Let's just say I never thought I would go see these guys. I have never gone to a show that is considered I guess, totally hardcore. I have been to ALOT of punk shows, but they are nothing like this. I had to experience it myself, I'll try anything (almost anything) once. I like the cd..but have you seen their video??I have..For those who haven't, they wear scary masks, and are totally insane. Actually I don't mind the masks,and the insanity bit made me want to see them. The clown guy freaks me out though! (I have had the biggest fear of clowns in I was about 3 or 4.) Which I guess is good marketing because the Glasshouse was packed.The first band that played was pretty good, I really liked them (although I can't remember their name for the life of me)..the next band called Head was only ok in my opinion, but they did get the crowd pumped. After waiting about 45 minutes for setup, the band took the stage. Stobe lights glared the crowds vision as they started the first song.They played a hard hitting set. The floor area was like one huge pit, everyone was jumping, pushing, and crowd surfing. I actually made it to the front and just my luck I stuck in front of that damn clown guy! It felt like he was staring at me,or maybe I am just paranoid!?! At one point the band got everybody to sit down on the floor and jump up at the same time, it was crazy, but alot of fun!A cool highlight of the evening was seeing a couple of the guys from Slayer there. They walked right past me (while I was searching for my friend Eric's keys that he lost while crownd surfing). So all in all it was a hardcore, freaky but fun show. I say go see them, well that is if you want to let loose and go crazy. The only real down side was that security was a bitch, they thought they were controlling the crowd when they were just mashing everybody closer together. Which is a stupid thing to do, don't they every hear about people getting crushed to death at shows?! Apparently not!
Phantom Planet/Nash Kato May 16, 2000 @ The Troubador
Nash Kato is everything a rock-n-roll star should be. He is tall, skinny, and has great hair. When he got up on stage, he gave a memorable performance. The crowd was mixed as far as who they were there to see. I admit, I was there to see Phantom Planet, even though I listened to Urge Overkill a few years back. I can't speak for everybody, but will definatly go and buy Nash's cd. He really blew me away. Phantom Planet was wonderful, as they have been everytime I have seen them.(This was my fifth time). Jacques even did a little rendition of the Smashing Pumpkins "Tonight", during one of Alex's many attempts to keep his gutiar tuned.
They rocked, as always! Jason ended the set with his own version of the Blur's "Song2", he even attempted crowd surfing (it went pretty well, until the threw him on a bunch of unexpecting girls).One thing about having such a great time during a bands set,is that you loose track of time and it seems like they just only took the stage minutes ago. Afterward we got to talk to some of the guys in the band. Jason, Alex, and Sam were all totally nice and took a lil bit of time to talk and take pictuers, even tough they were in a hurry. The whole reason I like Phantom Planet is not only for the music, but because they are always cool when it comes to talking to their fans! This made me like them 10 times more than I did, before I had met any of them.
Phantom Planet June 1, 2000 @ The Roxy
This show was Karen's Treat as a going away gift before I left for England. All of the opening band were good. I have seen Fluf before, I think opening for Pennywise (go figure)..I really enjoyed the Push Kings, I am definetly gonna keep and eye out for them. Rilo Kiley was also great, I like the fact that each song sounded so different..it was like 2 bands in one. Then of course our heros Phantom Planet took the stage and rocked harder than ever. They played with pure joy and the result was lots of screaming girls and a few guys..even a few celeberties. I think the band knew that the night was phenominal after Jason's version of Blur's Song 2; the guys regrouped and came out kicking with Sabatoge. I had a wonderful time and not only did I find myself standing next to Winona Ryder at the end of the show (she rules..I wanted to be just like her while growing up, so I was completely speechless) .I also got to met Monique who does the Phantom Planet fan page "Last Glance"..she was a sweetheart and it will be nice to see a friendly face at upcoming shows.
Phantom Planet August 5, 2000 @ The Roxy
Well here we find ourselves back for more, Phantom Planet is like an addiction. This time Karen, Kristin, and I headed out to Hollywood in style..or at least comfort. We rented a car and got a hotel fairly close. This was a kind of pre-birthday celebration for Karen who turned 20 on the 13th. The show was a lot of fun! The Mosley's opened. They sound a bit like the Kink's. They dress like 60's rock stars and even have a crazy guy that shakes the marracca's. He jumped off stage and started dancing in front of Karen (she found him a bit scary)..then he handed the marracca's to Kristin and she shook them way to fast, so he took em away and gave them to another girl~I guess she shook em the right way. It was hilarious,anyway. The next band was good, but I have forgotten their name. (I feel the scorn) What kind of concert reviewer am I?!?! One that doesn't get paid, and there is a reason for that..Because I suck! These guys were cool though, and the singer wore orange (which is a great color)! Ok on to Phantom Planet..They played a good set, even if there were a few technical problems. I think the highlight would have to be when Alex and Jacques did their own rendition of the Beach Boys "God only Knows"..Sam joined in toward the end..it is such a beautiful song and they did a great job! The bands energy level didn't seem to match the June 1st show. (That is my opinion) They did experiment a bit with Jason on Alex's keyboard doing this robotic sounding voice, it was pretty cool; I can dig it. They also did a cover of WEEZER'S "Suzanne"..for Suzanne's birthday, that was pretty darn cool of them. When Jason finished with his version of "Song2", Devon Sawa (they guy from Final Destination, or the acid freak from SLC Punk) was pretty wasted and got up on stage with his fellow co-star (Slackers out later this year). It was pretty darn funny! After the show we talked to Jacques, which was cool..He attacked me and gave me a hug, it was rather nice..made my night. Then we talked a little to Sam (he is so dreamy). It was a blast once again!
Big Bad Voodoo Daddy August 19,2000 @ Soboba Casino
To start this review, I must say that in order to be a true music lover you have to enjoy more that one type of music. I enjoy many different types and swing happens to be one of the many. I have seen Big Bad Voodoo Daddy before, a little over 2 years ago at a very small venue;it was one of the GREATEST shows I have ever been too.Now since they have made a bigger name for themselves this was a much bigger event, and the craziest thing it that it was in my town. Trust me, nothing cool ever happens here. So after a good dinner Karen, Clayton, Willy and I went to the casino to check them out. Nobody opened for them, which was cool so they could play a long set. The crowd was quite diverse as far as ages went, and everybody was singing along or out on the dance floors. The guys of BBVD did not dispoint, they came out and played with a lot of heart. Each of of the band members played these incredible solo's that had the crwd screaming for more. The singer Scotty knows how to work a crowd without coming off too strong. Everything about their shows is awesome, from the King of Swing to the closing song "Goodbye" (where they threw in a bit of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" ) It is hard to describe how truly excellent these guys are, I can't really put it into words..but if you enjoy swing go see them when they play anywhere near you! I promise the will entertain as well as impress!
