.bush tetras @ johnny brendas

The Simple Pleasure are so fun!

This show was so much fun and The Simple Pleasure has a new fan! They opened for Bush Tetras, hailing from Texas. The lead singer had googly eye stickers on his guitar and the bass player's haircut reminded me of Yolandi Visser from Die Antwoord. Regardless they had songs titled "Milfshake" and lyrics such as "Saturday night is for buttholes!" The cherry on top was their encore. In a Bon Jovi-esque move that robotic straw was attached to the mic for a thrilling rendition of the "Grease" theme. Grease is the word! I felt bad the place wasn't packed as most people came in closer to Bush Tetras set. That didn't discourage The Simple Pleasure as they played like they were playing for hundreds of people. The next band up was "Wild at Heart." One of the guitar players I recognized from a few Philly bands. My friend and I looked at each other as their set was extremely brief (about fifteen minutes long!) Hrm..

Cynthia = badass

Pat Place = beast on guitar

Finally Bush Tetras came out to an elated audience. I LOVED that the bassist of The Simple Pleasure was dancing all night to their songs with her friend in the audience. Soon others joined in their fun as well. Cynthia was so bad-ass. I cannot believe she is 60! She claimed she was having senior moments on stage trying to remember certain lyrics but her stage presence was commanding and many times playful with the audience. The band wrote their set lists on paper plates. To hear "Too Many Creeps" was so amazing! There was an older guy rocking out to it down below. How I wished I stayed on the floor but I knew I would have no energy for Amanda Palmer the following night in Brooklyn. That's why I took to the balcony. The funniest thing Cynthia said was that her songs relevant to the Reagan era are still relevant today. On the way out I purchased the "Too Many Creeps" 7" album along with two pins. So happy to have finally seen them. As much as I wanted to see Sylvan Esso (both nights sold out over the weekend) I'm glad I did this instead. Would've totally missed out on a super fun and energetic night with this group.

.sallie ford @ johnny brenda's

My friend convinced me to come see Sallie Ford. I was bummed because Colleen Green was playing the same night which I realized the day before this show. However my mind changed after seeing SF's performance that I would've missed out on such a fun, good-spirited show. I listened to some songs off her new album beforehand. They were okay but I didn't look into her previous discography. I came to the conclusion I like her older songs. They have a rockabilly edginess to them that make you want to get up and dance. And that's exactly what the crowd did! You would've thought we were at a bar for swing dancing. People were doing the twist and huddled around one another just having a blast!

The openers were Haunted Homes and Molly Burch, both I am unfamiliar with. Haunted Homes had these Halloween-ish masks on with sharp teeth. They were interesting to watch. I loved how they projected black and white images in the background of scary movies. Sadly my Iphone did not do a great job of capturing this. Molly Burch was really something and hit those high notes. I think the band is from Texas. 

Molly Burch is fabulous

Haunted Homes...spooky scary!

Towards the end of the show I captured two of my favorite shots, the band playing side-by-side and Sallie just collapsed on the floor playing her guitar. 

Wake up Sallie! ;)

Her socks say, "Cats! Cats! Cats!"

Set list:
GET OUT
NEVER
ROM CAST
SCREW UP
RECORD
GIMME <3
SHIVERS
HURTS
FAILURE
MIDDLE
DANGER
CAGE
I SWEAR
THEY TOLD
LOVELINESS
PARTY

thao w/o the get down stay down @ johnny brenda's

Thao!

I practically lived at Johnny Brenda's this past week with three concerts in a span of 7 days. This is my second time seeing Thao. The first was with her entire band at Underground Arts back in mid-April of 2016. So, this was great seeing her practically a year later! I was curious how the songs would sound with just Thao. Band or no band this woman is simply talented and has such stage charisma. She had at least 4-5 different types of guitars on stage (one a banjo, one looked like a violin practically). I was excited she wore her white blazer, she wore that last time too. Thao played about 15-ish songs. I'll post the set list soon, my friend got a copy. She ended with "Meticulous Bird" but then came back out for an encore. What I liked the most was how much she talked with the audience and she mentioned that. Being with her band she keeps it moving with the songs but we got the chance to hear her speak to us. One of the songs she dedicated to her Grandmother which had me choked up since I lost mine at the age of 9. It was really touching. The funniest thing was how Thao joked she would not have to fight her bandmates over Kind bars backstage, she had dibs on the sea salt ones. 

Maryn hates April Fools Day

The opener was Maryn from Yowler aka All Dogs aka her other band I'm failing to remember the name of. I love watching her finger pick the guitar. No way I could even attempt that. She sang that "Sunset in August" song which brought me back to the Frankie Cosmos show from late April last year. Yowler had Felix and Gabby from Eskimeaux on stage to help her sing it and I captured the moment on my Iphone. Yes, I pretty much taped the entire song, it was that good. I'm sure I'll see more of Maryn at other venues. She said the band is recording new songs and coming out with a compilation of songs. Kudos to only two bands this evening! It gets to be a bit much at times with so many openers.

