All told, 2/3 of SoulFix was at the fest for all three days (I outlasted all and did all 3 days, Mitch Friday & Saturday, Marlon just Saturday; most importantly, we all got to see Tool). This year, Mitch had done some IT/Network work for the fest, so he totally hooked up the VIP tickets. The VIP tickets got us access to two tents, one at the north end and one at the south end. The south end was WAY better than the north end; larger, better views of the stages. Also included with your VIP package was all food and liquor. Yep. Only thing was, they wouldn’t let you take any drinks with you out of the VIP areas, which I guess makes sense, cuz otherwise you’d be carrying out 20 beers for all your friends.

The Bands

Right on:

Tool, Jane’s, Thievery Corporation, Ida Maria, Snoop, Rise Against

Living Things I describe as such: a nod to the Ramones+Brian May+tight pants+Ampeg bass cabinets=solid American rock ‘n’ roll.

Meh:

Kings of Leon, Depeche Mode. And also, Gomez, which brings me to:

Frat Rock

Gomez is frat rock. Which made me think: how does one define frat rock? My friend and I came up with this description: Mediocre music, with lyrics that are easy enough for trixie girls to “get.” It’s not overly engaging, so it allows you to stand around and bullshit, while pounding 8-10 Miller Lites.

Also, one of the Gomez dudes played a shaker app or something on his iPhone. To quote my mysterious friend, “Play a real instrument, not a phone.”

Overheard and Quotable

“The problem is YOU’RE not drunk enough.”
“I think I’m gonna take 2 showers when I get home.”
“Whippets, only 5 bucks guys.”
“Why are they getting off here? Stupid bitches.”
“I can’t hear you, Mom.”
“I wonder if the carpet matches the puuuuubes.”

Overall, a great time, and kudos to the promoters for a very well-run show.

They’ve got a free EP available for download.

www.thefelixculpa.com

I caught some of Chris Payne’s Local 101 the other day and heard a band called The Frantic. Not my thing, man. They’re embarking upon a Hot Topic tour. Prolly blow up and get huge. Maybe get on a tour with Sum 41, if they’re lucky. There’s another band on Local 101’s myspace page named 3rd Time’s A Charm. Looks like they’ve got a Hot Topic appearance as well. Seriously guys? Blink 182 meant that much to you? You had to form a band?

Fall Out Boy, I suppose I could give you. Smart, catchy, snarky songs. Super-slick production thanks to ProTools. But DAMMIT if they (and a host of other bands) haven’t spawned an entire generation of ass-hat wannabe bands.

Is pop-punk this generation’s hair metal? The sort of thing that you completely immerse yourself in while growing up, then look at 15 years later and feel a little embarassed? Hair metal at least didn’t really pull any punches — the eye makeup, the tight pants, the cocaine — you knew it was all flash. Maybe that’s what skate shoes, lip piercings and comic book t-shirts are supposed to be — today’s pop clown outfit.

Anyways, I’ll see you all at the EXO concert on August 2nd…

In a nutshell: the scene is dead

I couldn’t agree with him more. I’ve had this discussion with most of my musician friends. We all remember the thriving Chicago music scene in the late 90’s. Bands had weekly residencies, and the rooms would be packed. Swimmer and Sumo at Elbo Room on Sundays. Liquid Soul at Double Door. There was a vibrancy about the city. And everyone was proud to be part of it.

Cover bands are where the scene’s at now. And I can’t bitch, cuz I’m IN a cover band. But, man, it just kinda sucks.

One thing about gigging somewhat regularly in the city of Chicago is you’ll certainly know how to spell some tricky words, namely subterranean and martyr.

They have a party bus available.  If there’s a bunch of y’all who want to meet at a bar beforehand, we can have the bus pick you up and drop you at the club.  Give us some feed back if this appeals.