I Hate the Bizarros!

Well, let's just state for the record that last weekend was awfully swell, to say the least. And by that, I mean the absolute least.
However, on the flip side of that coin, one of those seemingly obligatory and awkward "Oh-I-went-to-school-with-you-hey-what-are-you-up-to-now?" conversations ensued when I saw Matt Wilson and Aimee Speaker Friday night in Blockbuster*. It turns out that Aimee and I both had surgery over the summer, though hers led to a brush with mortality and mine only led to a week and a half of sloth and luxury. Speaking of Death, Matt had a grotesque 11 o'clock shadow going. That kid needs to recognize that razors are his allies, and stop attempting to grow facial hair. It doesn't work.
So I ended up going to Chicago on Saturday to see Me Without You, and I left the Bottom Lounge a true believer. They're really good; I dare say that the snobs at Rolling Stone would label them post-hardcore (whatever that means) and they'd probably have a field day misinterpreting their cryptic, poetic lyrics.
The band concocts wicked atmospheric sounds as well as some punk-tinged riffing to complement the chanted/shouted vocals of frontman Aaron Weiss. That guy's a madman; the guy was decked out in a winter coat and a hoodie, and it was hotter 'n blazes, believe you me, and he still insisted on dancing like a madman the entire length of the show. And trust me, they have some seriously dance-y breaks in their songs, as well as... hand claps! That's right!
They're another band of Christians that don't want to be classified as a Christian band, though Aaron admitted that all of their songs are about the reconciliation of spirit and flesh (if I may be so bold as to paraphrase). He's an awesome guy; an unbelievable and intelligent frontman, but also clearly a good soul with a goofy side. Here's some sample banter from the evening:

Random Dude: Hey!!! Tell a joke!!!
Aaron: Well, I don't know any jokes... wait! Did you hear about the corduroy pillow?

Aaron: Oh, well, it's making all the headlines...

Basically, folks, I dig 'em a lot now, and though they may not prove to be your cup o' joe, they're worth a shot at least. You could do WAY worse. I'm talking about, of course, Madball. Forget those guys, and NYHC anymore. Of course, my own hypothesis is that New York Hardcore has been dead for quite some time now, but Madball offers it no alternative but to spin in its own grave. 7 Seconds, Cro-Mags, Agnostic Front, and Negative Approach would not be pleased.
We ended up watching A Mighty Wind last night, and you've gotta believe me, that's an awesome movie. At times, it's funnier than This Is Spinal Tap, but the thing is, it's made by all of the same people. Check out Eugene Levy's performance, it'll make you stand on your head. And on a personal note: Don't get Bernatello pizzas. Never settle for the Bern!
Well, I'd hit the hay, but it's 11:30. Mayhap I'll conjure up some tortellini...an brilliant plan, if I say so myself. Thanks for listening, folks, and remember: when you make a disco album, the backlash is inevitable.

Love, Ian

* +12 brownie points to whoever successfully guesses what they rented!