Cream’s Farewell Concert Was 40 Years Ago Today in London

On November 26, 1968, Eric Clapton, Jack Bruce and Ginger Baker took the stage for the final time as Cream at London’s Royal Albert Hall.  It is amazing to think that Cream only recorded and played together for 24 months (2 years).

The setlist for that day’s show was:

01. Sunshine Of Your Love
02. White Room
03. Crossroads
04. Politician
05. Stepping Out
06. Sitting On Top Of The World
07. Toad
08. I’m So Glad

1. Sunshine of Your Love

2. White Room

3. Crossroads

4. Politician

05. Stepping Out

Do They Know It’s Christmas? – Band Aid Benefit Recorded 24 Years Ago Today

(All info via wikipedia)

“Do They Know It’s Christmas?” is a song written by Bob Geldof and Midge Ure in 1984 specifically to raise money for relief of 1984–1985 famine in Ethiopia. The original version was produced by Midge Ure, and released by Band Aid on November 29, 1984.^[1]

In late 1984, a BBC report by Michael Buerk was aired highlighting the famine that had hit the people of Ethiopia. Irish singer Bob Geldof had seen the report and was a social person to raise money. Aware that he could do little on his own, he called Midge Ure from Ultravox and together they quickly co-wrote the song, “Do They Know It’s Christmas?”.^[1]

Geldof kept a November appointment with BBC Radio 1 DJ Richard Skinner to appear on his show, but instead of discussing his new album (the original reason for his booking), he used his airtime to publicise the idea for the charity single, so by the time the musicians were recruited there was intense media interest in the subject.

Geldof put together a group called Band Aid, consisting of leading Irish and British musicians who were among the most popular and recognised of this era.

The original Band Aid ensemble consisted of (in sleeve order):
* Adam Clayton (U2)
* Phil Collins (Genesis, solo)
* Bob Geldof (Boomtown Rats)
* Steve Norman (Spandau Ballet)
* Chris Cross (Ultravox)
* John Taylor (Duran Duran)
* Paul Young
* Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet)
* Glenn Gregory (Heaven 17)
* Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran)
* Simon Crowe (Boomtown Rats)
* Marilyn
* Keren Woodward (Bananarama)
* Martin Kemp (Spandau Ballet)
* Jody Watley (Shalamar)
* Bono (U2)
* Paul Weller (The Style Council)
* James “J.T.” Taylor (Kool & the Gang)
* George Michael (Wham!)
* Midge Ure (Ultravox)
* Martyn Ware (Heaven 17)
* John Keeble (Spandau Ballet)
* Gary Kemp (Spandau Ballet)
* Roger Taylor (Duran Duran)
* Sarah Dallin (Bananarama)
* Siobhan Fahey (Bananarama)
* Pete Briquette (Boomtown Rats)
* Francis Rossi (Status Quo)
* Robert ‘Kool’ Bell (Kool & the Gang)
* Dennis J. T. Thomas (Kool & the Gang)
* Andy Taylor (Duran Duran)
* Jon Moss (Culture Club)
* Sting (The Police)
* Rick Parfitt (Status Quo)
* Nick Rhodes (Duran Duran)
* Johnny Fingers (Boomtown Rats)
* David Bowie
* Boy George (Culture Club)
* Holly Johnson (Frankie Goes to Hollywood)
* Paul McCartney (Former member of The Beatles)
* Stuart Adamson (Big Country)
* Bruce Watson (Big Country)
* Tony Butler (Big Country)
* Mark Brzezicki (Big Country)

Happy 67th Birthday Donald “Duck” Dunn

Donald “Duck” Dunn is one of the most well known and influential bass players in music history.  For starters he was part of the rhythm section of the Stax/Volt Records “House Band” Booker T & The MG’s.

Booker T. Jones (organ, piano)
Steve Cropper (guitar)
Donald “Duck” Dunn (bass)
Al Jackson Jr. (drums) (1935-1975)

Their induction description for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 in the Performer category describes their influence on music history:

As the house band for the Stax/Volt labels, Booker T. and the MG’s helped define the spare, punchy sound of Memphis soul music. By contrast to Motown’s orchestrated, pop-soul records, the Stax approach was lean, economical and deeply groove-oriented. Between 1963 and 1968, Booker T. and the MGs appeared on more than 600 Stax/Volt recordings, including classics by such artists as Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Johnnie Taylor and William Bell. As a result of Stax’s affiliation with Atlantic Records, the group also worked with Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave, and Albert King. Moreover, Booker T. and the MGs were a successful recording group in their own right, cutting ten albums and fourteen instrumental hits, including “Green Onions,” “Hang ‘Em High,” “Time Is Tight” and “Soul-Limbo.”

