 |
| Singing "Come On Eileen" |
When I heard Save Ferris was touring it was a happy moment. It Means Everything came out when I was only 16 years old. I didn't go through my ska phase until my first year in college; old school No Doubt, The Toasters, Reel Big Fish, etc. My favorite Save Ferris songs were mostly off of their first album; Super Spy, Spam, Come On Eileen. Modified was an upgrade but it had a poppy-er, more polished feel. I swear I wrote an essay on feminism in film and quoted "Keep Holding On" to enhance my point because it was the song I had on repeat at the time. That aside Save Ferris always brings back happy memories, especially of the film "Ten Things I Hate About You" as Monique and Letters to Cleo sang songs for the soundtrack. Who wouldn't want either band at their high school prom? If only!
 |
| Dat kickdrum doe! |
 |
| Baby Baby or Monique?! |
The opening band Behind Deadlines covered Mighty Mighty Bosstones and other popular ska songs from the 90s. The group after them Baby Baby are from Atlanta Georgia. I loved their stage banter and the "no fucks given" attitude of the drummer (I watched him the whole time, he was excellent) who jumped off stage shirtless, walking around the audience with a cowbell. His kick drum was really something as it changed colors.
Even though the Save Ferris line-up is different they still sounded incredibly amazing. Monique has that fired up energy and knows how to work the audience. She had three outfit changes in black and white ensembles, working her way around the stage. They played a few new songs and tons of their hits. The merch was really cool as the tees were comic strips. Their new cd had the same image on it too. There were a lot of older fans as well as a mix of younger fans. Some of the people were really into it. Overall the concert was a happy trip down memory lane. After the show the drummer gave me his stick and I nabbed the set list which is now framed on my wall.
SET LIST:
WORLD IS NEW
NOBODY BUT ME
LITTLE DIFFERENCES
SORRY MY FRIEND
WHAT YOU SEE IS WHAT YOU GET
FOR YOU
GOLDEN SILENCE
YOUR FRIEND
MISTAKEN
ANYTHING
TURN IT UP
SUPER SPY
EVERYTHING I WANNA BE
LIES
GOODBYE
DO I EVEN LIKE YOU
I KNOW
ENCORE:
NEW SOUND
COME ON EILEEN
On the set list they had an "Encore 2" with "I'm Not Crying For You," "Artificial Life," and "Spam" but didn't play any of those. Or maybe they did play "Artificial Life" but earlier in the set? Still it was an impressive array of songs and such a treat to hear live after all these years. Here's some more pictures from the show...
If you are into dark, gothic, ethereal sounds then Chelsea Wolfe is the artist for you. My friend loves Courtney Love who is a CW fan. I never heard of her but wanted to check her out. Underground Arts was packed with tons of CW fans. Chelsea was sick the night before and cancelled her show. I kept noticing in between songs she took shots of tea or something towards the back of the stage to clear her throat. Still, she sounded great. Being good and saving money I did not purchase any of her albums but I know I will in the future. P and I both managed to get her guitar picks! We were eyeing them up the moment her mic was brought out. They have her name in silver letters, almost a celtic looking cross on the back and her signature in initials. As soon as she dropped one towards the front of the stage P did not hesitate and grabbed it. After the show I got the last one off of her mic. With only 14 songs played it seemed like she was up there for a good portion of time performing each song. Here is her set list.....
DEMONS
CARRION FLOWERS
DRAGGED OUT
AFTER THE FALL
MER
TRACKS (TALL BODIES)
MOSES
FERAL LOVE
HOUSE OF METAL
SIMPLE DEATH
COLOR OF BLOOD
IRON MOON
SURVIVE
ENCORE:
HALFSLEEPER
For some reason I'm not too thrilled with my pictures of her or rather how they came out. Since it was so dark my Iphone did not do her any justice.
