May
14
2006

We Are The Black Moods

Last Exit 3rd Anniversary

PhotosSunday, May 14, 2006 - 02:48:34 pm (Saturday, May 13, 2006 - 09:48:34 pm MST)
(Posted Under: Tempe Music Scene Tempe Music Scene, Music Music, Travel)
Around 9ish tonight I insisted that we should make a move towards Last Exit. Which is nothing new, as was Katie's responmse that we didn't neccesarily need to go that early. [smile] This time though, my instistance was moreso based on finding it so hard to stay awake, and figuring that being at LE, combined with alcohol as fuel would get me awake. [smile] Not a bad call, given that I was severely lacking any energy.

We finally made a move at about 9:30, stopping for gas on the way. At which I was shocked that gas is around 3 dollars something a gallon, which is...well, shocking! [smile] We made some quick and dirty calculations that it's still amazingly cheaper than in Australia, but still, I remember it being $1.20 a gallon here last year!

It was then on to Last Exit. We parked around the front and went in the front, which was a change. As always, Katie was right, Vayden (formally Simplfy) was setting up. We're not huge fan's of Vayden. So got drinks and stood out on the porch, talking. After a while Katie noticed Lance Wilson. At some point he recognised me (pretty impressive) and came over and said hi, and that it was cool that I was back. We talked about how good tonight was going to be with the Black Moods (he manages them), and asked if we were going to see the Blossoms in Vegas on the weekend. To which I said about Mexico, which of course he didn't neccesarily approve of. [wink] That's Lance though, ever the supporter of his brother's band. I've got nothing but respect for how much Lance supports the Gin Blossoms. I did say that we were going out to California later to see them, which mending the situation. [wink] Lance was in party mode, which, well, I don't think I've seen Lance any other way. Through the Vayden set we saw Chico, Josh and Ryan file in at certain points, and we got to point people out to Cath.

In what seemed like an eternity, Vayden finished their set. Once Josh was up on stage, we moved inside and took up residency by the stage. I was pretty damn excited to be seeing the Black Moods this time around, being really into them now (the last time I saw them was the first time I'd heard them) and knowing their stuff. Just hearing Josh set up and play the riff for 7 Day Binge (or was it Sick In Bed?) was rocktastic! While they were setting up, LE had the LE Live CD playing, and Larson was on which I got to point out to Catherine. After that song, the Moods took the stage.

Now this was my first experience of the Moods sans Kevin (hence Josh on guitar and vocals). Which I've heard mixed reviews about. My opinion is that it totally works! [smile] Also, before the show, we'd told Catherine about how hard it was for Josh to keep a shirt on. [wink] She asked when it wouid come off, and we said pretty early. While he was setting up, it was on. When they came out to play, it was already off - hilarious to all three of us! [smile] But in anycase, I thought they sound great with Josh singing. And the singing totally did not detract from the Josh floppyness, with him flopping all over the stage through solos. [smile] Like I said, being a fan and knowing the songs this time around was fucking awesome!

A highlight was that Cath loved the Black Moods. Given that she didn't know the band, I knew it could have been a mixed bag. But she thoroughly loved the band, which was awesome.

Photobox ImageHalf way through the set they brought out a cake for the Last Exit, and Doug, Deven and Brandon got up on stage. Which seems to happen whenever I'm at Last Exit (last time it was Brandon's birthday). After speeches, it was back to the rock. The singer from Mink Rebellion got up and did one song with the band, which was the extent of Mink being on the bill. I didn't know the song, but it was good. Towards the end of the set they did an amazing rendition of All Along The Watch Tower. At first I didn't recognise it, but I've never heard that song sound so good. All up we got to hear 7 Day Binge, Sick In Bed, Black Moods, Sweet Virgina, Star Of Your Movie, Hung On Every Word...well, and a whole bunch I don't remember. I also got to hear Last Exit, which the band wrote about the bar. It's the first time I've heard that, and Katie was pleased that they played it.

After the Moods we went back out to the porch. While out there, Katie told me to listen for a familar voice - initially I was confused, listening to the song playing, but then heard the unmistaken voice of Steve Larson, standing behind us. I totally planned to go and say hi, especially given we're going to Mexico to see the Peacemakers, but there wasn't really an opportunity.

After dealing with an annoying drunk, we decided to make a move, because we didn't really care to see Dramarama who were headlining. After a quick stop and the apartment, we made our way to Southern and Mill - Yucca Tap. The Nacronoughts were finishing their set (which was reasonably boring). We only had one drink, it was cool to check out Yucca, and mostly to show Catherine, but there wasn't much reason to stay, so not long after we left and headed for home.

All in all, a great first time back in town!


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