In addition to that he became very well known for his participation in the Blues Brothers Band.  He was one of the original members of that band which included (info via wikipedia):

“Joliet” Jake E. Blues – vocals
Elwood J. Blues – harmonica, vocals
Steve “The Colonel” Cropper – lead and rhythm guitar (former Booker T & the M.G.’s)
Donald “Duck” Dunn – bass guitar (former Booker T & the M.G.’s)
Murphy Dunne – keyboards (brought in to act in the film due to Paul Shaffer’s commitment to perform with Gilda Radner in Gilda Live!, Toured with the band in the summer of 1980)
Willie “Too Big” Hall – drums, percussion (formerly of the Bar-Kays, Isaac Hayes’ band, appears in the movie)
Steve “Getdwa” Jordan – drums, percussion (Saturday Night Live Band, appears only on the albums)
Tom “Bones” Malone – trombone, trumpet, saxophone (Saturday Night Live Band)
“Blue” Lou Marini – saxophone (Saturday Night Live Band)
Matt “Guitar” Murphy – lead and rhythm guitar (Howlin’ Wolf, other artists)
Alan “Mr. Fabulous” Rubin – trumpet (Saturday Night Live Band)
Paul “The Shiv” Shaffer – keyboards, arranger
Tom “Triple Scale” Scott – saxophone (doesn’t appear in the movie, though his saxophone can still be heard on the soundtrack)

If you want to see all of the records that Donald “Duck” Dunn played on click here (long list).

Booker T & The MG’s – Green Onions 1967 Stax tour

Neil Young “All Along the Watchtower” Rehearsal Take 2
(with Booker T, Steve Cropper, Donald “Duck” Dunn, GE Smith)

Blues Brothers – Who’s Making Love (Closing of Winterland 12.31.78)
(With “Duck” Dunn & Steve Cropper Intro’s)

Blues Brothers – Messin’ With the Kid
(Radio & Records Convention Los Angeles 1979)

Friday Food-Learn It, Don’t Burn It: NYC Food Classes for 11/20 to 11/28

via Serious Eats: New York by Allison Hemler on 11/19/08

From Serious Eats: New York

Every Wednesday we’ll be posting delicious educational opportunities in the New York for the approaching weekend and the following week. All classes listed still have openings, but if you hear otherwise, please let us know. We’re back with our listings after a two-week vacation. Because of the Thanksgiving holiday, there are considerably less classes held next week. Be sure to check back next Wednesday for classes after Thanksgiving to prepare you for the holidays.

‘Gluten Freedom: Reclaiming Our Daily Bread’ at the Natural Gourmet
Friday, November 21, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., $185 + $10 for materials
Rebecca Reilly leads a course on gluten-free breads, guaranteeing flavorful results and familiar textures. Not only will you make classic breads such as French baguettes, English muffins, bagels, pizza, and all-purpose sandwich bread, you’ll find out how to make them extra delicious with various spreads and cheeses.
Natural Gourmet Institute, 48 West 21st Street (at Sixth Avenue), 2nd Floor, Manhattan; 212.645.5170; naturalgourmetschool.com for info and registration

‘Classic Croissants’ at ICC
Saturday, November 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $195
Learn how to build layers upon layers of dough to make flaky, buttery, and crispy croissants, the quintessential French pastry. I can already smell them coming out of the oven.
International Culinary Center, 462 Broadway (at Grand Street), Manhattan; 888-324-CHEF; internationalculinarycenter.com for info and registration

‘Michael Colameco Cooking 101: Chicken’ at ICC
Saturday, November 22, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., $395
Separate an entire chicken and prepare with simple techniques to create an elegant meal; Chef Colameco, a down-to-earth chef who’s been in the business for 35 years, will pair the meal with sides. Class includes a family style meal in the last hour.
International Culinary Center, 462 Broadway (at Grand Street), Manhattan; 888-324-CHEF; internationalculinarycenter.com for info and registration