.alice bag @ johnny brendas

Alice Bag!

Alice Bag is a punk feminist icon from the 1970s. I feel horrible for not knowing anything about her until now. When I saw The Julie Ruin in August, Alice Bag performed at PhilaMoca on the same night. She came back in the fall but I missed my chance. Thankfully she told my friend she would be back in spring and she kept her promise! At first I was hesitant to attend this because of state testing going on at work but let me tell you, this is my favorite concert so far of 2017. The three opening bands kept things moving along before Alice came out later on.

Full Bush

The first band was Full Bush. I really dug their drummer. The second band was Pretty Greens. They were okay. The final opener was Shellshag. The coolest thing about their duo was this incredible mic stand that had their name cut out of a clear plastic circle which makes it look like ice. The guitarist had a quote written on his guitar from one of their songs called "Carry On." They were a lot of fun. Alice Bag came out and commanded the stage. Before introducing each song she went into some background about why the song was written and spoke a little bit on the topic. She talked about "No Means No" which is an obvious song about date rape. Then she discussed "Programmed" about how she left teaching since the system is out to fail the kids and there's no more creativity in teaching. 

Pretty Greens

I was in awe the entire night. The crowd was rough at certain points, I won't lie. Some young guys started moshing and at one point I got the wind practically knocked out of me when they slammed into my back from behind. The same happened to my friend and another girl up front. During the last song Alice asked us all to think of a person we hate the most and to scream their name when she counted down. She brought up two girls (one my friend) on stage to sing the chorus "We will bury you." I was so excited my friend was up there I started snapping copious pictures that to my dismay came out blurry since my hand was shaking from excitement. 

Shellshag

After the show we both bought a tee-shirt and talked to Alice. I told her I am a teacher and agreed with what she said. She and I talked for a minute or two and it meant so much! I definitely want to check out her book. Making it my mission to inform more people of Alice Bag. Someone filmed the entire show which you can watch here.

.big thief @ johnny brendas

Not too shabby of a view from sitting on a step

Last night's show was completely sold out. All I wanted was a seat and to go sit up in the balcony area. I barely arrive 5 minutes after doors and no such luck. Although my view during the beginning of the night wasn't bad at first, it progressed to worse as time moved along. The opener was Palehound. They opened for Torres when I saw her at JB's back in January of 2016. Since my friend and I arrived late we completely missed most of Palehound's set. I'm so happy I got to witness all of their set this evening. Ellen remarked how awesome it is for all of us to see only two bands and the show ending at 10:00! I know! She also remarked all of us will share with our grandkids seeing Big Thief tonight in a sold out venue and how magical they are.

My worst concert photography ever. Not a proud moment.

There were a lot of people from New York who made the trek to Philly for this show. I'm not surprised and couldn't help overhearing conversations around me. Big Thief opened for Margaret Glaspy in the fall at JB's and because I came late, I missed most of Big Thief's set. This sounds awful I normally arrive earlier or on time to shows. Tonight I heard every song in all it's glory. My view continued to be obscured as more and more people came upstairs. I finally got up on all 3 steps but that didn't help because the only thing in front of me were rows of heads. Some girl must've yelled "FUCK YEAH!" 20x when they kicked into "Masterpiece." Yes that is a great song but every song Big Thief plays deserves that kind of response. I left during their final song to beat the crowd and man was it crowded! I could barely get down the steps a sea of people everywhere. Heading out I purchased their LP and 7" of Dandelion. Can't wait to play these over and over to re-live last night. Maybe someday my future grandchildren will sing along ;) 

.quasi!

Sam Coomes and Janet Weiss killed it at Johnny Brenda's this past Friday. I first heard of Quasi back in my college days as a friend put "Our Happiness is Guaranteed" on a mix tape. Ironically that was the second song they kicked into. Sam is masterful on the keyboards and let's face it, Janet is the best drummer ever. I shot a few videos of her working her magic and of Sam too. Towards the end of their setlist Sam used his legs, head, all body parts that he was willing to slam against the keys. Everyone had a great time. In between songs the two discussed NBA picks (foreign language for me) and how cute we were as an audience, like little puppies. Janet didn't know any dog jokes but any time Sam was about to crack a joke she was quick to do a "bah-dum-bum" on the drums. It was sweet.

