First band of a 2-band night.
We had a realtively small crowd at this one, but
those who were there were awesome, and we had a great time,
so I sure as hell have no complaints.
We started setting up after the last of the open
mic people were through. As always, none of 'em stayed to catch
even one song. It's no mystery to me why they can't find any
other musicians to work with when they can't be bothered to
stay one minute past their own stage time.
As always, I can't help but rave about the people
at the Orange Bear. The people treat the bands so well that
we end up being able to concentrate on the show instead of all
the other incidental crap. Tonight was no different.
As we started setting up, we noticed that it was
REAL hot onstage - even more so than usual. That definitely
had an impact on my energy for the show. We played well enough,
but I really had to force myself to move and jump around.
We added "I'm Not Fine" - a really old
song that we haven't performed in about a year (since before
John B joined with us) to the set list. We tightened the backing
vocals, and I play second guitar on it now, so it sounds a whole
lot better than it used to.
We also added our foulest song, Tom's "Bloody
Tuesday" to the set. We'd actually played it out once before
- at last June's Arlene Grocery show (the last show before the
departure of our former bassist). Since we hadn't fully arranged
it at that point, and since there were only three people we
knew in the audience at Arlenes that night, I'm calling it new.
We played it well and the general feedback I received
was, "it's gross, but it's also funny and damn catchy."
That's pretty much how we feel about it, too.
We had planned to cut either "Superstar"
or "Wasted" from the set. Originally, I had wanted
to play "Wasted" and cut "Superstar" because
Tom sings on "Wasted" and that means I can rest my
voice (and rock out on guitar). When the time came, though,
my voice was fine, but I was dripping with sweat and would not
have been able to handle guitar duties. I gave Tom the option
of playing either one and I'd sing. He chose "Superstar."
Our good friend and mein bruder - Patrick Smith
of the Heaves - joined us for a tear through "Burning Love"
and sounded awesome as usual! Rumor has it that there's a Heaves
reunion in the works. If so, you can bet your ass that the TFL
boys'll be right up front.
The place started filling up about alfway through
our set, as the band Lola Ray* (from Brookly, I think) came
in with their friends/fans. They seemed to enjoy us, and they
were damn cool, so we stayed around to catch the first few songs
of their set. Sure enough, they were damn good. I highly recommend
'em.
I later found out that these guys are signed to
the label created by the guys in Good Charlotte. Check out Lola
Ray's website here
and let 'em know we told you about 'em.
Stay Up and Talk to Me
She Was Just a Girl
Rave On
We're Alright
Lead You On
Beautiful In Black
I'm Not Fine
Party Dress
Bloody Tuesday
Sailor
Eve of Destruction
Superstar
Got No Life
A Song for the Ladies
Burning Love
Take Janine Away