‘Street Food From Japan’ at ICE
Saturday, November 22, 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., $105
If you’re from New York, you’re probably obsessed with (or at least aware of) street food. Find out how Japan does small savory snacks with Chef Mamie Nishide by cooking up Okonimiyaki (fried batter cake with savory toppings), Yakiudon (fried udon noodle), Onigiri (handmade rice balls), and more.
The Institute of Culinary Education, 50 West 23rd Street (at Sixth Avenue), Manhattan; 800.522.4610; web.iceculinary.com for more info, call   212.847.0770 to register

‘The United States of America’ at Hearth
Monday, November 24, 7 p.m., $145
Along with Wine Director Paul Grieco, explore wine within our 50 states, including regions you might be unfamiliar with: Michigan, Colorado, New Mexico, and Virginia. Cost is all-inclusive with dinner.
Hearth, 403 East 12th Street (at First Avenue), Manhattan; 646.602.1300; restauranthearth.com for more info, call or email pgrieco@restauranthearth.com to register

‘Make-Ahead Holiday Cakes’ at ICE
Wednesday, November 26, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., $95
Since you probably don’t have time to make a variety of cakes for Thanksgiving, take this class and learn how to make cakes you can freeze and forget until the day of the feast. You’ll be making hazelnut brown butter cake, lemon buttermilk pound cake, chocolate almond pound cake with shiny chocolate glaze, and swiss truffle cake.
The Institute of Culinary Education, 50 West 23rd Street (at Sixth Avenue), Manhattan;  800.522.4610; web.iceculinary.com for more info and registration

Free Lectures, Tastings, and Demos

‘Casserole and Beer Tasting’ at Brooklyn Kitchen
Thursday, November 20, 6:30 p.m., free
Emily Farris will demo casseroles from her book Hot Stuff for your Oven. Spuyten Duyvil Grocery will provide samples of pumpkin beer.
Brooklyn Kitchen, 616 Lorimer Street (at Skillman Avenue), Brooklyn; 718.389.2982; thebrooklynkitchen.com

‘Cooked Books’ at the New York Public Library
Friday, November 21, 3:15 p.m., free
Join librarian and blogger Rebecca Federman in discovering culinary resources at the NYPL, in the city, and on the web. She’ll be sure to reference the Culinary History Research Guide. See you there!
Humanities and Social Sciences Library, Fifth Avenue at 42nd Street, Manhattan;  917.275.6975; nypl.org for info

‘Turkey Deboning’ at Brooklyn Kitchen
Sunday, November 23, 5 p.m., free
Not sure how to debone a turkey (to make it suitable for your own homemade stuffing)? Watch BK’s own Harry C. Rosenblum do the deed, and taste some of the delicious bird.
Brooklyn Kitchen, 616 Lorimer Street (at Skillman Avenue), Brooklyn; 718.389.2982; thebrooklynkitchen.com

‘Small Budget, Big Flavor’ at Whole Foods Bowery
Tuesday, November 25, 7 to 7:45 p.m., free
Learn tips to cook on the cheap with available ingredients at Whole Foods. This demo and tasting will feature quick creamy crab bisque and portobello mushroom supper sandwiches.
Whole Foods Bowery, 95 East Houston Street (at Bowery), Manhattan; 212.420.1320; wholefoodsmarket.com for info

Friday Food-Eating Out on Thanksgiving: Go Beyond Turkey

via Grub Street on 11/19/08

If you’re eating out this Thanksgiving (and whose oven can fit a turkey?), there are plenty of places to go for a tryptophan fix. But what if you hate turkey or are vegetarian or want beef? Or what if you think the whole turkey, stuffing, mashed-potatoes combo is an annual bore? No worries, because this is New York and nothing here is like anywhere else; you can eat whatever you want on Thanksgiving, as long as you’re grateful for it. (It’s a little tougher to make leftover sandwiches the next day, but you can always get one at the deli.) We found several restaurants serving Thanksgiving dinners that encompassed everything from bacon-wrapped wild salmon to porcini and chestnut roulade. Your taste buds will thank you.

Allen & Delancey: Striped bass, Arctic char, dry-aged beef strip, and veal. Three courses, $68. 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Amy Ruth’s: Honey-glazed ham. Three courses, $27. 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Artisanal: Duck bourguignon, wild-mushroom risotto, scallops, and skate. Three courses, $65. 11 a.m. to midnight.

Asiate: Sea bass, short rib, and gnocchi. Five courses, $98 adults, $58 children. Noon to 8 p.m.

