I’m sure you’re all exhausted after last weekend’s Beale Street Music Festival. I’ve been exhausted all week just hearing about it, and I didn’t even go. But you mustn’t let this stop you from venturing out this weekend. There are two shows that I’m advising all y’all to go and see, and neither will leave you disappointed.
And while it’s no secret that I have a special love for the Hi Tone, I guess I need to say that I didn’t pick all Hi Tone shows on purpose. Just an awesome weekend!
Saturday, May 7th, 2011: Bass Drum of Death at the Hi Tone Cafe
The first time I heard BDoD, I was sitting at my desk at work. I started bobbing my head a little. 30 seconds into the song, I was dancing in my chair and had it turned up a little too loud.
Fast forward about 2 minutes, and the song is almost done. At this point I have kicked out my chair from behind me, and I’m screaming, and there were 6 bikini clad punk rock chicks punching each other in the face while drinking tequila. It escalated really quickly.
This is rock and roll in the most primal way, and it will make you move your body. And it’s a 2 piece. And they’re on Fat Possum. What’s not to like?
Bass Drum Of Death – Get Found
Sunday, May 8th, 2011: Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
I remember exactly how long it took me to like Blues Explosion, and I remember exactly which moment in which song did it. I’m posting the video of said song below – Make sure that you turn your volume WAY up before you hit play. Tell me that that scream isn’t the essence of rock and roll, that it doesn’t excite something in you, and then you can sit at home on Sunday night watching re-runs of Cheers on Netflix (hint: this is what I usually do on Sunday nights) instead of experiencing what might be the most badass version of “blues” music you’ve ever heard.
Admittedly, I’ve never seen them live before, but I’ve been a fan for a LONG time. Jon Spencer (and R.L. Burnside) are the reason that I will refer to a pint of whiskey as “a ass pocket” in perpetuity. I’m so pumped about this show that Sam and Diane and Cliff and Norm are just going to have to wait.
All this rock in just two shows might be more than you can handle. But if you’re up to the task, go forward! Have a whiskey! Bring earplugs!