Before the show P was at the bar solo and said she was the only person in the same room as Janet and to hurry over. When I arrived there were a small handful of people. P started conversation because I was really nervous. She talked about how she saw Wild Flag at Johnny Brenda's and how she saw two of the five S-K shows in New York. I talked to Janet about PJ Harvey's new album and asked if Corin was a fan since I knew Carrie and here were. I asked Janet if she was going to her LA show and Janet was like "Well I don't live there" and I was like "Yeah I know. Sadly she only is playing two shows in the US" and Janet's face was like "Oh really?!" Then this girl was near us and I cut off our conversation because more people arrived and asked for pictures or wanted to chat. So, Janet was nice enough to get in a picture with both of us and other fans. My S-K friend wore her "Janet Fucking Weiss" shirt and Janet recognized her and chatted with her for a bit. I would've loved to attend the Rough Trade show but I had a wedding. Still, the vibe was great and I'm happy I got to witness the most awesome drummer less than 3 feet in front of me on stage. High fives all around.

.beverly

This show wins for all-around phenomenal openers. Mercury Girls (also opening for Fear of Men when I see them) and Flowers were really great bands. If I had more money on me I would've purchased their albums as well. Beverly I would describe as California pop-rock even though the band is from NY. They have almost the same music vibe as Bleached. I discovered this band through Vinyl Me Please and purchased their latest album which is blue swirly wax (almost resembling pool water on the front cover). There wasn't a large crowd which was a shame but people not in attendance really missed out on a fun show. The band offered to donate part of the proceeds from their merch towards the Orlando victims. That got a large round of applause. My friend bought a tee shirt, I bought their first album. I've been spinning that a lot too. The coolest thing was everyone chanting for "One more song!" after the last song in the set. They came back out and covered Teenage Fanclub's "The Concept." YES!

.cate le bon

Cate Le Bon is wonderful, wonderful, wonderful! I am a new fan and have become obsessed with her songs. I would describe her music as quirky, weird, and easily sing-able (word?) A few weekends ago I held off purchasing Crab Day because the record store wanted an astronomical $30 for the lp! Instead I got it at the merch table for $20. Honestly I should've bought her earlier albums but my funds were tight that week. In terms of the show, the opening band weren't really my thing and I was anxiously awaiting for Cate. She wore a golden brown shirt, high waist pants (dig her choppy, frayed haircut) with a really cool necklace. With the lighting and the color of her attire she seemed to glow the entire show. Her guitar playing skills were really stellar. I tell you what she is even better live if you can believe it! Some of the songs she put an interesting spin on. Her banter was hysterical in between songs. She managed to break not one but two guitar strings on two different guitars! During the second break she told us all to "turn around" while she fixed the problem. We all laughed. Towards the end she resorted to a third and final guitar. It was amusing. The set was written on a paper plate which my friend P grabbed at the end of the show. I jokingly titled it on Instagram "Plate le Song(s)" which my dorky self thought was witty. Here you go. Definitely check her out. She was immensely enjoyable. I was glad to hear "Wonderful" "Wrong Day" "Are You With Me Now" and "What's Not Mine."  

.6 concerts 6 days

So yes, I came up with the idea to do six back-to-back shows in 6 days on top of work. Was this a dumb idea? Actually no! I took off of work for a 3-day weekend, spent most of Saturday sleeping in bed to catch up and had the energy of a firecracker for the last show. Instead of doing separate entries it would be easier to just do short, mini-reviews on all six. Ready? Here we go! On Monday The Kills played Union Transfer. I've liked them since 2005 and tend to like their earlier songs. When A&J hit the stage kicking into "No Wow" it took me back. The show was phenominal. Alison has amazing stage energy and presence. Hotel killed it on guitar and used the mic stand to actually shred. I got some pretty amazing shots and I got to catch up with one of my Sleater-Kinney friends and her friend. After I hung around in hopes of getting a set list and it was graciously handed to me. Here are the songs..

NO WOW

URA FEVER

HEART IS A BEATING DRUM

KISSY KISSY

HARD HABIT

DNA (crossed off)

HEART OF A DOG

IMPOSSIBLE TRACKS

BLACK BALLOON

DOING IT TO DEATH

BABY SAYS

WHIRLING EYE

POTS & PANS + MONKEY

TAPE SONG

BITTER FRUIT

SOUR CHERRY

Kim and the Created opened for them. I was not feeling it nor was my friend. However I did like her stage outfit of a fireball cat suit. She crowd surfed a few times and I enjoyed the lights around her guitar. At the merch table I bought the most amazing Kills poster. That is getting framed and hung on my door.

