The Metal Files

Between 1993 and 1995 I played in a band called I AM I.  We played a lot if cover tunes mixed with our originals and one of the bands we covered a lot was The Lemonheads, especially from their album It’s a Shame About Ray.

When I saw that they were coming to Austin and playing that album in its entirety, I had to go.  I’ve always loved that album and that era if my life always brings good memories. 

After the opening bands played, Evan Dando hit the stage opening his set with some acoustic songs.  After 3 or 4 songs, his new backup band hit the stage and they went right into the album.  They sounded great.  It was an outdoor show and it was cold, right around the freezing mark.  They blew right through the set and did some more songs from other albums. 

Evan’s voice sounded great and his playing was solid especially for being that cold.  One thing about that album, there are a lot of licks on there that remind me of Alex Lifeson.  A few of the guys I was hanging with all felt the same way.

It was a good night of non-metal.

Simple review.  Killdozer was how I remembered them. Not great, but not shitty.  Last time was 1994 in Newport News, VA. 

The main story tonight was the closing of the downtown location of Emo’s.  Not my favorite venue but I saw some good shows over the years…valkyrie, Pentagram, hammerfall, Celtic frost/tryptikon, buzzov*en, and lots more.  It’s really the beginning of the end of our beloved Red River District.

Anthrax/Testament/Death Angel coming to Emo’s East October 29, 2011

I first saw these 2 bands together in 1987 at the legendary Boathouse in Norfolk, VA.  It still hails as one of the best shows I have ever seen.  Testament opened the show and were on The Legacy Tour while Anthrax was supporting Among the Living.  I remember the crowd being so tight and jam packed that it felt like you could life your feet off of the ground and you’d be held up.  A lot of movement back and forth as well.  It was pretty crazy and both bands were pretty awesome.  Both bands were great.

I’ve seen Testament several times and not once have they ever disappointed.  I think they are the most consistent live band ever.  Let me think about it a moment…how many times I’ve seen Testament: 87, 88, 91, 2000, 2008, 2010…There has to be another in the 90s and I think one more time in the last 5 years.  Anthrax I’ve seen a few times as well:  87, 88, 91, 2005, 2010.  They were good every time I’ve seen them as well.

I’m no Death Angel fan but everyone says seeing them live is pretty sweet.  They are a band that I have tried to like over the years and have even owned their stuff multiple times in hopes of enjoying it.  Minus a couple of tracks (Mistress of Pain and Room with a View), they just don’t do it for me.

Click here to see tour dates.

See you there!