While we all wait patiently for the return of Sacramento’s sadly defunct Groovie Ghoulies, it is good to know that the lead ghoul, Kepi Ghoulie, is still rockin’ and havin’ a damn good time. His 2009 solo album, Life Sentence, continues the tradition of the Groovie Ghoulies with tasty Ramones style sing-a-longs, and last Saturday’s afternoon show at 1-2-3-4 Go! Records was pure joy. The drummer was certainly the happiest drummer on earth, and Kepi kept the crowd laughing with his random thought generator cranked up on caffeine and 1-2-3-4 pizza. His plan to strap on kitty boobs and nurse homeless kittens put many over the edge.

The set included many new songs from New Jersey co-host Vic Ruggiero. Besides a few special shows with Kepi, Vic is on a big tour with The Slackers. Kepi’s rock blocks included the Velvet Underground’s “I Can’t Stand it” and a killer version of the New York Dolls’ “Pills.” The band gradually recruited members from the audience and soon most of Oakland’s Phenomenauts were on stage playing along. The band moved seamlessly from Jimmy Reed to Muddy Waters. Outside, it was still daylight and beer week is juuuuust beginning!

Recently I find myself spending all my time at 1-2-3-4 Go! Records . Oh 1-2-3-4 Go!, was there life before you?