SW SUBURBS – WE SALUTE YOU

 

Stereo Strikes Back

So, this is the part of the show where we thank everyone for coming out last night to Willow Springs.  We answered an ad for needing an opening band, and we had nothing booked between a Peoria show and International Pop Overthrow, so we took it, thinking it would at least be a good rehearsal.  Through the kindnessitudeitees of certain people, we had ourselves a lovely bunch of lads and ladies suddenly show up.  A vocal bunch, that lot.  Knocked my ear friends clear off.  Think they was louder than me guitar (a hard feat to achieve).  But seriously, it turned out a good time.  What I love about this area is that is seems to spawn music scenes.  Though I don’t agree with nearly any of the music that was created in these scenes, (though I suppose I may have when I was younger…) there is one thing that stands out that I do very much respect – the fans.  There’s a common sense of real community with the people that dig music in this area, and they’re not afraid to express it.  Thank You people of the SW Suburbs, spread the word, and we’ll be back.  Thanks to Bob and Linda O for feeding our huge entourage, Thanks to Voice box for setting up the show.

The Axis

 

The other thing, we happen to like the SW suburbs, because unlike many other directions in IL, we actually found two bands that we are startin to really dig.  We met a fellow named Sam Shepard at the show, his new group, The Axis has a fantastic blues-psych sound to it.  A bit Small Faces, a bit Zeppelin, a bit Fudge, but modern and more relaxed.  We’re excited to see what these cats come up with.  The other group, Stereo Strikes Back, are worthy of being on a Nuggets comp.  They’ve got that pure garage thing going, and what I love about SSB, is what I love about Reigning Sound or Detroit Cobras – no flash, just really good fucking rock n roll…and ORGAN, (arguably the most important ingredient!)  I’d listen to this group if they were a defunct offshoot of The Flamin Groovies and I could never see them again – fortunately that’s not the case.

Another few bands to check out from the area – 

Memphis Graham,(super-psych-garage-12 string mmm) 

Catch a Tiger,(electro-pop, but good, like a more light hearted Duke Spirit…with synth)  

The Dorians (garage/powerpop – like a young star spangles)

– lux