At Vermilion: Feijoada, a spicy pork and black-bean stew. Five courses, $60. 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Aureole: Entrées include venison, veal mignon, striped bass, and scallops. Three courses, $115 adults, $60 children. 2 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Aurora: Pork shoulder, lemon sole, and porcini risotto. Four courses, $65. Noon to 10 p.m.

BLT Market: Roasted prime rib and bacon-wrapped wild salmon. Three courses, $95. 1 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

BLT Prime: Dry-aged roasted prime rib and pan-seared Arctic char. Three courses, $68. 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

BLT Steak: Roasted prime rib and pan-seared wild salmon. Three courses, $68. 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Blue Fin: Halibut, crispy-skin salmon, wild striped bass, and grilled filet mignon. À la carte pricing. Noon to 10 p.m.

Braeburn: Rib eye, halibut, and wild-mushroom risotto. Three courses, $65. 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Café des Artistes: Herb-and-garlic-crusted roast beef, pomegranate-glazed ham, Maine lobster, and caramelized diver scallops. Three courses, $85. 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Counter: Porcini and chestnut roulade. Three courses for $45. Noon to 9 p.m.

Craft: Roast salmon and roast sirloin. Three courses, $115. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Craftsteak: Roast salmon and roast sirloin. Three courses, $115. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Daniel: Bone-marrow-crusted Dover sole, kataifi-crusted sea scallops, and a duo of dry-aged Angus beef. Three courses, $135 adults, $65 children. Noon to 7 p.m.

davidburke & donatella: Filet mignon of veal, cavatelli and braised short rib, dry-aged prime rib eye, wild salmon “ham,” halibut T-bone, lobster “steak,” and Chatham cod. Three courses, $85. Noon to 9 p.m.

DB Bistro Moderne: Diver scallops, Atlantic salmon, orecchiette, and roasted rack of lamb. Three courses, $76 adults, $38 children. Noon to 9 p.m.

Dovetail: Short-rib gnocchi, prime rib, halibut, and ham. Three courses, $75. Noon to 9 p.m.

Eighty One: Salmon à la plancha, braised short rib, and sea scallops. Three courses, $65 adults, $32 children. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Eleven Madison Park: Wild skate and dry-aged prime beef. Four courses, $135. 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Felidia: Pork ribs, beef shank, and lamb sausage. Four courses, $68. 6 p.m. to 9:45 p.m.

Five Points: Short ribs. Three courses, $65 adults, $25 children. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Four Seasons: Seared scallops, roasted snapper, filet mignon, grilled lamb chops, veal chop, venison, and crisp duck. Three courses, $135. Seatings at 1 p.m., 4 p.m., and 7 p.m.

Gilt: Prime rib. Three courses, $110. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Good: Cider-glazed pork tenderloin and roasted salmon. Four courses, $68 adults, $29 children. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Gordon Ramsay at the London: Filet of Brandt beef. Six courses, $150. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Gotham Bar and Grill: Mushroom risotto and a roasted veal chop. Four courses, $110. Noon to 9 p.m.

Grayz: Grilled walleye pike, seared halibut, and braised flatiron steak. Three courses, $85. Noon to 8 p.m.

The Harrison: Duck breast, grilled scallops, hanger steak, and slow-cooked Arctic char. Three courses, $65 adults, $45 children. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Icon: Wild salmon, lasagne, and, if you must have turkey, a turkey and foie gras ballotine. Three courses, $50. Noon to 6 p.m.

Inside Park at St. Bart’s: Cedar-roasted salmon, juniper-smoked loin of venison, and Native American bean stew. Four courses, $68 adults, $25 children. Noon to 6 p.m.

Irving Mill: Sea bass. Three courses, $55. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Isabella’s: Braised short ribs. À la carte pricing. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

James: Filet mignon, butternut-squash risotto, halibut, and pine-nut-and-rosemary-crusted loin of lamb. Three courses, $75. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Keen’s Steakhouse: Prime rib, lobster, mutton chip, and filet mignon. Five courses, $86 adults, $43 children. 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Le Cirque: Halibut and strip steak. Four courses, $105. Noon to 8:30 p.m.

Maze: Filet of Brandt beef. Five courses, $75. Noon to 10 p.m.

Mia Dona: Grilled branzino, pappardelle Bolognese, and grilled hanger steak. Three courses, $45. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Oak Room: Herb-crusted salmon, maple-bourbon-glazed Virginia ham, and roast loin of pork. Three courses, $85. Served from noon to 5 p.m. in the dining room, at 5:30 in the cabaret before a performance by Andrea Marcovicci.

