and fun. I have heard the genre psychedelic given to them and have never heard it much until their last song which was a great psyche nugget. The rest of the time, they were a good steady rock band of the modern era with folk touches resulting in easy access. They are from Athens, GA so that says a lot.

Vic Chesnutt - A cult songwriter who even brought Ian MacKaye out of the woodworks. He has recorded with lots of people but was promoting an album he did with Elf Power, so they obviously backed him. A good set of songs, some wry commentary and a very likable set. A very interesting artist that is worth seeing. He said he wrote a song over a year featuring names like "Dick the Bruiser and John the Piper" with the connector and profession in them. It was going well until "Joe the Plumber" threw a blanket of piss over it.

Quote of the Night: "How I got into acting? It was a combination of laziness and stupidity" Earlier that day, I saw Che with Benicio del Torro doing a Q+A. He further explained that he took an acting class in college as he needed an easy class to fill out his schedule. He then was rejected by an agent who wouldn't work with him but recommended him for a Stella Adler scholarship who he had never heard of. But he got it and the rest writes itself.

Mumiy Troll/Force Major - Black Cat - Jan 21 2009

Force Major - A power trio whose guitarist/singer had trouble with his pedals and switches losing the sound a couple of times. The band was Russian (but from Rockville, Maryland) and all stage patter was in Russian (oddly lyrics were in English). The large crowd in attendance (at least 400 people, probably more) seemed like they were mostly Russian, too. as the headliner is well known there. This band seemed younger and pretty good. Oddly, they reminded me of the brief period in DC between the early harDCore days of Minor Threat and Fugazi. There were some pre-Fugazi sounding bands like Rites of Spring who were very similar to what I heard here. Nice cello solo, too.

Mumiy Troll - Apparently a well known band in Russia, formed in the latter days of the Soviet Union and receiving lots of grief and banned performances in that era. The lyrics were all Russian, and most of the stage patter was, but a couple time the singer proved he had a good grasp of English. It was interesting to see so many people in the crowd roar their approval with the opening notes of a song that is pretty much never been played here on radio, on a movie soundtrack, or whereever. The band was energized, had a few reggae and even klezmer rhythms mixed in to their accessible rock sounds. I enjoyed what the singer described as a brand new Russian Song, "California Dreaming" with Russina lyrics. They even had an anthemy break at the end with an Obama chant that the Russian fans embraced almost as enthusiastically as the Rock the Vote Fans did the other night.

I didn't sense a real wildly unique vision here, but the cultural influences did create something a bit unique and quite fun. The fact that the singer looked like a manic Ron House (my buddy from Columbus' Great Plains) was fun, too.

Quote of the Night: I don't speak Russian, so it was slim pickings. I'll go with Mumiy Troll's lead guitarist's T-shirt... "Who the fuck is Mick Jagger?"

ROCK THE VOTE Inauguration Celbration - 9:30 Club - Jan 20 2009

The city was very happy on Inauguration Day, if not the whole weekend. People in the streets were courteous and smiling despite the frigid temperatures. It didn't hurt that major streets were closed to automobiles which added to the fun of just walking around DC for the day. I decided to end the day by heading off to a Rock the Vote celebration at the 9:30. I had only heard of one band, but what the hey, here goes.

Bug?/Bud?/Burke? - Damn British accents. I didn't catch the name and my web research has left me with lots of other bands, none of which I saw. But that's no problem, because this act is easily forgotten. This is a positive day so I won't complain and they were a good competent pretty rock band, but something was just a little safe and clean about them. I sensed they were going after the younger fans, the more mature of the young, not the teeny boppers. Then it was all clear when after their set, the video screen came down and they showed a Calvin Klein ad featuring the singer and the last song helping to sell their aroma, CK. Thank you Calvin Klein, indeed.

The Honey Brothers - A fun little group of guys rotating instruments and churning out quirky rock songs. I thought they may have been americana seeing the banjo and ukelele on the first song, but they never really went that route. JUSt a nice bang bang set of fun songs that the crowd warmed to pretty quickly. Nice job.

