Mudhoney are the last of the great troubadours in the Grunge microcosm. Throughout their career, they seldom came into the focus of the public, being more than happy to let other Seattle bands blaze through the hype and circumstance of the times. But Sunday night's performance at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC solidified Mudhoney's legendary status once and for all, as the band performed their album, Superfuzz Bigmuff plus Early Singles in its entirety before an ecstatic crowd.
Since forming almost twenty years ago, Mudhoney are every bit as intense today as they were during the peak years of the Pacific Northwest revolution. Mark Arm's voice still sounds sharp and powerful; he hooted and howled as Mudhoney opened the night with perhaps what is the closest thing to an anthem that Generation X had at their hip, the sexy and raspy "Touch Me I'm Sick." Guitarist Steve Turner took to the frets with a sense of hot action during garage punk rev-up's like "Hate the Police" and "You Got It (Keep It Outta My Face)." Bassist and newest Mudhoney member Guy Maddison locked horns with abrasive basher Dan Peters, who provided rock solid rhythm from behind the kit, especially on "In n' Out of Grace."
After Superfuzz was complete, Mudhoney returned for two encores - the latter of which included "Suck You Dry" from 1992's Piece of Cake. Despite the abundance of scraggly beards and Doc Martins featured in the crowd, it would be wrong to label this gig a throwback show - or a nostalgia trip - because at the rate they're going, Mudhoney should be able to continue to perform at this level forever.
Sup Pop label-mates Pissed Jeans opened the show.
Since forming almost twenty years ago, Mudhoney are every bit as intense today as they were during the peak years of the Pacific Northwest revolution. Mark Arm's voice still sounds sharp and powerful; he hooted and howled as Mudhoney opened the night with perhaps what is the closest thing to an anthem that Generation X had at their hip, the sexy and raspy "Touch Me I'm Sick." Guitarist Steve Turner took to the frets with a sense of hot action during garage punk rev-up's like "Hate the Police" and "You Got It (Keep It Outta My Face)." Bassist and newest Mudhoney member Guy Maddison locked horns with abrasive basher Dan Peters, who provided rock solid rhythm from behind the kit, especially on "In n' Out of Grace."
After Superfuzz was complete, Mudhoney returned for two encores - the latter of which included "Suck You Dry" from 1992's Piece of Cake. Despite the abundance of scraggly beards and Doc Martins featured in the crowd, it would be wrong to label this gig a throwback show - or a nostalgia trip - because at the rate they're going, Mudhoney should be able to continue to perform at this level forever.
Sup Pop label-mates Pissed Jeans opened the show.
The Top Five Songs of 2007
Here's our top five favorite songs of 2007. Stay tuned, as on December 31st, CBTS will unveil the Top Lists of 2007!
1. "Goodnight, Rose" - Ryan Adams, from the album Easy, Tiger
2. "Ragoo" - Kings of Leon, from the album Because of the Times
3. "Boyz" - M.I.A., from the album Kala
4. "The Heinrich Manuever" - Interpol, from the album Our Love to Admire
5. "Seahorse" - Devendra Banhart, from the album, Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon
We Tigers @ Luna Lounge, 11/30/07
It was singer Harris Novick's birthday, so the fans packed into the Luna Lounge with a cause for celebration. But before the set, I spoke a little bit with bassist Jonathan Silverman about New York's premier psychedelic-indie outfit. Jonathan remarked that the Tiger's like to keep the music fresh and different. But different, as it would soon become evident, was an understatement.
We Tigers opened their set Friday night with a sitar introduction from guitarist Michael Kirsch, before barreling into the first track from their In Transit E.P, "Elbow Room." Kirsch learned to play the instrument while spending time in India, studying with sitar masters for over eight hours a day.
The set also included the hyperactive "Transatlantic" from their second, and latest E.P., Rivals, as well as "Double Madonna" and "Why Us?" Anyone who has not seen We Tigers yet really needs to do so as soon as possible. It's an incredible sight to see such a young act play with as much confidence, skill, and energy.
The Ghost of Tower Records Future
R5 Records, the newest installation to the music community from Tower Records founder Russ Solomon, held there first ever Holiday Fundraiser on Saturday. The event featured 8 live bands, D.J.'s, raffles, and special discounts throughout the store. R5 was also accepting unwrapped toys and cash donations on behalf of the Salvation Army Christmas Project, a service that provides toys to families throughout Sacramento, CA area.
Here's our top five favorite songs of 2007. Stay tuned, as on December 31st, CBTS will unveil the Top Lists of 2007!
1. "Goodnight, Rose" - Ryan Adams, from the album Easy, Tiger
2. "Ragoo" - Kings of Leon, from the album Because of the Times
3. "Boyz" - M.I.A., from the album Kala
4. "The Heinrich Manuever" - Interpol, from the album Our Love to Admire
5. "Seahorse" - Devendra Banhart, from the album, Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon
We Tigers @ Luna Lounge, 11/30/07
It was singer Harris Novick's birthday, so the fans packed into the Luna Lounge with a cause for celebration. But before the set, I spoke a little bit with bassist Jonathan Silverman about New York's premier psychedelic-indie outfit. Jonathan remarked that the Tiger's like to keep the music fresh and different. But different, as it would soon become evident, was an understatement.
We Tigers opened their set Friday night with a sitar introduction from guitarist Michael Kirsch, before barreling into the first track from their In Transit E.P, "Elbow Room." Kirsch learned to play the instrument while spending time in India, studying with sitar masters for over eight hours a day.
The set also included the hyperactive "Transatlantic" from their second, and latest E.P., Rivals, as well as "Double Madonna" and "Why Us?" Anyone who has not seen We Tigers yet really needs to do so as soon as possible. It's an incredible sight to see such a young act play with as much confidence, skill, and energy.
The Ghost of Tower Records Future
R5 Records, the newest installation to the music community from Tower Records founder Russ Solomon, held there first ever Holiday Fundraiser on Saturday. The event featured 8 live bands, D.J.'s, raffles, and special discounts throughout the store. R5 was also accepting unwrapped toys and cash donations on behalf of the Salvation Army Christmas Project, a service that provides toys to families throughout Sacramento, CA area.
