Evrybody's Rockin For The Weekend, part 1

Thursday 8/2/06:

Alana Amram, Hopewell, Grand Mal & Tomorrow’s Friend.

Hopewells record release party was a ton of fun.
Alana never fails with her emotionally balls-out alt country.

I missed most of Grand Mal, but I listened from the other room for the one song I know by them that was a staple in the Vic Thrill Salon playlist back in the late 90s. It’s called “A Whole Lotta Nothing” and of course, I don’t have it and it’s not on Limewire or itunes. I’ll try to find an mp3, but in the meantime you can listen to a sample here.

Very reminiscent of Soft Bulletin-era lips. Which brings me to Hopewell.

They’re kind of reminiscent of Transmissions-era Flaming Lips. But what got me really excited was their cover of Jane’s “Of Course” which I originally caught the tail end of back in march at sxsw. Tommy, Vic, Toni and myself set off on a mission to find this gig, completely off the beaten path from Austin’s 6th street mayhem.

We finally found the place, but missed the set. Yet as soon as we heard “lala… lala… lala…” Me and Vic joined arms and skipped around in circles. Because that’s what you’re supposed to do when you hear “Of Course”. And Hopewell nails it. And trips the fuck out of it.

I was personally wowed by their Video Artist. OK, not wowed – truly humbled. Homeboy had 2 projectors going, and seamlessly mixed and manipulated FILM to perfectly compliment Hopewell’s energized set. I was speechless and upon approaching this mad man and attempting to introduce myself as a “Fellow VJ,” I was shot down with “This is film, honey. There’s not a pixel involved.” Ouch.

Great party. Great hazy afterparty.

Friday 8/3/06

Agnostic Front @ The Hook.

This show was supposed to be at Cha-cha’s on the Coney Island boardwalk. Unfortunately, the whole live punk show vibe ended ther last week, when World/Inferno Friendship Society ripped the place a new ahole. Supposedly trashed the place. I guess it’s the price you pay for having a waltzing mosh pit. (Which is one of the most beautiful things I’ve seen at show – or a close second to World/Infernos’ sizzlin’ lead man.)

So they moved the show to Red Hook.

Now I’m not into hardcore. I need a groove. Plus, I’m just not a fan of angry music. I mean, anger has its place when it’s coupled with resolution or passion, but not when it’s lacking a groove.

But last year, backstage at a Rancid show, I was hanging with some friends and I spot a familiar face. It was Mike Gallo, a friend from high school. I was completely taken aback (as was he) because I NEVER run into folks from high school. Especially at anything cool. We grew up in Nassau County, Long Island right next to the Queens border. It was the freestyle capital of the world. The guidos and guidettes outnumbered any punk vibe.

So I see this former guido (not to say I didn’t have big hair and a lot of cheap gold back in the day) and was like “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I’m in Agnostic Front”

Holy shit.

But it doesn’t end there. Over the next year I come to find out another dude I’ve known for over 10 years is also playing in Agnostic Front. This dude Joe, who’s tight with my friend Henry from SVA

So Friday night, Sibi and I trekked into Red Hook for more of small-fucking-world-old-friend-reunion then a hardcore show.

Good thing because 4 songs in, the bright lights came on and management shouted “SHOWS OVER” after a bar-back got the shit kicked out of him. I escaped with merely a bruised arm. (someone kicked me whilst I was at the bar getting a drink). Good Times.