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| Sir Stonesalot |
For Nasty, but you can all feel free to read on...
Uncle John & I got on the road for our 3 hour trip to Rock n Roll nirvana. Destination: The North Star Tavern in Philly. Reason: Rock n Roll in the form of The Star Spangles, The Chesterfield Kings, and the Romantics(yeah, THOSE Romantics). I knew nothing about the Star Spangles other than the singer looks like a young Nick Cave, and I didn't really have any opinion at all about the one hit wonders called The Romantics.
The drive took a little longer than expected with a pitstop at Best Buy(Uncle John got a boom box, I got a Blasters DVD). Traffic was heavy on the Surekill Deathway, but that didn't really matter because Radio Fungus was playing Ramones music all day in honor of Joey's birthday.
Ate at a place called Jacks Firehouse. Good crab cakes. Served with something they called Hot Lava Sauce. But best of all...Stella on tap.
It was still pretty early after we waddled back to the car, but we decided to go hang out at the North Star anyway. Turns out they have Stella on tap too!
The Star Spangles were hanging out at the bar waiting for sound check. I had on my Keith Richards for President shirt on. They all said they'd vote for him. We ended up having a pretty cool time hanging out, and they invited us into the showroom for sound check. Nice guys, better band. High octane stuff, loud, rude, ugly. This ain't the Strokes. No jangly tinny guitar sounds...it was all beef. Nick(bass player) yelled down to me, "Hey Marc' that sound OK?" I said, "Whaaaa?" They had blown my eardrums on the second chord. I said, "You guys need to turn it up." The sound guy says to me, "Oh don't worry, showtime will be much louder. This is just soundcheck volume."
Great!
Just as we go walking back out to the bar, the Chesterfield Kings waltz in. Half the band had Stones shirts on...Mike(drummer) and Paul(guitar). Andy is a walking vision of Brain Jones...the resemblence is amazing. Greg was pretty stand-offish, and Andy was busy looking busy, but Mike and Paul were more than happy to sit and chat. The conversation quickly turned Stones....then guitars. The concensus, to get a real Stones type of sound...you need a Telecaster and a big 'ol Ampeg. You want a Yardbirds sound, switch from a Tele to a Rick, Ampeg to a Vox(and he does during the show).
Nick & Joey(drummer)from the Star Spangles sit down and discussion turns to recording. We all agree that digital sucks. Analog is the way to go. We also agree that digital is here to stay, and it does have it's good points...like being able to do overdubs in your living room instead of an expensive studio. And of course, vinyl rules. The Star Spangles label(Capitol) refused to issue their new album, Bazooka, on vinyl. In fact, Capitol doesn't even have a pressing plant anymore. We drank a toast to vinyl, and lamented it's slow demise.
Showtime. There's maybe 30 people in the room. Sucks for the bands...good for me. First up were the Star Spangles. They invited everyone to come up to the front and dance. Not a problem. Took my new digital camera along and got some cool shots. There was a tap on my shoulder, I turn around and it's the Star Spangles manager. He motions for me to follow him to the back of the room. I was like, uh-oh, he's gonna be pissed that I'm taking pics. Instead, he asks if I'm getting anything good. I show him the pics. He grins a big grin, hands me a business card, and says, "These are great, would you mind emailing them to me for use on our website?" What, was I gonna say no? Set was a blistering 30 minutes of loud, raucous fun. My son will wear his new Star Spangles shirt to 2nd grade tomorrow! Their album is called "Bazooka", and it's pretty good.
The Chesterfields were up next. I was drooling over the vintage guitars and amps. These guys have impeccable taste. They opened up their high energy set with the Yardbird's "I'm Not Talking". Andy was playing a White Vox Phantom bass...and it made him look even MORE like Brian Jones. Paul & Mike saw me taking pics and started mugging for me(Paul was doing Petey windmills for me, Mike was making faces and making his hair fly all over the place. Greg saw them, so he started mugging for me too. In fact, he jumped down off the stage and starts singing to me...as soon as I figure out how to post photos here, I'll put a couple up. I don't mean to brag, but I took some incredible photos last night. Of course, it helped that there was almost no one else there, and the bands were making it easy for me. After the first 3 songs I got tired of taking pics, and got down to some serious rump shakin' rock n roll. A 45 minute slice of rock n roll bliss. Crazy good shit. Paul gave me his setlist. If you haven't got it yet, The Mindbending Sounds of the Chesterfield Kings is a pretty fuckin cool album. Stones fans will dig it. Also try out "Let's Go Get Stoned". I know Nasty would probably back up those recommendations.