Okay so I know very little about Peter Murphy. I know he was in Bauhaus since my friend taped me "She's in Parties" during my college years. I love the movie Box of Moonlight since Peter Murphy's "Cut You Up" is played during a really great scene. /end knowledge of Peter Murphy. Basically I attended the concert because my friend Nicole has ferocious love for PM and her friend couldn't make it.
The one thing we were excited about was it being seated. After 6 nights of seeing shows back-to-back, I had a break on Sunday and Monday. Tuesday was this show, therefore I was over-the-moon to sit down. When we went into the room there were no seats. All of a sudden towards the side of the stage a metal barricade was put up but not completely enclosed. There was a small entry way we could squeeze through. The seats were not tagged "VIP" and there was no one guarding the entry. We took it upon ourselves to just sit and it was enjoyable! Neither of us were questioned or kicked out from the area. It was nice to catch Peter Murphy seated and a fantastic side-view from the stage. There were at least 3 times he came over to us (picture below captures this in blue) but we did not get to shake his hand. The best thing about this show (aside from Peter covering Bowie and Iggy) was seeing Nicole actually cry tears! She was completely immersed and in-the-moment. I was really happy for her <3
Sadly other people nabbed the set list and poor Nicole was left with the encore portion of the set list. She claimed "This doesn't mean shit to me but whatever! I'll take it!" We also found out from her set list he did not play all of the songs from the encore and did not come out for a third encore. Nicole was like "That fucker! I'm going to talk to him about this." But of course she said it with love. Here's what he played....
CASCADE
THE SECRET
INDIGO EYES
SISTER MIDNIGHT
ALL NIGHT LONG
MARLENE DIETRICH'S FAVOURITE POEM
LUST FOR LIFE
A STRANGE KIND OF LOVE
THE ROSE
KING VOLCANO
KINGDOM'S COMING
SILENT HEDGES
NEVER FALL OUT
GASLIT
ENCORE:
THE BEWLAY BROTHERS
ALL WE EVER WANTED WAS EVERYTHING
THE THREE SHADOWS PT 1
HOLLOW HILLS
I have never heard of Le Butcherettes until I heard a song off of Pandora Radio a while ago. It was instantaneous knowing I'd like their music and Teri reminds me a bit of Karen O. The moment I heard they were coming to Philly I knew I had to jump on it. Boy was it mind-blowing and I am wanting more. I'd rate Teri Suarez at the top of my list for performers. Top meaning close to PJ Harvey. No clue what to expect at this show except it would be explosive rage and raw power.
This was my first show at the Underground Arts. The venue is pretty sweet and the stage comes a little below your knees. It was great to be right in front of all the action. The two opening bands were Eureka the Butcher and The Dead Ships. Le Butcherettes didn't come on until 11. They killed it. Teri slayed on the keyboard and guitar, Chris pounded those drums, and Riko kept smiling jamming out on the bass so you knew they were having a great time. The fans were really great and we all rocked out in the front. The funniest moment of the night was when some random guy shouted out "Muy...MUY BIEN!!" after a song and Teri was like "Gracias!" We were holding them back from starting songs because the applause was extended and much deserved. I didn't manage a set list but a fan let me take a picture of his....
LEIBNIZ
THEY FUCK YOU OVER
SOLD LESS THAN GOLD
SHAVE THE PRIDE
DEVIL LIVED
BURN THE SCAB
WEAKNESS
BOULDERS
SICK OF ZACH
WITCHLESS
STAB MY BACK
BANG
WE NO OWE
DEMON
WRECKING BALL
HENRY
LA UVA
I would rate this band as really high up on my list. At the merchandise stand I bought a shirt and their latest album. I'm going to look more into Bosnian Rainbows (Teri's other band) now. Sadly the people who work at the venue kicked us all out early so we had no chances of meeting the band. I would love to go to the DC show this evening but I'm trying to save my last two days for taking off of work for May. If they open for At the Drive-In near me, I'm totally in. I need to see this band again. We need more front women like Teri. She is just a force to be reckoned with.
