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2004-04-12 03:09:54 ET Friday night wsa proof that ska fans have a) too much time on their hands b) nothing to do with their lives I say this because, if any other concert started an hour late, the crowd would, oh I don't know... complain? But in the case of the Aggrolites show at University of MD, everyone took it as granted that a ska show would be somewhat disorganized. Luckily, we didn't have to sit around that long, mainly because we knew the Ready Steady Go were opening, and go there late in order to avoid them. I did catch the last 4 songs of RSG's set, and I have to say - every time I see these guys they have some sort of excuse as to why they suck. Friday it was because of the lateness, the lack of crowd, and that Dan recently broke his foot. But, man! I've seen the Pietasters play to a crowd that small, and they at least make it look like they're having fun. The guitar player and keyboards are the only two members of the RSG consistently impress me. Alex Fine just stood up there during his solos with that "And I'm not even trying" look on his face, and still blew me away. Next up came Westbound Train v2.0, and for the first time, they impressed me. The harmonies were tight, the horns had it down, and they actually seemed to be enjoying themselves. I think these fellas are going to be allright. they even had a song that I didn't know. I wasn't sure that was possible! Eastern Standard Time just shows you what ska was meant to be - soulful, danceable, and fun. and they sound good. Only the second time I'd ever seen them, I'm thouroughly impressed, and they're now on my list of bands to see whenever they come around. Finally, the Aggrolites took the stage at 10:15. the show was supposed to be over at 10:30. They didn't care. They call themselves "Dirty Reggae," and that might be the closest description I can offer. There's 5 members of the band, playing guitar, guitar, bass, drums, and keys, and they play a reggae rhythm and scream out the lyrics. They had the look of Rockabilly, the attitude of a Punk band, and the soul of Reggae. What most impressed me about the band was the lead singer. He just had that "Dicky Barrett" attitude that says, "I'm bad-ass, you know it, let's get on with it." He also had a wireless, Brian-Setzer-esque guitar, which he wandered through the crowd with. And not to leave the band out, like I said - the beat never stopped, and neither did they. I don't think they ever took a break, just flowed from one song into the next. That takes talent. Now. It may sound like I'm kissing major ass, and agreeing with everyone who proclaimed the Aggrolites as the second coming of Don Drummond, but read closely - they're stage show was probably the best part. Besides that the music was nothing new - just like Rockabilly, it's all been done before, so you just have to get past that, since they're a retro-band, they're not going to do anything amazing or experimental musically. So, if they come around again, will I go see them? Probably. Did I buy they're CD at the end of the show? Obviously. Oh yeah - one more thing about the Aggrolites. They did a reggae cover of "the Funky Chicken." which is just whacked. Funny as hell, but whacked. And the two girls we were with apparently did it so well, they were brought on-stage to demonstrate it. which brings me to my over-all review of the show - I think the thing that makes for an excellent ska show as compared to a good ska show is having friends there to share it with. And this one was an amazing line-up, and I had all my best concert going friends there to share it with, so I left a very happy/tired Rudy. *sentimental music* *close curtain* aaaannd...... scene. |