Night #2 was Sheer Mag at my favorite venue, The First Unitarian Church. I love seeing all of the "punk people" as I call them. Because I am a tiny thing I usually don't stand front and center since the pit is alive and well at these kinds of events. The first band was Blank Spell and they were pretty good. The second band was from Ontario called Triage. I really loved them and purchased their album. The third band was Fuck SS. They had some followers there and the pit became more crazy when they performed. Finally Sheer Mag came on. Tina is so great. Since the man in front of me was 6'7" I could barely see and had to get footage on my tip-toes. They are playing again at Phila Moca in May so I'm definitely going. Sadly I do not have a set list from this show so I don't know exactly what was played other than most of the songs off their third EP.

Night #3 was Pins at The Milk Boy. My friend recommended I see this band with her as they opened for a band called The Subways. Waiting in line I ironically met two Sleater-Kinney fans that ironically attended the NY shows since they looked semi-familiar. They claimed they were also there for Pins as well. Pins are from Manchester. They are pop / punk. During their one song "Girls Like Us" they kick into "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." It was neat to hear. The four of us stood up front and danced the entire time. Faith and Lois came out into the audience a few times to interact with us and it was a blast! They enjoyed us so much they tweeted and wrote on Instagram "Thank you Philly, love all you ladies at the front." We said they basically put on a show just for us. After buying tons of their merchandise we spoke briefly to them and they told us thanks for dancing. Here is their set list...

MOLLY

YOUNG GIRLS

TOO LITTLE

TROUBLE

LUVV4LYF

GET WITH ME

GIRLS LIKE US

MAD FOR YOU

OH LORD

WFTE

DAZED

MISFITS

Night #4 was Bleached at Johnny Brendas. Ironically we did not catch the opening act, went upstairs five minutes before Bleached went on and still nabbed front spots. We loved the stage decor of fake flowers around amps and drums. Very 90s vibey. Their sound is very grungy, California pop. Jennifer was really great and the band as a whole sounded really great live. The girls came close to the end of the stage and in the audience. My favorite song is "Wednesday Night Melody" and I was elated to hear it live. Hitting up the merch stand we bought their coloring book which was just adorable, pins, tee shirts, etc. My friend nabbed some discarded drum sticks on the stage and got those signed by the drummer. Here is the Bleached set list...

TRYIN LOSE

KEEP ON

WEDNESDAY

SLEEPWALKING

SEARCHING

RAMONES

ELECTRIC CHAIR

THINK OF YOU

DESOLATE TOWN

TELEPHONE

CHEMICAL AIR

SOUR CANDY

NEXT STOP

DEAD IN YOUR HEAD

Night #5 Taco Cat from Seattle. My friend was so excited for this show, I was too. It was the first time I've been to Everybody Hits which is a batting cage but it hosts bands which is different and cool. I LOVE feminist girl punk bands. This was stellar. There were 3 opening bands; Audacity, Pujol, and I honestly forget the name of the other. The venue was FREEZING inside so I started to get the chills by the end of the night which sucked majorly. Taco Cat did not go on until midnight and had to cut their set because of curfew issues with the building. Major suckage when they are the headlining band! Damn it. They played some awesome songs as "Hey Girl!" which all the girls in the crowd chanted along to, "I Hate the Weekend" "FDP" and others. Their wardrobe was killer as it consisted of cats, eye stickers, guitar stickers, emoji leggins, and just fabulous attire all around. Their merch was amazing as we bought pretty much everything. We talked to Emily about Kathleen Hanna and the band was so excited about that moment and picture with her. Anyway my friend nabbed a set list, I did not but I'll come back and post what songs they played.

Night #6 Thao and the Get Down Stay Down. With tons of sleep and Dayquil Saturday afternoon I made it. Thao? Twitter was all abuzz about her so I decided to check out her songs. At first it took me a few listens to "A Man Alive" but it clicked and I was hooked. Her lyrics were not really hard to memorize so I was happy to sing along to most of her songs. I met up with some Sleater-Kinney fans from NY that I went to shows with. It was fun. The crowd was great, she was into it. I honestly did not want it to end. The best was at the end she kicked into a cover of Missy Elliot's "Get Your Freak On." There was also audience participation sing-along and just rocking out. At the merch table I bought two of her albums (most recent and We the Common). My friend was very kind to let me have his set list, here are the songs...

EVENING

CITY

DEPARTURE

ASTONISHED MAN

HOLY ROLLER

FOOL FOREVER

AGE OF ICE

SWIMMING POOLS

HAND TO GOD

MILLIONAIRE

EVERYBODY

SLASH/BURN

KINDNESS

BEAT

WHEN WE SWAM

GUTS

NOBODY DIES

M BIRD

GET YR FREAK ON

WE THE COMMON

Apologies if this entry is completely incoherent and my brain is mush trying to articulate how amazing all the shows were. I would probably do this again. A lot of people think I'm nuts but people need to realize, your job is secondary. You need to have fun in life.