HOW FAR BACK ? WAY BACK.
Looking back at various bands , and nostalgia, mostly live events.
Blues Control. Circa 2006 @ Big Jar Books in Philadelphia. B.C. shared this intimate cozy performance with Kurt Vile. I’ve been hooked on both ever since. I remember both bands sounding pretty damn good for a small bookshop. Blues Control were just young lads and lasses because their releases of Local Flavor , Valley Tangents or my personal favorite FREAKWAYS (featuring collaboration with Laraaji (more on that in another post) ) were not released yet. B. C. destroyed. My favorite two piece band. Russ Waterhouse found ways to fill out their sound with guitar, a recorder like instrument , tape loops right before all you thugs convinced yourselves cassettes were cool again , and a few effect pedals. Could that be how they seemed to have sounds that are way up in the clouds, underwater, and all points in between?
Lea Cho on keys has a great contrast of staccato and legato strokes and although it was an unlikely combo on paper, the playing compliments the songs perfectly. Both parties use several instruments to get the most from being a 2 piece. Bravo.
Kurt Vile played as 3 or 4 piece and were able to fit into the snug stage area that was literally between bookshelves sorted by subject. Highlight was their signature song Freak Train. Still is captivates me in the 2020. Hats off to using horns and using them well. I may feature KV’s performance later as this show was a pivotal point in my musical journey. This was my first time seeing both. It was one of those experiences where you don’t know the artist and when its over you are energetically charged and a little unsure what happened but you know you want to see them both again.
Check out these fine labels and artists here. http://kurtvile.com http://dragcity.com https://laraajimusic.bandcamp.com/ https://staubitzandwaterhouse.bandcamp.com/
Photo - The show that made me a fan of both Blues Control and Kurt Vile. Photo cred: John Meat
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Man of Meat - Tesco Vee and Meatmen (circa 2014)
Today we look back to exactly six (?) years ago in Tempe AZ. Tesco Vee and the Meatmen rolled through with a new slab of vinyl called "Savage Sagas ". I felt compelled and obligated to go see them play at the local Yucca Tap Room. I told myself , " If you stay home , you have no reason to complain about bands skipping your area" Which is another tale for another time.
It was a hot June day and although I don't pal around with Tesco, he is a familiar face due to me following Thrasher Magazine which would cover his dastardly deeds with the O.G. Meatmen. Also seeing Tesco Vee's Hate Police at the legendary City Gardens in my post pubescent pre mid life crisis days sure brings a grin.
Tesco Vee caught my attention in the late 80's for putting the comedy into punk rock. Featuring lyrics that should offend almost everyone , cartoon illustrations as seen on Meatmen vinyl , CD's and media , and stage props to make any jokester drool I was on them like a moth to a bug light.
Tesco and the boys played all the favorites such as "Meatmen Stomp" , " Tooling for Anus" and "War of the Superbikes". The Savage Sagas material paired well with the songs of Meat past.
Some highlights from this fine night. A stolen "State Farm Insurance " sign die cut and re- purposed aka re - tooled to be a huge penis. Was it called "Veiny Bulger" or something else? I'll have to look at my raw photos because they came through in 2011 with a different dick prop. The ABBA jumpsuit must be appreciated. Picture a 6' + man in a red and white jumpsuit that is a lustrous soft material. It is no amateur work of tailoring. I am envious. Also in classic Tesco fashion foam titty trucker hats , various fun sunglasses , and adult marital aids are the minimum I come to expect and appreciate. Let's face it - some bands can party and play and some just play and stand there. The Meatmen have always delivered showmanship and your rock n roll / punk rock / classic hardcore cocktail that put them in their own niche of punk. Watch for more photos from this show as I dig them up . You can check out their world wide tangled web here.
http://www.the-meatmen.com/
John Meat's (in style of Jerry Springer) Thought about this day : Guys , If you want to learn about punk , listen to what Uncle Tesco says on various platforms. He's been around as long as your limited edition test presses that fetch a few grand (and maybe helped glue the sleeves and assemble them) you may learn something or catch some seriously entertaining stories, see some great vintage show footage , and if your panties aren't bunched up to your taint - have a serious gut moving laugh. Take care of yourselves.
For extra fun:
Tesco posts some heavy collectibles here
Instagram @tescovee - follow to keep up on memorabilia + more.
Pick up this book from your local bookshop featuring foreword by Tesco Vee
Why Be Something That You're Not: Detroit Hardcore 1979-1985