L.E.S. Stitches/The Homewreckers -- 8/22/97Two NYC-area bands rocked a moderately packed house. The Homewreckers impressed with their Dee-troit sounds, and they paid tribute to their forefathers with a great cover of "Kick Out The Jams" (a song that never fails to excite us motherfuckers). L.E.S. Stitches played a good brand of Heineken-swilling, all-over-the-place drunk punk. The singer put the mic in my face during "All This And More." Naturally, I sang along.
The Ultimatics -- 8/29/97
These punkers from Pittsburgh delivered the rock 'n' roll goods throughout their hour-long set. Some say they're Johnny Thunders meets The Clash, others The Lazy Cowgirls gone '77. In any case, The Ultimatics provided a sonic quarantine from the nearby American Music Festival with selections from their album, as well as covers of the Dead Boys ("All This And More" -- was it Stiv Bators tribute week?!?), U.K. Subs ("Stranglehold") and Sham 69 ("Borstal Breakout").
Jack Black -- 9/16/97
Always fun seeing this "punkabilly" trio from NYC. It was twice the action on this Tuesday evening, as Jack Black played two sets of booze-filled, greasy rock 'n' roll mayhem. If you haven't seen or heard this band yet, you must like Dan Fogelberg. Pick up Got Jack Black If You Want It for a taste of their live show. Among the items for sale were panties with the Jack Black logo prominently featured. Would've bought a pair, but the women who receive my gifts are of the XXXL variety. Outta luck on this shopping trip.
The Mad Daddys -- 9/20/97
Had missed their show in Norfolk last year, so I was looking forward to this one. Use The Cramps as a reference point if you must, but these kings of wild New Jersey rock 'n' roll have been a garage-rock institution for over twelve years. All told, a solid 30 minutes of off-the-octave-chart vocals from Stinky Sonobuoni, framed by a rockin' rhythm section. Stinky's a born performer. Fidgeting cigarettes and having a nice-looking female paddle his backside whilst quoting "Animal House," he played the lead role perfectly.
The Heartdrops -- 9/24/97
Second time seeing this NYC three-piece. I'd say I enjoyed this show more than their first, because the Natural Light drafts were dirt cheap, and The Heartdrops played a longer set of their very fine "street pop." '76 Ramones crossed with '78 Clash? You make the call. Their Big Apple roots were put on display, with right-on takes of The Heartbreakers ("One Track Mind") and The Dictators ("Stay With Me").
Lostribe/The Unabomers/Buggin' Out -- 10/3/97
An all-ages punk-rock affair, featuring two familiar acts (with new drummers) and one of more-recent vintage. Buggin' Out played 7-8 songs of fast, melodic sounds that the crowd almost didn't get to hear (the band had nearly called it quits). Good thing they decided to stick with it. The Unabomers did some ragin' hardcore tunes that could be felt as far away as Helena, MT. Their new skin-pounder (ex-Seesaw, Evil Superman -- I think [?]) injected some humor with faux English accents. Lostribe brought to mind my porch-skating days in Portsmouth with their "drop-in-off-the-first-step-but-don't-mess-up-the-flower-pot" skate punk. Wish these guys had been around in '85-86 instead of Suicidal Tendencies (yuck!). Maybe I'd still be possessed to skate.
The Loudmouths/Snuka -- 10/4/97
Believe it or not, openers Snuka were more karate than wrestling. As singer Chloe was being backed by some good punk rock 'n' roll, she knocked out my friend David with one finger, by attacking a pressure point in his forehead. Chloe also capped some pink-pussy-fur taste-tester in the teeth with one of her patented kicks. The Loudmouths were only on stage for what seemed a blink of an eye, but were pleasing with their late-'70s inspired punk. There was enough time for Beth Loudmouth to quote The Specials, praise roller derby/knock Rollerblading, and say, "I wanna lick some pussy tonight." Just be careful of Chloe, okay Beth?
The 5,6,7,8's -- 10/7/97
These ladies from Tokyo must love Va. Beach, because they had played a show at 44 a month prior to this one. Couldn't make that gig, so this was like an early Christmas present. There was an opening act, but I didn't catch his name. That's right -- one guy, armed with only a guitar and a voice, performed some great interpretations of '50s American rock 'n' roll. The 5,6,7,8's also rocked in a '50s-style, laced with '60s/'70s sounds as well. Their uniform orange dresses were a nice sight. See you girls in November?
Big Bobby And The Nightcaps -- 10/10/97
Some band from up north had been scheduled to headline, but its dog died and ate the set-list. The Nightcaps, who don't own any pets to my knowledge, proved they're in good standing with the SPCA, as well as the loyal rock 'n' roll crowd (those at the Driving And Crying show need not apply). The dog absentees were called "a bunch of Yankees," whiskey was preferred over Goldschlager, and rock 'n' roll fun was a plenty.
The Humpers/The Neckbones -- 10/11/97
44 was crowded on the level of a Candy Snatchers/Nashville Pussy show. Three reasons why: The Humpers, The Humpers, and The Humpers. Their label mates, The Neckbones, did an effective job rockin' out with a 20-minute set of no B.S. R 'N' R. People had told me what a great live band The Humpers were, and classics like "Wake Up And Lose," "Up Yer Heart," "Anarchy Juice," "Soul Surgeon," and "Drunk Tank" were given added power, as vocalist Scott Drake gave an upside-down calisthenics demonstration. Almost everybody sang along. Yes, the guy who wears that funny hat did just that. Well worth the five Washingtons.
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