Olana: Prime rib, ham, and salmon. Three courses, $75 adults, $30 children. 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

One If by Land, Two If by Sea: Beef Wellington. Three courses, $85. 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Park Avenue Autumn: Filet mignon, venison chop, halibut with black truffles, and crispy Arctic char. Three courses, $79 adults, $49 children. 11:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Payard: Wild striped bass and hanger steak frites. Three courses, $62. Noon to 7 p.m.

Perilla: Sautéed triggerfish, roasted porchetta, kombu-oil-poached salmon, grilled steak, and pan-roasted wild striped bass “vitello tonato.” Three courses, $65. 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Petrossian: Filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, and pumpkin risotto. Four courses, $73. 2 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.

Picholine: Venison, wild-mushroom risotto, and scallops. Four courses, $95. 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Pomme de Terre: Beef Wellington. Three courses, $29. Noon to 8 p.m.

Pranna: Mint-braised lamb shank, crispy red snapper. Four courses, $65; $85 with wine pairing, $95 with cocktail pairing. 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Prune: Entrée choices include capons. Five courses, $70. 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Pure Food and Wine: Pecan, baby spinach, and aged-cashew-cheese tamale; and sage-rubbed portabella and king oyster mushrooms. Four courses, $72. 12:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Red Cat: Roasted suckling pig, grilled and roasted salmon, grilled New York strip, and crispy sautéed skate. Three courses, $65 adults, $45 children. 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The River Café: Crisp duck breast, prime dry-aged sirloin, Colorado lamb, Maine lobster, vegetarian risotto, and branzino. Four courses, $125. 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Savoy: Wild striped bass, and spiced goat chops. Four courses, $85. 2 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Telepan: Seared duck breast, heritage pork, roasted trout, and wild striped bass. Three courses, $79 adults, $40 children. 1 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Town: New York strip, Arctic char, and roasted trout. Three courses, $75. 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Happy Birthday Skydog, Rest in Peace

Duane Allman was born Howard Duane Allman on November 20, 1946.   Although your time on this planet was brief, the musical contributions will live on forever.  The music you made with the Allman Brothers, Derek & The Dominoes, Delaney & Bonnie and countless sessions has withstood the test of time.  There are some who play in a similar fashion to you but there will never be anyone quite like you anytime soon. There is a reason why Rolling Stone Magazine named you #2 on the list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time!

As we approach the 40th anniversary of The Allman Brothers Band, just remember that Warren & Derek’s slide playing will always be Duane’s licks!

R.I.P. Brother Duane, the road goes on forever……

The Allman Brothers with Duane – Live at The Fillmore East

Nirvana MTV Unplugged was Filmed 15 years Ago Today 11.19.93

On November 19th 1993,  Nirvana records an MTV unplugged concert in New York. The show is shot in one take – imperfections and all – and is aired one month later.  Sadly it was one of the last times Kurt Cobain performed in front of a live audience.

The band played 14 songs, 12 of which were aired for MTV:

About a Girl
Come as You Are
Jesus Doesn’t Want Me for a Sunbeam (The Vaselines cover)
The Man Who Sold the World (David Bowie cover)
Pennyroyal Tea
Dumb
Polly
On a Plain
Something in the Way*
Sweet Home Alabama* (Lynyrd Skynyrd tease – not played in entirety)
Plateau (Meat Puppets cover)
Oh Me* (Meat Puppets cover)
Lake of Fire” (Meat Puppets cover)
All Apologies
Where Did You Sleep Last Night (trad., Arranged by Leadbelly).

(Note: * denotes cut for MTV broadcast)

Nirvana – MTV Unplugged In New York (Complete Show)

Allman Brothers Honored at Billboard Touring Awards; ’09 Beacon Run Confirmed (?)

After this year’s postponement, then cancellation of the Beacon run, any news regarding the 40th anniversary of The Allman Brothers is welcome.

Matt Simpson of wnew.com staff reported this morning:

This week Billboard magazine will hold their annual Touring Conference at New York’s Roosevelt Hotel. Part industry conference, part awards show, the two day confab starts tomorrow and will culminate Thursday with the presentation of the Legend of Live award to Gregg Allman and his Allman Brothers Band. This week’s edition of Billboard has an article about the live legends, and buried deep at the end is a quote from Gregg that caught my attention. Asked what to expect from next year’s 40th anniversary tour and March run at the Beacon Theater, Gregg says:

I’d love to tell you what we have planned, but it’s just kick ass, that’s all I can tell you. We’re going to pitch a wang dang doodle all night long.

jroxx note:  All I have to say to this is Hell Yeah!!! Bring back the Beacon Run!!!

