I just got back from a killer show at Slims. If you are lucky enough to have Brokeback come though your town, you need to go! This group is headed by Douglas McCombs, who’s also the bassist for Tortoise and Pullman. This is typical for bands on the Thrill Jockey label, each member tends to have 3 or 4 projects which they work on. Anyway, rush out and get their latest album, Looks at the Bird. You won’t be sorry!

Friday night I took in a show at Bottom of the Hill to see Evan Dando of the Lemonheads.

It opened up with Cobra Verde. At frist, all my attention was focused on the lead singer John Petkovic. It’s as if he was channeling Mick Jagger for his energy and stage presence. It was so odd that it took me a couple of songs to realize that the strange computer hacker looking fellow on the corner of the stage playing guitar was none other than the front man for Dinosaur Jr., J. Mascis. This was a treat!

The second band On The Speakers were pretty good. Nicole mentioned they sound pretty similar to The Strokes, and I would have to agree. I’m pretty sure they are local to San Francisco and will try hard to see them again.

It wasn’t until 12:15 when Evan Dando climbed up on stage. I was worried he was going to play solo, but was happy to see that he brought a band along with him. I was especially surprised to find the lovely Juliana Hatfield took on the role as his bassist for the tour. And yes I have had a bit of a crush on her since the early 90′s, as every boy in college at that time did. Anyway, they played for a solid hour and 15 minutes, even though it was already 1:30 in the morning and my feet were crying I wanted more.

If by chance they are coming though you town on this tour, I highly recommend going. If not for anything but just nostalgia.

I’m afraid that Christopher, my old college roommate and good friend, has once again decided to rag on the success of yet another good talent. (Reworked musical genres, 05/24/03) If Christopher had joined me to see Coldplay at Bimbos on 08/18/2002, he would be convinced that these guys deserve this success.

Christopher should be complaining about the air time performers like Pink, Jennifer Lopez (aka, J. Lo), or even everyone’s favorite *NSYNC member Justin Timberlake receive. These jokers should have never been offered studio time let alone the amount of money allotted to promote these hideous albums. What kills me is that J. Lo even refused to sing her hit song live on SNL, because the energy it takes to sing the song would take away from her dance performance. Bull!

There are plenty of bands that would give their first born child to get that gig. I’m not sure what the reasoning is, but this stuff sells and sells big.

Now, Christopher points out a few choice electronic artists. I’m with you man, these guys should get more props for their work. But, what happens when artists try to make a living? They are treated the way Moby was when his music began showing up on TV adds. People start calling him a sell out! But why? Because he was trying to make a living at what he loves to do.

All because record producers push what sells and most Americans will only buy what they are told to. Case in point!

Btw, what does ‘fin’ mean? I’m guessing the five dollar reference and not a fish limb.