Tomorrow we'll be at my place until about 3pm then we will be heading to the venue. The website url has the details you will need to get to either place and also has my phone number so you can call. We were wonderin' about ya! Look forward to meeting you tomorrow... see you then!
It's the morning after SF live, big thanks to Hoblit for pulling it all together. Thanks to Jack Shite for doing a song with me.
This is for Paco del Stinko. I owe him one.
Paco del Stinko gets the hardcore award from coming by train from Connecticut. Everyone rocked the house, but Hoblit's band Ghost Town Gridlock took it over the top, and Emergency Pizza Party took the live fight prize with their version of Calico Alley. If you've never done a SF live, then don't miss the next one!
Yeah, day after Songfight! LIVE and I'm just now stirring a little. Erik is still crashed and I envy him.
There are too many people to thank for making this happen in one post but I do want to put forth that Project-D made the load in and ESPECIALLY the load out a LOT easier than it would have been otherwise.
Here's some pictures of SF Live from last night. I think everybody there got in at least one picture, if you played with other people or were in a group then you're in there a little more. I didn't post every single picture I took, these are a best of. If you'd like to see every last picture, I can do that though. I'll put up a separate album of Ghost Town Gridlock.
just got back to santa cruz. wiped out in a good way. thanks to everyone, especially dre for giving me and erik a ride to the airport. another wild and crazy songfight live in the record books. awesome job chris and thanks for your hospitality and all you did.
I didn't get any recordings, but I think Hoblit was getting some video, and maybe Drë too.
The short answer is 'no' there are no recordings.
That was actually my friend Jay (GTG guitarist) who was filming some of the show... but I doubt I he got much because he only borrowed one tape beyond the first load...and he got stoooopid drunk and I think he forgot he was recording.
I saw Dre capturing snippets so he might have something.
actually, i'm pretty sure dre taped most of the show. but maybe i'll let him tell us that. but that's what he told me when i asked him about half way through.
Hoblit wrote:
For the most part, you had to be there!
Yes indeed.
I recorded most of the acts; but now am wishing I had selected a lower video quality to at least record all the acts in action.
I missed phunt you friends and myself;
It’s a shame, really liked how JB started drumming on my last song and wish I had a copy of that; (thanks JB!)
Also let’s not forget egg’s psychotic screams, and how it made all the girls (1? 2?) tremble in fear!
If anyone wants the raw footage for the sets let me know; but for the most part, am just going to use the clips and put together a
10-15 minute video of the whole show, narrated by yours truly.
You truly had to be there to witness the insanity we call song fight live 2008.
Here's some pictures of SF Live from last night. I think everybody there got in at least one picture, if you played with other people or were in a group then you're in there a little more. I didn't post every single picture I took, these are a best of. If you'd like to see every last picture, I can do that though. I'll put up a separate album of Ghost Town Gridlock.
Great photos!
Good to see that this bloke showed up to do some songs:
(calm down Oats!)
Just kidding Oatsey - I know you are wearing a Taranaki Rugby jersey. Good to see!
It's very interesting that I have now spent enough time in Dre's presence that when i read his message board posts I actually hear his voice in my head, complete with beautifully stilted Colombian accent.
That was really fun! I'm simultaneously saddened and pleased that my set was unrecorded/unrecordable. I hope I get to make it out to lots of these in the future when I'm a rock and roll wine star who has the luxury of lurking around at SongFight Live events around the globe.
It was a pleasure meeting all of you and visiting with folks who I met previously.
About the Dali museum, I saw nobody calling and figured it was best to let the hangovers ride out before the long roads home.
Glad the event was such a blast! Can't wait for more photos and perhaps splintered audio/video!
I'm just getting home after leaving Sunday afternoon. What a haul! Well, I have to say that I had a great time and although I was quite nervous and shaky performing, I enjoyed all of the acts in the show. I was also quite honored to have rubbed shoulders with some of the greats of SF! who truly deserve the accolade, and appreciate their kindness at allowing me to seen with with them in public. Great folks all, and genuine talents as well. But a special shout out to Hoblit, who absolutely is the man! He will also rock your face off if you ever meet him in person. Thanks a ton, man!
Also, I found a mysterious concert review left in my bag. It has a write-up of the evening that I will transcribe and post tomorrow.
hey paco, glad you made it home ok. we were a little concerned on sunday at lunch (ok, i was anyways). sorry i didn't get to say a proper goodbye but great to meet you and hang out with you, and thanks again for the help on my tunage.
I found these notes in my bag, apparently left by a mysterious critic! No song titles, but the entire show is commented upon.
Concert Report - Songfight! LIVE, Hot and Sweaty
Intro - The location was the historic Ybor City district of Tampa, Florida. Crowded with drink and eateries running for miles and the streets lined with people cruising, wandering, strutting, and posing, a general party atmosphere was in evidence. Also, a fetish convention was in town, and many vinyl and leather outfits, pancake made up faces, platform shoes and bare buttocks were to be seen. And there were women that were dressed like that as well! One gentleman could be heard repeating "it's not fair-it's not fair" after spying one particularly appealing vampiress.
The Venue - The music hall for the night was an early 20th century theater named the Ritz, complete with old fashioned marquee out front emblazoned with the announcement of the evenings' show. With a main hall and a room to each side, the SF! troupe played in the left room off of the main. The room was rectangular, and basically divided into thirds. From the street and in, it was tables and toilet rooms, the performing area, and the bar. There was also a double row of folding chairs in front of the performing area, the back row of which became quite rowdy throughout the evening. The bar was tended by a gal named Nora who undoubtedly fared well via the tip jar. The performance area was ground level, and contained guitars, bass, drums, amplifiers and p.a. system, mostly rustled up by event organizer Hoblit. Mr. Hoblit also became sound guy on the fly during the night, and handily remedied any quirks in the sound that arose. Although the room was a bit boomy on the bottom end, it also provided a pretty decent natural reverb.
The Master of Ceremonies was Erik of 15/16 Puzzle fame. Sharp, witty, and a master of pulling something out of nothing when introducing acts, his remarks were feats of improv on their own. While he may have missed providing an introduction or two, he fulfilled his obligations by not only closing the evenings ceremonies, but occasionally assisting acts that needed a bit of support. Very encouraging to all performers, he also flashed more devil signs than a rabid Ozzy fan. Imagine Dean Martin in a leather jacket with a skull on the back, and a sneer just underneath the charming grin.
Breaking the ice, and crippling a nervous system or two, was New Hampshire's own Paco del Stinko, making his public debut. Visibly nervous and shaky, he tripped up on several guitar chords and provided a navigators vocal: all over the map. Note: while it may not have solved vocal challenges, a floor monitor most certainly would have been of great assistance. Offering up guy and guitar versions of six of his classic hits, highlights included excellent bass support by Jack Shite on a tune, and transforming into a country and western singer, mid song, after the crowd turned the song into a hoe-down. Simulated guitar solos, performed by mouth, provided laughter even if not intended to. However, the crowd was gracious, and del Stinko didn't have to exit the stage with his head hung in complete shame.
The mysterious, and possibly mob connected Lord of Oats was next. A Florida native, he arrived with synthesizer in tow and performed an entire concept album in his manic set. Shrugging off any and all jabs thrown by the audience (Erik), he won over many a new fan with his passionate performance and banter. Almost rocking the strings right off of JB's guitar at times, one could imagine him fronting the Who. Synthesized interludes between songs provided nice segues to the next guitar based number which often contained explanations of their origins. Disappointment appeared to arise only when the bird that was to accompany him for a song became a no-show. With drum support from Hoblit on a tune, he was also joined by MC Erik for a cover of an oven mitt song, sans mitts. If not asked to sit down, he just might still be performing until his family noticed that he hadn't been home for a week.
Rested after apparently killing a hobo, the large headed but amicable Andre Was Here At Midnight took the spotlight. Another Floridian, Dre offered up his wobbly but sincere songs. A romantic tune-smith with a taste for mixing alternate guitar tunings and instruments such as melodica into his songs, Dre mostly played the 12-string guitar for the show. Accompanied by Mr. del Stinko for a song, who played what many considered a single ghost note throughout the song, a bittersweet lament about seeing someone for the last time. Later, JB of JB Band fame played bass on a song, and then drums with Stinko assuming bass duties. While Dre introduced the song as a slow waltz, the ambitious drumming of JB ratcheted it up to polka speed. Nevertheless, it was a success and Dre retired after an enthusiastic performance.
After flying in nearly kitty corner across the country from California, Jack Shite was up next with a heaping dose of Cali-vibe in tow. Mr. del Stinko accompanied on guitar and Dre on melodica. Performing some Brody tunes and debuting a Brad Sucks cover, he should have changed his surname to Casual. Bop-bop-bops were heard, psychedelic inside outers, and guitar hooks performed by mouth (after Stinko missed his cue). However, Jack was most generous in his thanksgivings towards his accompanists and his hosts. Maybe Pastor Jack might be a fitting name as he soothed the crowd with laid back stylings and perhaps unbeknownst to them, quietly provided a guiding spiritual light of community.
Rolling in from somewhere in Florida, the Emergency Pizza Party were the strongest audience manipulators of the evening. While they didn't bring any pizza, they most certainly brought the party. With Shaggy on computer beat and samples and an army of rappers out front, OK, a squad, (including the only female performer of the night) the mob led the crowd in pumpkin and lemon faced chant-alongs and mock(?) threats of zombie brain munching. The varied vocal deliveries had Hoblit scrambling to adjust mic levels, but the infectious energy, humor and preparedness provided a fantastic crowd-rousing time. Bjorn Borg's son even brought along a midi-guitar, but ended up using it as a drum! Imagine that! Tongue in cheek rapid fire deliveries that lampooned the SF! elite were a treat, and to top it off, they even gave away free stuff! Right on! I'm sure that some new fans were garnered from witnessing their action packed show.
From the outskirts of town came Project D. Initially arriving to hump gear and just watch the show, he was coaxed into performing a very short, two song set. With the assistance of Mr. Shite on guitar, her performed a pleasant and hummable pop tune dedicated to his wife, who sat in the front row. Entitled "King Me", it did not lack energy or conviction. His next tune may have come as a surprise, as it was a sing along Austrailian folk tune about kangaroos and other animals from that far off land. Note: none of them were the legendary "C-Rays", notorious for their outlandish behaviors. While many people initially appeared reluctant, by mid song they were singing along enthusiastically. Well done, especially for arriving empty handed, material-wise.
15/16 Puzzle must have left the ladies home in Texas, and a good thing, too, as they would have undoubtedly been piled waist deep at his feet after swooning under his lanky and dark good looks. But most importantly, they would have been floored by his right to the heart songs. A master of hooks and songwriting craft, he is also a very good singer and guitar player. While he stated that the first song that he played was his strongest of the set, none of his songs disappointed. Some people I know, like the fella that lives in my mirror, can put stuff together well. Erik's songs are complete and all of the stitches seam together perfectly. Eh, so one sip too much of whiskey may have helped him miss a guitar chord here or there, it didn't matter. With yells of "one more!" from the crowd, his "what, me worry?" demeanor pulled him through with honors. And talk about dedicated, his set list was tattooed on his arm!
Fightmaster, historian, and sole member of the "Attended Every SF! LIVE Event Club", and possessor of one of the sharpest wits around, JB didn't leave his angelic pipes in hometown Atlanta. Perhaps his occasionally rubbery stance was more of an indicator of how loose he was. Singing songs with often intricate and whiffing of 'classical' melodies, the reverb of the room just enhanced the magnificant soar of his voice. And thank goodness he sang loudly, as when he was hitting those strong, long, and high notes, nobody heard it when one of his brass balls clanged to the floor! Oh, he might not be as spiffy a guitar player as his compatriot Erik, but nobody else in the room could sing anywhere near as good as he. Fucking golden boy. While he eventually stumbled over his great science hit, the anti-Bush song was a personal favorite, as were songs co-written by the 579th greatest rapper in the world. And, apparently, a mirror image of Erik's tattoo rubbed off on to JB's arm, as he had an inked set list as well! How cool is that?
Well. Hometown hero Hoblit took the wheel and matted the pedal to the floor. At 100 MPH and twice as many decibels, Hoblit revved the engine until flames were melting the quarter panels. Backed by a powerhouse band that flailed, thumped, and pounded, Hoblit turned his lungs inside out for all peek into his rock and roll soul. Imagine your face skin melting off. That's what Hoblit does to you. Imagine your yarbles being kicked by Bruce Lee. That's what Hoblit does to you. Imagine gripping your hands knuckle deep into that dashboard of the car as Hoblit laughs maniacally while racing the car off a cliff! Yup. He does that to you too. Songs about ruin, sisters, and God knows what else, they punched you delightfully in the face until the entire band imploded into a mass of limbs, guitar necks, cymbal stands and blood, sweat, and years on the floor. This was undoubtedly the show stopping climax of the evening and although a couple of excellent performance lay in wait for the LiveFight!, the cataclysmic orgasm was an unbeatable peak. Guzzle the anarchy, and burp out joy!
LiveFight! Local Tampans and vintners Phunt Your Friends opened up the LiveFight!. Apparently, the performance artist that they arrived with couldn't make it for the number, and mic'ing difficulties put the sitar back into its case. No matter, as the drums, sax, and vocal trio took home the Experimental Achievement Award for the evening. Howls of anguish/joy spewed over live breakbeats and funk drumming while bleats, trills, and musings issued forth from the sax. Why, the vocals and sax were so intertwined that the microphone was actually inserted into the horns' bell. My, my, my! The drumming was strong enough to break the bass drum pedal apart. No matter, while as the kits owner repaired it, conga drums were performed on the floor and mounted toms. How's that right ear today, drum kit owner? No idea what the song was about, but the free-form improv worked and plain out felt good. Silver medalist, LiveFight!.
Stinky Midnight Oats, fronted by the masterful Lord of Oats, Paco on bass, and Dre on wooden drum box thingy, were an excellent example of tempo degradation. While the lyrics were apparently about the patchy, withered, nether region of an elderly woman (hmmm...where'd that inspo come from?) they failed to ignite either the crowd or themselves. Perhaps due to three people playing on an unfamiliar plane, or feeling meek after Phunt Inc., the groove failed to catch proper flame. Still, points should be awarded for being one of the few acts to attempt the LiveFight!. Bronze medalists.
Right back into it, Emergency Pizza Party magically produced a kitty cat themed sing alonger that was another groovelicious treat. So fresh that the lyrics had yet to dry on the page, all members took turns delivering rapid fire flow while Shaggy manipulated the computer beats and kitty loops. Hopping and jumping like transported back in time to their set from a few hours earlier, the fun and entusiasm was still in abundance and they easily took home the gold medal for the LiveFight!. Meow!
Summary The night must be considered a success. While some performers may not have towered as high as others did, none were shameful or embarrassing by any means. And even if, say, someone sang off key, or restarted a song four times, it was irrelevant. Perfection wasn't expected, but fun was, and it was obtained in measure. Maybe new friendships were made, maybe not, but acquaintances that were initially established through the internet were brought into flesh and reached past cyber boundaries. Not all members of a community have to love each other, but showing your face and, perhaps, baring a bit of your soul in the public arena has to strengthen the community. Or at least garner a bit of respect for throwing oneself out there. One esteemed member of the community said something like " you can't be mean to someone on the boards after meeting them in person". Maybe not, but perhaps it opens one up to a friendly nudge in the ribs, or punch on the arm, in place of malice.
Anyway, varied performers, all giving it their best, made the night a delight. If you can go to the next SongFight! LIVE event, do yourself the favor and go. I promise you that it's worth the effort. Worst case is you'll be glad that you tried, but that's a pretty good baseline to bottom out on. Keep SongFight! LIVE alive! Long live SongFight!!