The Dresden Dolls - They say they sound like punk cabaret. I can't top that. A duo of a female pianist/vocalist with a drummer who strums a bit of guitar, too. The drummer is one of the best I've seen with great skills and an attacking showmanship that is hard not to watch, which really helps in a two person band. The singer/keyboardist was also quite fun as they had great energy with their music. I think I read positive reviews in Jack Rabid's Big Takeover magazine but wasn't sure until their closer and second cover. They first covered a Fugazi cut which was quite good an appropriate for the evening. They went on to finish with Sabbath's "War Pigs" (dedicated to the outgoing administration) with no guitar or bass. It was one of the most brilliant cover songs I have ever seen. The drums were overwhelming with the keys and strong vocals handling all the melodical parts brilliantly. It roared into a frenetic ending. Utterly brilliant. Worth the hefty admission price all by itself.

Talib Kweli - A decent enough hip hop act which I am not sure I am qualified to critique with such limited knowledge in the genre. The crowd was into it and he did a good job as far as I could tell.

I called it a night prior to Grace Potter and Michael Franti although I think I would have enjoyed the latter. But two more nights of music led me to the long cold walk home. Man was traffic bad even late and considering bridges to Virginia were closed all day.

Quote of the Night: When leaving my condo, the Building Manager (think M. Emmet Walsh) asked "Where's your tux?". Not for this party, thankfully, although I saw one tux and at least ten suits which was highly unusual for this club. More importantly, I had a great winter coat.

The Raveonettes/Nickel Eye - Black Cat - Jan 17 2009

Late sell-out, so I am glad I had my ticket. But there were two good shows elsewhere in town, so lots going on this Saturday night pre-Inauguration.

Nickel Eye - Four piece with three axes and drums, two of the guys singing sometimes off key. Now that Idol season has invaded the airwaves, I can start talking about pitch being off I guess. I think Vetiver does this better as do others. A couple of songs were ok and the last one rocked and was good. So, if the band knows the rocker will excite the crowd and closes their set with it, why don't they write more that way?

The Raveonettes - Male/Female guitar and vocals duo backed with a standard rhythm section. The vocals are sung together almost all the time and add to the lush arrangements of their interesting pop songs. They are clearly shoegaze, but on the very accessible side of that scene. A very good act that was never dull and have a captured a fairly unique sound to my mind.

Quote of the Night: "Like, I didn't have a light and I go dude, you got a light and like he said no, so I went over and told this guy like I totally need your cigarette for a light. He said I could like take his matches, so I go back to the guy and like, Dude we are so there cuz now we have matches."

I'm paraphrasing a bit here, but I may have made it a bit more grammatically correct than it was.

The Sword/Year Long Disaster/ Nihilitia - Rock'n'Roll Hotel - Jan 14 2009

Does seeing two metal bands that you've seen in the last year make you a metalhead? I hope not, but am beginning to wonder. This over indulgence in metal didn't deter me from joining the packed house at the Rock'n'Roll Hotel to see a what is likely the only band that has ever showed up there in a full size bus with trailer. But if Metallica likes you enough to invite you as an opener (on more than one tour) and you have a free night before your Verizon Center show, why not?

Nihilitia - A local three-piece with a female bassist who only sang on occasion in a Flipper like manor (meaning a voice was present in the mix more than a singer hitting clean notes above it all). Not really metal or even oldschool hard rock, but more of a post-My War Black Flag. The guitarist was clearly like a Greg Ginn with almost a bit of King Crimson at their most manic tossed in. No metal posing, just a good opening set.

Year Long Disaster - I saw the band open for Motorhead/Misfits/Valient Thorr in Denver last year and enjoyed their set. I thought they were even a bit better last night on the smaller stage. They are at their best when they feature a driving rhythm and hit a bit of a groove to work off of. They appear to be playing with Sword on many "in between" shows on the Metallica tour. A worthy three piece band that I won't mind on any bill.

The Sword - The Sword is a four piece with two guitars. They clearly fit in the metal scene and have Metallica style chops going on much of the time, but they bring a Sabbathy feel along with unpretentious singing. Overall, a really good mix of styles and some creative songs that allow non-metal fans who want to put a toe in the water to come out and have a good time. I am impressed that they want to play just about every night in small clubs and out of the way cities in between the big nights with Metallica. That's worth a lot of respect, right there, even if I didn't enjoy the set as much as I did.

