Shannon and the Clams as CCR – Is that John Fogerty?
Blurry but beautiful times at Oakland’s Lobot Gallery last Thursday. This was a Halloween party of sorts with lots of spooky costumes. All bands were Oakland-based and played in a giant mouth. $2 Tecates at the bar. One crazy kat was doing cartwheels. Doin’ the pogo I somehow wound up with someone’s pocketknife in my pocket!
Uzi Rash as Undertones
Primary Colors started off the night with a fierce exploration of all things Siouxsie and the Banshees. Younger Lovers came on next and offered a mercifully short set of Go-Go’s classics including “We Got the Beat”.
Siouxsie in the mouth
And then it happened … my dear sweet Uzi Rash pulled out an amazing tribute to the Undertones. Many of the songs I barely remembered or didn’t know at all. Wise are they that saved the big hit, 1978’s “Teenage Kicks”, for last. The full band brought the catalog back to life. Max, the lead Rashman, gave it his sweaty screamy all. Across the room hung a full wall of his reptile-rific art work. With a brand new zine just released (Orgazm Addict), he seems to be one busy artiste.
Primary Colors as Siouxsie and the Banshees
Shannon and the Clams headlined. Dressed in full Creedence Clearwater Revival gear, the band nailed it and drove it in deepdeepdeep. They tore through a set of all the classics including personal fave “Green River”. It became instantly obvious that these songs should be played live on a regular basis. The crowd slurped it up and were driven into a complete frenzy. The band is off on a big tour with Shonen Knife and return to the Bottom of the Hill on November 4th. Could it be the last small venue show for our sweet Clams? Be there just in case.
Max art