What comes after the Blues?

Compared to four or five years ago, it feels like I rarely ever go to shows anymore. Compared to three years ago, I'm going to a glut of shows. I don't know if this is because I've gotten pickier, if I've gotten more stingy with my money or if I've lost so much interest in new music that I don't know who is and isn't worth seeing anymore. That all being said, I ignored the fact that it was a weeknight and that I had a training session at 8.30 the next morning and saw Magnolia Electric Co. at the 7th St. Entry. It's kinda funny; I don't actually own any Magnolia albums (well, not until I bought their new one). My whole opinion of the band is based on the last Songs: Ohia album entitled "Magnolia Electric Co." which is probably one of the best albums that I own (oh, sorry: Songs: Ohia was the musical vessel of Jason Molina. After that Magnolia album he reformed Songs: Ohia as Magnolia Electric Co.). So I was pretty excited to see these guys play.

Supporting them was Fog, a local band whom I had never heard, but of whom Luke is a big fan. They were great. Very smart, quirky, and incredibly random. They were very talented. Luke told me he was clueless as to why they weren't more popular than they were. If you ever get a chance to see them, I'd recommend it.

Anyway, Magnolia came on and they played really well. They're one of those bands who it would really be fun to BE in. Like if I do school in Chicago I'm gonna try to muscle my way in as their bass player. They did play one song off that last Songs: Ohia album, although it was probably one of my least favorites from that album. They played some really good stuff and it was a lot more fun than when I saw Jason Molina play a solo show in Anacortes in 2002, which was ultra-depressing. They don't have much banter between songs, they just move on to the next tune. They must've plowed through about 8 songs in an hour. So yeah, great show at a great price ($10 is a good deal for shows these days). Now I have to figure out how to go see Jamie Lidell on 11/11 while working at the Outdoor Expo and attending an art event which I helped facilitate. Argh, too much.

OTHER NEWS: