Red Smokes White and The Trousers at Kings Last night I had a chance to check out Red Smokes White (their singer is pictured above) and The Trousers at Kings. I'd never heard of Red Smokes White, but I was very impressed with their sludgy, swampy Black Sabbath-meets-Deliverance rock. Their bass player switched between an electric and a stand-up bass, and one of the guitarists also played sax. I found out later that the bass player is Daryl White, who used to be in Trailer Bride, among other bands. I also found out the sax-playing guitarist is his brother, and they both used to live in Havelock, down the road from my old hometown, Morehead City. I always love meeting folks from Eastern N.C. who have escaped. If someone knows who Lee Canipe is, or has been to the Elbow Room in Greenville, I know we'll have a special bond. I got footage of Red Smokes White, but truthfully I didn't like this song as much as the others they did. I plan to see them again and will try to film a different song. I'd heard a bit about The Trousers (above), but apparently not enough because I was expecting a new wave band. Instead, they were more psychedelic British blues. As if to reiterate that, they actually played "Train Kept a Rollin'." Definitely good (their bass player was amazing to watch). Here's a couple of movies. (Videos removed) Also, you can take a look at some more photos from the show on my Flickr stream.

Damn it. I made plans to video and take photos of the innaugural Double Negative show last night, but got to Kings after the band played. I took lots of hilarious pics of Jessica and the gang at her birthday karaoke party (they're on Flickr, but set for friends only) and went home to download those photos before going out. As soon as I got to the club I was greeted by a chorus of wide-eyed punks all saying, "you missed it! That was the most awesome show I've seen in years." Well, anyway. Brian says they'll be playing in a couple of weeks. Will try again then.

Last night I checked out Strange and Dark Meat at Kings. I've always had trouble getting photos of Strange because they tend to use dark, atmospheric lighting. (If you haven't heard them, dark and atmospheric is a pretty good way to describe their music, too. I hesitate to call them goth, though their music really wouldn't be out of place on a compilation with Sisters of Mercy or Joy Division. A couple of the photos from last night came out nicely, and I was able to get at least one whole song on video.

Strange from Mann's World on Vimeo.

I actually like the song in this second video more, but the memory in my camera ran out before the song was finished. 

Another one by Strange from Mann's World on Vimeo.

Before Strange, I also saw Dark Meat, a collective of at least 13 musicians from Greensboro that's part blues-rock, part Motown and part Mardi Gras parade. Check out the video I got of them. (UPDATE: I just found out Dark Meat are actually from Athens.)

Dark Meat Vomit Lasers Family Band from Mann's World on Vimeo.

Also, check out the Flickr stream from the show.

Table and Dude Garden at Kings



I had big plans to start a podcast this weekend for the Table/Dude Garden show saturday at Kings. My mom gave me a Griffin iTalk for Christmas, and I'd been waiting for an opportunity to use it. Since it was Russ DeSena's birthday, I thought Saturday would be good. I planned to interview Russ and Tom Cushman, and even have a few folks say happy birthday to Russ. I got Mikey Ross to do it, then suddenly the italk, which gave me problems when I first tried it out, wouldn't work. So, I have temporarily scrapped the podcast idea (need to take the italk to the Apple store).

Instead, I interviewed Russ and Tom on camera, so here's a five minute video of them discussing how the band formed, why they called it Table, and their working relationship (or lack thereof). This takes a long time to download, so if you have a slow connection, go to work or someone's house and try downloading it from there. (Video removed)




Later, I got a video of them performing a song. Tom told me what it was called, but I couldn't figure out what he was saying. It sounded like he said "Muggawhere," which sounds like the name of a Black Metal band. I'm sure that's not the title, but that's what I'll call it. Actually, Russ called this their Manowar song, so maybe it's called Manowar.

Table from Mann's World on Vimeo.

I also got decent video of Dude Garden doing "Brown Bagger."

Dude Garden from Mann's World on Vimeo.

I've now got a YouTube account, and I see that Myspace has video capabilities now, so I may play around with that a bit later.

You should also check out a few photos I took of the show. Check out the Flickr stream.

Some of the photos came out OK, mostly because, like at the Patty Hurst Shifter show, someone else was there taking photos with a flash. In this case it was Jodi Donkel, who is an actual class A professional photographer. She's already put at least one photo from the show on the Rock the Triangle group, so check it out. Thanks, Jodi, for letting me glom onto your flash.

A couple of cool upcoming shows:

Saturday, March 4: Birds of Avalon, Destructionaire and Tiger Bear Wolf at Kings. I'm really looking forward to this one because I've never seen TBW, who are from Greensboro. Birds of Avalon always rock. Planning to film it and will post here.

Saturday, March 18:

From Stephanie: FAME: MARCH 18: BURNING (WO)MAN

It's time for annual Burning WOman Party! One you just don't
want to miss!

Loosely based after the Burning Man party of the west coast, this
party gives you permission to dress as crazy as you want! There
are no limits! :) Be creative! Be painted by SORROW or paint
yourself up at the party!

We have special DJ friend IMPLICIT visiting from Boston to join
LEMOORE for this rocking party. You know you are in for a pumping
night of music. IMPLICIT (Electrolife.com / FunkyHouseMusic.com –
Boston, MA). With over a decade of industry experience as an
established electronic dance music DJ, Producer, and Mastering
Engineer, Implicit is pushing the envelope of sonic innovation
with his house music knowledge, technical savvy, and
uncompromising work ethic. He has been featured in magazines such
as URB, BPM, and Music Monthly and continues to be a prominent
house music force on the east coast.

Please welcome back this now Boston-based artist for a very
special set at FAME.

DANCE on the BRAND new dancefloor and watch visual artists
perform such things as poi, hoops, and flagging! As always, every
sense will be stimulated at the annual Burning WOman FAME.

RINGSIDE: 308 West Main Street, Durham Doors open at 10. 18+

Come play with us!

Ringside charges $8 (members) and $10 (non-members) on Saturday nights.