I don't get out much but I've been lucky to see a few great shows over the years. Still, when push comes to shove, I do have a 'best'
some little band you've probably never heard of called "Half Japanese" was supposed to put out an album when their label went out of business. I found a test pressing in a used record store and I really enjoyed it.
I guess, they booked their own tour and they ended up at a local dive opening for The Mekons. Well, maybe you've never heard of the Mekons either but that little club filled up because they are sort of famous for putting on really good live shows. For over thirty minutes after the show was supposed to start some Dickhead sound man was busting the Mekon's chops. That guy is lucky those Mekons fans didn't tar and feather his ass. what a creep!
anyway, Half Japanese hit the stage, told the soundman he was the boss and the magic began. they filled that place with a bouncy day-glo NOISE. me and the other 3 people who were there to see Half Jap were just estatic! they sounded like the record only more so. Three songs in and all those cool Mekons fans just gave up their resistence. that club was HOPPING like somthing from a Sid and Marty Kroft Kid's show. I'd heard about 'the pogo' but I'd never seen it before. physics at work! people wanted to dance and up and down was the only space available! People were laughing and screaming with delight!
Everything they did, the crowd lapped it up. call and response. dance when I say dance. It was like being in a rock video - the weirdest and loudest rock video you ever saw.
what a night!
afterwards, The Mekons came RIGHT ON, the fans were stoked and things were running late. As good as they were, I left when the sound man started in again. I guess he thought we payed 5 bucks to see
him. 5 Bucks! best 5 bucks I ever spent!