Honestly, after the Chesterfield Kings were done, I was pretty wiped out. I really wasn't expecting much out of the Romantics. Uncle John(Flea, you shoulda seen him...he looked like a drowned rat!)and I talked about leaving, but we decided to stay and at least check them out. I'm glad we did because they were pretty good. The Kings were way better, but The Romantics were a lot better than I expected them to be. I picked up their new record, but I haven't had a chance to listen to it yet. Their lead player was playing a beat up old '64 Strat, and he used a thumb pick...like Muddy Waters.
My ears were ringing, and in fact, are still ringing right now. I love the North Star. Easy to get to, Stella on tap, and a little showcase room that is fab for watching bands. Last night's show was well worth the $17.00 ticket price. It was also worth the 3 hour drive. A great time.
Next up...6/9/04, Mr. Airplane Man, The Detroit Cobras, and Rev. Horton Heat @ The Chameleon!
[Edited by Sir Stonesalot] |
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| Joey |
Thanks Stoney |
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| Nasty Habits |
Thanks, SS!
Real boss, hoss.
Good to know you spread the vibe and joy of the Stones whereever you go!
For the record, the Romantics were TWO hit wonders - What I Like About You and the rather more not as good Talking in Your Sleep. That first Romantics albums is one of those guilty pleasures I got in my record collection (lotsa rockarollers, I have discovered, have a soft spot for that record) -- totally hook driven power pop a la the Knack. They were really something of a kindred spirit with the Real Kids and oh holy DMZ in the late 70s Boston scene, but their unfortunate Loverbody attire in their videos has shot them some post-MTV cred troubles. Any record with What I Like About You on it has SOMETHING to recommend it. I'd heard they'd been making the rounds (a buddy of mine played with them recently and had nice things to say.) The best possible Romantics record is their King Bisquit Flower Hour CD, which does away with 80s production issues and proves that they were a pop/rock and roll band to contend with especially if you're a goof like me who really likes, say, the first four Blondie records a lot. Haven't heard their new record. Let me know how it is.
That Airplane Man/Detroit Cobras/Horton Heat show sounds like the snazz. I'm not a Horton Heat man, but that new Mr. Airplane Man record (Hey DJ) is really good and psychey - they've stepped somewhat away from being a two girl White Stripes and are more like a two girl Galaxy 500. The increased focus on psych and pop is a good thing, to my mind, and it's got a great record cover.
Accounts I've heard of the new Detroit Cobras record is that it is going to be very exciting. I've tried to see those guys about four times, and they didn't show up twice, once they were too drunk to do jack, and once they totally blew my mind. Rachel Nagy is one sexy chick with a hell of a voice, although gone are the days when she'd apparently suddenly flash back to her years as a stripper (and a butcher!) and take off all her clothes whilst singing Irma Thomas. Shame.
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| Sir Stonesalot |
Well, at last nights show, spreading the Stones vibe was definately preaching to the converted.
I'm now the only kid on my block with a Chesterfield Kings comic book.
Does House Of Whizz stock the Mr. Airplane Man disc (Hey DJ)?
I had forgetten all about Talking In Your Sleep. It is not in their current set.
They haven't learned to dress any better...'cept for the guy with the '64 strat. He was a jeans and T shirt kinda guy...the rest...ooof. But they sure do have that power pop hopped up and running good.
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| Nasty Habits |
Yeah, whizzkid has Mr. Airplane Man, although it's not on the site at the moment. |
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| Night Clerk |
Let us know when those pics turn up on the band web site - I'd like to see those. |
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| Sir Stonesalot |
Well, let's see if I can get this one to show up here...
