Notes from the underground.

I WAS IN SUCH a rush to get the hell outta Dodge last month that I forgot to write about some kick-ass live action I caught the night after Thanksgiving while in Rhode Island; legendary Sid "The Package" Abruzzi's band, Big World. The opening band was terrible and some creepy dude tried to kiss my girl, so the night wasn't off to a good start (although the Big World guys got us in for free). But when Big World took the stage everything was right in the world again. Not only did the crowd move from the back to the front of the venue, but it seemed like more than half the crowd (at least most of the skaters there) knew the lyrics. People were flailing, beer was spilled, and mayhem was enjoyed. The band's got a few years between 'em but they fucking rock, and Sid's constantly bringing out stage props to go with the songs, like the crucifix with skulls and a Jason Jessee board for the song "Pray for Me Jason Jessee." Shit left me with a smile on my face and ringing in my ears, just like the best shows should ... Got a great demo CD (which is usually an oxymoron) in the mail from a band called CheapSkateS entitled Fundamentally Ill (note to aspiring bands: please do not flood my mailbox with your crappy demos). It starts off with a surf-ish intro into the first song "Ghost Rider" and progresses from there into thrashy skate oriented punk that made me think of Bark Hard, or more recently Clay Wheels, for the easiest comparison. Looks like they're from Denver, CO, so keep an eye out for 'em ... Chip Hanna's played in some great bands, most recently the Busted Hearts, One Man Army, and US Bombs, but he's usually got his big flame behind the skins and pounding the shit outta 'em. Well, he's steppin' out from behind his drum kit and strummin' a guitar and belting out some damn good classic sounding country. He's actually toured Europe a few times, and does pretty well (and ain't it always a shame when it takes someone to find fame overseas before they're appreciated here?). He just put out a CD entitled Haggard and Cashed Out, which should give you an ideal indication of what to expect (and you won't be disappointed). It's a few covers and some originals, and Chip's playing everything on the CD. Don't know where you'll find it but he's on myspace.com if you want to check it out that way ... Just got a cool CD from Alternative Tentacles, who are never afraid to put out stuff they like, even if it doesn't fit some formula, and this one is no exception. It's by Tarantella and it's called Esquelitos, and from the haunting opening all the way through this one makes for some great mood music, sung in Spanish and English. The singer's Argentinean, and the band has some folks from the Denver-area Slim Cessna camp. It's got some great instrumentation on it, accordion, fiddle, mandolin, with a deep South-of-the-Border feel, like a very stripped down and slower Calexico ... Finally received a full-length CD from the NYC band Horsepussy. It's got the crazy song I heard before ("Chickshitter") and a about dozen more fully earsplitting knuckle scrapers of carnally charged, endorphin-inspired partial retardedness that will endear them to nobody but their mothers. What a racket, what a mess. Look for Jimmy's Backside Disaster at finer record emporiums somewhere near you ... Sure, I'm out of the country, but to all labels keep that good shit coming and it'll find its way to me: PO Box 419, Tempe, AZ 825280-0419. Sampai ketemu lagi.