Billboard’s 5th Annual Touring Conference & Awards info here

The Roots to be Jimmy Fallon’s House Band When He Takes Over for Conan?

According to Gothamist on Monday 11/17:

Is ?uestlove Gonna Be the New Max Weinberg?

The legendary hip-hop group The Roots have been well-respected for so long that they can provide instant credibility to whomever they work with. But that might prove to be a little easier when they were the house band for Jay-Z than it will be next to new Late Night host Jimmy Fallon. Various sources are reporting that Roots leader ?uestlove said in a radio interview over the weekend that they will be the house band for Fallon when he takes over for Conan O’Brien next year. That would make The Roots the first hip-hop band in the studio nightly alongside a major talk show host. Conan has gotten America to accept a man named La Bamba into their hearts–can Jimmy do the same for one known as “Black Thought”? TBD

Updated 12.9.08

It is official!

The Roots named house band for NBC’s Fallon talker

See The Music XVIII – Come Again

See The Music XVIII – Come Again
Photos and Story by Beana Bern

Listening to Jerry sing Mission in the Rain, drinking peppermint tea with a little Doozer curled by my lap seems like a nice opportunity to tell a story about the good old days…now longer ago than I can believe…but instead, I am going to refrain from telling you about the time I saw the Grateful Dead alone at Giant’s Stadium and walked around the venue no less than four times looking for Fat Albert, my Toyota minivan.  I am also going to refrain from telling you about the slow-speed golf cart chase that ensued in Addison, Vermont at sunrise after an amazing weekend of friends and enlightenment.   Though the ‘good old days’ are very much on my mind tonight I am going to refrain from telling you those stories and tell you, instead, about some fun, new days here in Innsbrucklyn.

I’ve mentioned PMK many, many times because it is, of sorts, my new Wetlands or Bowery or 2A or 3Needs or Nectars…Not that it’s new, but I am so it’s the same difference.  Its a dive bar and club where good things happen and the night before I left for the US of A there was some fun that occurred there.  Sitting here sick for the umteenth (that word looks weird written) day in a row I have some concerns about telling you that I got sauced and stayed out til the sun came up before hopping my flight, but I did.  Some bands, unknown to me, were playing a “big” show and 2 of them ended up being pretty rad.

Looking back, I think the bill had like 8 bands on it or something insane but I arrived around 11 and caught the last 3.  The first one was a polish grungie metal band called Filth of the Earth.  They sounded a lot like their name would suggest but the lead singer had great abs.

I stayed there only long enough to fire off a few shots and concentrated on the revelry next door waiting for the show I had come to see.  By the time Warren Suicide took the stage I was slightly lubricated so they’re total dance party vibe was easy to slip into.  They were very high energy and, though I can’t recall how even one of their songs goes, I had a ton of fun with these guys.  So much fun, in fact, that I would seek them out again for sure.  There was as much boogie happening as shutter-clicking so take these shots with a Dead Sea’s worth of salt, okay?

By the time their set was finished it was the wee-hours and everybody was marinated and excited about T Raumschmiere (for those of you unsure how to say that, its like Raum-schmear-er) a German ElectroClash superstar and lush.  He poured a beer over his head at the get go, took off his shirt and then went off.  The music reminded me a little bit of the dancey Nine Inch Nails with heavy industrial beats.  There was definitely a rock and roll element too and, generally speaking, I liked it.  His pants were way too low and the forceful, drunken stage show made me want to back up but, all in all, it was a treat and also good fun.  Apparently this guy plays much bigger rooms than the petite PMK so this was a treat for everybody and it had that feel.  I was on my 4th Radler around the time these shots were fired so be kind…

Would I seek this guy out again, you ask?  I probably would.  I was always a fan of Nine Inch Nails (even moreso after seeing Trent Reznor sing acoustic at the Bridge School Benefit) and I liked the vibe.  Curious? Check out a little on MySpace….Living in Europe, especially Austria, I need to make some nice with electronic music and I feel like this new-to-me genre of ElectroClash has some potential.

I hope you enjoyed the photos as much as I enjoyed taking them…and that you can take some comfort in knowing that one day these days…the ones we’re living right now, will be the good old days.

dont forget to see the music

Beana Bern