L>R: Paul(guitar, Chesterfield Kings), Me, Mike(drums, Chesterfield Kings)
The pic was snapped by Nick(bass, Star Spangles)
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| Sir Stonesalot |
Shit. I'm not seeing it. Anyone else seeing it? |
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| Bloozehound |
i see it
SS are you in a gang ? |
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| Ten Thousand Motels |
quote:
Sir Stonesalot wrote:
Shit. I'm not seeing it. Anyone else seeing it?
No. Just that little red x |
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| Sir Stonesalot |
Am I in a gang?
Why?
Because I like to flash the international sign for Rock n Roll?
Or because I roll with really cool motherfuckers?
Or because I always seem to be wearing my Keith For Prez T?
(I'm auditioning for the job of Keef's campaign manager, our slogan: Less death, more guitars and dope!)
I'll be in a gang if that's what you want. |
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| glencar |
I don't see the picture either. I tried downloading the C. Kings but they're not available. |
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| Sir Stonesalot |
Don't fuckin' download it man. Buy the fuckin' CD!
Jeeez. These guys ain't big stars...they need every cent they get from CD sales to finance the next record.
Fuck. You make more money than they do. Seriously, buy the CD...you will love it. I promise. |
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| glencar |
Which one had that Stones cover on it? You know, "I Can See It." The reason for downloading is to see how much of their music I'll like. I've got way too many CDs that have one hit on it & lotsa misses. |
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| Sir Stonesalot |
That would be the "Let's Go Get Stoned" album. That's a good one to start with, the new one "The Mindbending Sounds Of The Chesterfield Kings" is worth the $ too...one of my picks for Best Of 2003.
C'mon, Blue...you don't trust me on this? Buy the fuckin' things and thank me later. Then go see 'em live. |
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| glencar |
LOL I trust you, I trust you. I'll let you know what I think after I listen to it. |
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| Ten Thousand Motels |
quote:
glencar wrote:
LOL I trust you, I trust you. I'll let you know what I think after I listen to it.
Yes. Trust...but always cut the cards. You're wise beyond your years Glencar. |
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| glencar |
I haven' tplayed cards in a long time, Motels. Gotta find a new casino. |
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| Bloozehound |
quote:
Sir Stonesalot wrote:
Am I in a gang?
Why?
Because I like to flash the international sign for Rock n Roll?
Technically speaky the international sign for r&r involves ONLY index and pinky fingers, aka the horns, aka the sign of satan incarnate or aka "let it all hang out", or "let the good times roll."
Your use of the thumb is astonishing & perplexing.
Hey man, only thinking out for your best interest, if you need some assistance disassociating from one of these streetgangs that sometimes favor death over abandonment, then I'd be happy to recommened a reference to folks that can help you through these disheartening times.... |
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| sonicrock |
hey sirstone a lot an you post the chesterfield king
complete set list??
DO YOU TAPED THE SHOW ??? |
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| Sir Stonesalot |
I did not tape the show, and I did not see anyone there with a rig.
I have a photo page at:
www.geocities.com/cardinalx17009/chesterfieldkings5_19_04.html
I'll do another page for the Star Spangles and Romantics later on.
Star Spangles, The North Star, Philadelphia PA, 5/19/04
1. Take Care Of Us
2. Make Yourself Useful
3. Gangland
4. Tell Lies
5. Science Fix
6. Tear It To Pieces
7. Crazy
8. Bash Your Brains Out
9. Burn This House Down
10. Speed
That is exactly how it appears on Nick's setlist.
The Chesterfield Kings set, same date and place as above.
1. I'm Not Talking
2. 5 Years Ahead
3. Non-Entity
4. Transparent Life
5. I'm Rowed Out
6. My Confusion
7. I'll Go.
8. I Don't Understand
9. Somewhere Nowhere
10. Running Through My Nightmares
11. Flashback
12. Bad Woman
13. Rock N Roll Murder
14. Mystery Trip
15. I'm So Confused
16. Happenings 10 Years Time Ago
That is how it appears on Paul's setlist.
There are alternate songs and keys listed below the setlist. On the alternate list appeared : Midnight Rambler, Lovin' Cup, Jumpin' Jack Flash, and Love In Vain.
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