Quote of the Night: "Make everything louder" -- except your voice, asshole. I don't where earplugs, although I wished I had them for previous sets by Kawabata and Dinosaur Jr. Most of the time, I don't need them, but between the guy yelling right behind me and the whistling guy beside me at the end, I really needed them. I am curious why the wall of amps and the p.a. are tolerable, but the one shrill voice really hurts. I'm certainly more curious of that, then engaging in a conversation with these yobbos.

Camper van Beethoven/Mystery Band - State Theatre - January 8 2009

Some unknown band from Arlington who was not on the State's website or their posters or anywhere aside from the merch table which I forgot to visit on the way out. Oh well, a nice young slightly garagey rock band that was perfectly acceptable to open the show for a half hour. And those key buzzwords above generally mean I enjoyed the outing, but not enough to pay to see them or even grab their free CD-Rs. But it was close and they looked young.

Camper van Beethoven celebrated their 25th aniversary recently, although members also play as Cracker and various solo projects, they still make it out in their original form now and then. I remembered them as a college rock outfit but didn't have a whole lot of specific memories. As they played, they certainly had some nice things going in in a light psyche, folk, rock format with some catchy riffs now and then. I did enjoy the covers I picked up on. Their take on Status Quo's (yes, the Quo back when they were psychedelic for about 4 minutes) Pictures of Matchstick Men was great with the violin taking on the cool guitar parts. Truth be told, I thought it was a Pretty Things song until I went through my CD collection. Anyway, Camper also did a punk medley of slow versions of White Riot by the Clash, Wasted by the Circle Jerks and a third song I didn't recognize. Angry Samoans maybe? And just when I thought I wouldn't recognize an original song, they went into "Take the Skinheads Bowling" which is a cute song and quite hard to forget.

A good fun ninety minute set plus encores. Another bonus that always seems to get lots of extra credit is when a band uses a violin, viola, or flute. In Camper's case, the violin was used over half the time, with a third guitar going the rest of the time in a non-Molly Hatchett sort of way, thankfully.

Odd Moment of the Night: No interesting quotes, unless it was the scream done by the guy in my metro car that everyone tried to ignore as he screamed an laughed constantly through about five stops. He also rode between the cars when moving and joined us in the car on the stops. We all did are Big City best in the art of ignorng, while keeping peripheral vision active. Fun, fun, fun.

Jucifer/Death by Sexy/Abiku - Black Cat - January 2 2009

Time to settle in on an evening of local bands on the main stage at the Black Cat to start the New Year. Only a few more people than what would fit in the backstage, but the headliners' wall of cabinets wouldn't fit.

Abiku - Two humanoids, one female, playing a guitar and a Gary Wright style key-synth (remember those early videos?). Their costuming was quite nice with shimmering, silver robes making them look like 1970s SciFi invaders from 1970s Doctor Who or perhaps the Outer Limits. Very noisy, but a few turns of melody and purpose snuck through. Not bad at all, Chrome did it first and better, but someone always does it first and better.

Death by Sexy - This power trio started strong and faded into a comfortable steady background by the end. Still, worthwile, but nothing much to go over the top of the average bluesy rock band power trio. I wouldn't walk out on them if they played again

Jucifer - White Stripes style duo with the genders revered. Ok, this band is the poster child of a question I've long pondered. If you are going to shriek, scratch and scream your way through inaudible lyrics the whole night, why bother writing lyrics? Further, why write a rock opera album about Marie Antoinette? I didn't stay after the show to find out as it was lated and I'm not comped for this. Anyway, Vanilla Sludge of lowest order. Great cabinets, though.

Quote of Night: From Death by Sexy's guitarist... "This next song is about having sex and listening to Bachman Turner Overdrive"

TOP TEN of 2008.

In a year, where I may have set a record for a quantity of bands seen live, I've certainly had some of the best adventures I have had since the early punk rock days. Here are a few highlights:

1. Flew to Sweden to see bands on a boat between Stockholm and Helsinki and back.
2. Flew to London to see a reunion show (and bumped into two friends before the show).
3. Drove cross country to Louisville, KY to see 39 bands in 3 1/2 days.
4. Went to Monolith Festival at Red Rocks.
5. Saw live music in four states that I resided in this year (counting DC-MD-VA as a state for music scene purposes).

But now, the list.

10. Valiant Thorr - Who were these weird biker looking guys taking the stage prior to Motorhead and the Misfits? I was prepared to wander over to the merch stand, when an MC-5 styled assault hit. Although they fit into a metal show, they really blast out killer hard fast rock as good as it gets. Fun, crazy and a nice surprise.

