Show Journal 2000-06-28
In all of EJ’s 10 year existence the lowest turnout ever was 3 paying customers. Tonight we almost broke the record with a total of 4 paying people. How embarrassing is that? No flyers, no press and we were listed on the marquee as “BOO OCTAIN.” But still, 4 paying people … ouch. There were a few more people at the show than that (maybe a dozen) but most were friends of or employees of EJ’s. In a real strange kind of was the show was actually pretty cool. Probably because no one was forced to gaze into the deep recesses of Kansas City Shawn’s anus again like last night. The Secretions were particularly entertaining this evening … even more so with the arrival of Scotty Potty from Witch Throttlegush. (Dave and I have always considered Scott to be the king of all hecklers … we’ve heard him talk smack about Canadians, Australians, Californians, punk rockers, teenagers and now people from Sacramento). Thanks to the few people who came out tonight and especially the 4 who paid which keeps us from being the worst show in EJ’s history.
Show Journal 2000-06-27
Tonight’s show was good … good and terrible. Too hot, bad sound and one too many naked people.
Show Journal 2000-06-21
Finally after 3 1/2 years in Portland we got to play at LaLuna. It’s called The Paradigm now and we played on the small stage but I’ll take it. The show was good … Wednesday turnouts are always low (go figure) but it went ok. Well that’s what Lyle said at least. The Commies were cool … they literally played to 9 people and we all liked it. Thanks to The Knockdowns and Brother Spud for rocking the weekday night away as well. Unfortunately Justin sustained a groin injury in the parking lot while running away from Jim, but despite the injury he managed to play well. By midway through our set it was obvious his joke telling ability was slightly impaired though. After a night on a horse shaped ice sculpture he’ll feel all better.
Show Journal 2000-06-16
Would it be wrong if I told you this show sucked? Well, it did. Broken strings, an unplugged cord, a broken tuner, an amp left on standby and two (yes, two) broken bass drum pedals. Added to the mix was a totally unreceptive crowd who left us with a deafening silence in between songs and pauses. I’ve really grown to like Witch Throttlegush these days but I just had to leave after our set and missed the other bands. In fact I think the show is still happening as I write this. Anyway, just to sum up, the show sucked. Thank you, good night.
Show Journal 2000-06-02
You know how long it had been since we played at EJ’s? 357 days!!! Almost a year. Amazing. Some faces have changed but it’s still the coolest club in Portland. I think just being back was there was the highlight for us. Tonight was Terry’s birthday (the booking guy) so a ton of people came out. The first band was ok, but their staged wrestling match was hysterical. Little Alien (the singer from the band) had a fight with The Million Dollar Dot Com man (Joe from the Silverkings). They hit each other with all kinds of stuff including crutches and plywood and finished off the match with a body slam through a table that was lit on fire. Pretty cool until the guy turned on the fire extinguisher and sprayed it everywhere. Everything in EJ’s was coated with a fine white powder. You could taste it and smell it. How awful. Anyway, that sucked pretty bad but our show went amazingly well. I think Justin is getting the hang of this rock star thing. Perhaps too much so judging from the fire lit on stage underneath him.. Naked Violence still rocks harder than you. I left before Scotty Kellogg and the Punk Ass Bitches, but I’m sure they were good. They have been every other time I’ve seen them.
Show Journal 2000-05-07
This was a big show with a lot of people. Everyone of them was more punk than me. Or does that make me the punkest one since I looked normal? Who cares. The Straightjackets were my favorite band this afternoon. It would have been Statch but their bass player got naked … again. The big news today was that this was our first show with Justin. In fact this was Justin’s first show with anyone. We warned him that it’s all downhill from here (read the previous review) but he doesn’t seem phased. My first show I was so nervous I couldn’t even stand it. Not Justin, damn fool is running across the stage and jumping off drum risers looking like a seasoned rock star. Thanks to Another State of Mind … see you in 6 more years!
Album Review
This is a well produced disc of revved-up poppy punk. The song-writing’s top-notch and the guys are great musicians. Dave naturally sings with confidence and Brian’s back-ups add even more harmony and sweetness to the mix. There’s some great songs about monsters, pimps and aliens, but the reminiscent “Radio” about friendship (and beer) and the emotional songs, like “Still the Same” and “Brand New Faces” are powerful and honest and really touch me. Beer Can Count: One. Kelly drew an amazing cover for the CD and penciled in a redneck clutching a beer can as he’s about to get hacked to pieces. (Beer Can Fanzine #3)
Show Journal 2000-04-29
I thought we played great tonight. We were super tight and we played three new songs. Too bad only a dozen people came out to see it.
Show Journal 2000-04-09
Tonight’s show was at the Paris so two things are assumed 1) not many people came and 2) we didn’t get paid. If you can look past that it was a pretty good show. One Last Thing (the band) totally rocks. They were really different and very good. The other two bands were pretty cool as well. Thanks to J Crash for the show hook-up!
Album Review
Pop-punk rock’n’roll from Portland, Oregon, I think. Their sound is like a very energetic Misfits mixed with the Ramones so get this “Misfones” influenced kinda thing happening (maybe even tighter). Kind of a stronger early Badtown Boys and Face to Face mix. Track #2 “Condescend” and track #8 “Golden Road” are harmony-induced songs that kept me tappin’ my toes over and over. I like this release a lot and I hope they’re around for at least a few more records. 12 songs that set my mood for the day! I can see this band on Fearless, Fat, Hopeless, Epitaph or Lookout! One of these days. Catch them before they do! (Flipside)
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