9. Kinski - I really enjoy this Seattle four-piece who plays everything from attic shows to opening spots for Tool. This was the second time I saw them at a Terrastock festival and the third time I saw them. Great grinding, intelligent, tuneful songs--mostly instrumental, but enough lyrics to round it out a bit. Covering Hawkwind with Acid Mother Temples' Kawabata Makoto guesting was the highlight.

8. Motorpsycho - A powerhouse trio from Norway that is far too neglected in the US. They ripped into their very melodic but ultrastrong songs at Terrastock. Really outstanding choices in the playing and such simple power. It felt like they were moving in on and surrounding the crowd during their too brief set. Hard to categorize this band, but a joy to finally see.

7. LoveLikeFire - One of my breakout band predictions. Other breakout predictions were for Husker Du, Nirvana, Wipers and Ragged Bags. We'll see where they fall on that scale. Hopefully north of Ragged Bags (stll great in my mind). Three great shows in DC, Denver and Red Rocks. Hopefully their label deal resulting in their first album in 2009 will lead to great things. See below review for more.

6. Motorhead - How did I make the ripe age of 48 without seeing Motorhead or the Misfits ever. Well, the Misfits had a bad rep as a live act and there is only one original and is now 2/3 Black Flag, so I can see that. But Motorhead rocked the Fillmore hard and heavy. Truly a perfect hard rock sound. Not much more to say about these proud dinosaurs.

5. United Bible Studies - Another big surprise at Terrastock. This Irish ensemble flowed from experimental to traditional to whatever they felt like playing in a seamless beautiful manner. Just a high quality, thoughtful approach with some of the more accessible experimentation I've heard.

4. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds - Finally saw my first Cave show although I've admired him for years. Excellent show as my review below describes.

3. Spiritualized - As an earlybird to the Monolith Festival (to ensure catching LoveLikeFire), the parking lot guy gave me two tickets for Spiritualized at the Ogden next week. I was thinking of going, but was now committed. Wow, what a great freebie that was. Jason of Spaceman 3's newer band was brilliant. Great psychedelia and lovely mesmerizing tunes. Very exciting show, better than the few CDs I've heard by them. Although most acts you should see live, this one is one of the most worthy I've seen this past year.

2. Pentangle - I've been a huge fan for a number of years now as I discovered their place in the English folk-rock revival of the late 60s where Steeleye Span and Fairport Convention were the better known stateside. I have seen four of the members solo and duet in the past decade or so, so it was without hesitation, I snapped up a ticket for their 40th anniversary show at the Royal Albert Hall in London where they recorded a live album in 1968. Just two quality sets of their wonderful material, but a magical night. As a bonus, I bumped into Pentangle's friend, Wizz Jones who I've met before and my old friend from Massachusetts, Charles Reynolds (now in Germany). Great band that still had enough in the tank to rekindle their musical magic from the past.

1. Comus - It's no secret of what a huge fan I am of Comus, a British band who did two albums in the early 70s and dropped off the face of the earth. Just check my Myspace page for proof of that. So when a Swedish record dealer sends me an email showing the Meloboat ad listing the bands that would be on their annual cruise, I had to look twice when I saw Comus listed with the more expected names (Opeth, Leafhoud, Bo Hansson and others). I had trouble believing this so I decided to investigate. Comus had a new Myspace page that wasn't there when I last checked, so I wrote them to ask if it was reall them? Bobbie Watson (fem vocals, percussion) wrote back and said it was them and I wasn't dreaming. They had all original members except one and were rehearsing pretty hard to get ready for this one show. It was uncertain if they would play others. That was enough positive points for me to book my passage on the Meloboat from Stockholm to Helskinki and back. And I'm so glad I did. There were fans from Canada, US, UK, Europe, and Asia that all came out of the woodwork to see Comus. The band was overwhelmed by the crowd support and delivered a brilliant set featuring their absolute best songs and a Velvet Underground cover they used to encore with. Saw the soundcheck, chatted with them a bit and their original manager that they pulled into the mix and had a fabulous time. They still haven't played a show since, but they are trying to set a few things up. I am there to help if they need it, as they really deserve to get the accolades that eluded them in 1970 when no one could understand what they were doing. I am not sure many people can today either, but those that do will have a magical time.