Goner Fest in 6 Minutes

Hipshakes Video

That's All She Wrote

Another Goner Fest has come to an end. I think I can safely say that everything went pretty smoothly. I had fun taking pictures all weekend and listening to everyone's conversations as they waited in line for the bathroom outside the office. I was truly enlightened and entertained. I met a bunch of cool people, heard some great music and got ridiculously wasted every night. But I guess that was kind of the point, right?

So, many thanks to Eric and Zak for letting me partake in this little blog experiment and for putting together such a great weekend for all of us. Word on the street is that the next gathering will be in Austin in March at SXSW. See ya there.













P.S. I still have one more post to makie - to upload the Hipshakes video - I haven't looked at the footage or checked the sound, so it may suck - but it should be up by this afternoon...

Jack Yarber's New Solo Project

So, of course after I made huge deal about Viva L'American Death Ray Saturday night, Jack Yarber comes out and finishes off the festivities with an incredible set that certainly gave Viva a run for best performance. How can you not be great with Harlan on bass, Paul on drums, and that other guy on piano (Editor's Note: Adam !). They played old stuff, they played new stuff, they played great stuff! I talked to Jack about the set afterwards and then promptly forgot everything we talked about. Damn you, PBR!

They're all going on tour in Europe for 6 weeks in mid-October - who wants to go?









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Cococoma

Bill & Lisa started Cococoma as a duo. Then they asked Mike to play keyboards. He said "sure", and then there were three. Bill and Lisa are happily married. Mike just got married. Lisa & Mike also play in Headache City (drums & guitar, respectively). Bill & Mike also play in The Latest (drums & bass, respectively). Both bands are great - you should check 'em out. Seriously.









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Overheard @ Gonerfest 3!

"Tuners are for queers!"

"Who knows where we can get some mushrooms?"

"I'll dive in any dutch oven!"

"This shit writes itself."

"I really just want to walk up to Jay and bite him in the ass."

"Maybe you feel weird because you haven't slept in three days."

"Are there any bangable chicks in Memphis?"

"I know where he keeps his drugs in his car, we should just go break into it."

"Will you please just spit on me so I'll feel better?"

It's all over.

It was officially over yesterday afternoon, the moment Eric made the concluding anouncements and turned off the P.A. at Goner. It wasn't really over yet, though. There were after-parties, dinners, runs to the beer cave, all manner of folks still hanging out. My buddy Joe came in around 3:00 this morning. I know, because I was still up, loading music from the shows (and I'm still not done - a lot of stuff to sift through after recording 26 bands in under 72 hours).
But it's over. For real. Which isn't to say that the weekend hasn't been on my mind this morning. I mean, really. I'm at work, and what am I doing? Writing about this weekend, still. I guess it's just that there's so much to say.
Things like previously-mentioned-Joe getting the cops called on him by my crazy geriatric neighbors (he was in his car, in front of my house, waiting for me to come home from work early, Thursday) prior to the G'fest even starting. Things like a thrilling and much needed surprise Jack Pirtle's Country Fried Steak sandwich with pickles and slaw from Windy. Things like making inebriated, silly and generally wrong (on my part) analogies and arguments about French/American history with Lauren in the parking lot of the Hi-Tone at 4:00 in the morning; this, incidentally transpired because I was trapped by Cheveau's rental car...
So much stuff to contemplate and distract me from doing "work". Perfect (for me) moments where I got to get off the board (both sound board and message board) and shake my ass for a second. I think my favorite was with the Brand New Love Affairs at the Buccaneer. It ended up being a pretty important deal. Not for the fact that this was a trans-continental band playing together for the first time, not because it was the debut of what could become a really phenomenal band with a lot of weight and relevance. Nope. It's something more simple, and it's sheer magnitude may only be shared by me and my good friend Talbot. A little bit of history here, Brand New Love Affairs has Scott Rogers, Tyler Keith, Jack Yarber and a german dude named Roman. Now, Scott and Tyler played last year in a band with Talbot called "The Jenny Jeans". Scott also plays in another band called "The Dutch Masters". Talbot used to play bass in the original line-up of the Dutch Masters, and I used to record both bands back in the day. I know almost all there songs. Since then, I now play bass for the Dutch Masters and Talbot leads "The Black and Whites". Y'all caught up yet? The Memphis musician scene is and always has been an incestuous one. So, long story, short, Brand New Love Affairs kicked out an old Song from the Jenny Jeans. Not too many folks knew the words, because the Jenny Jeans never actually released anything prior to eventually calling it quits. But I knew the song. It was one of my favorites. I jumped up from the gear where Kyle and I were recording an sprinted over people to get up front. Who was there? Talbot. Everybody was dancing there asses off, and Talbot and I were shouting the lyrics at the top of our lungs. Good times.

I may have to correct the address later, 'cause I actually am at work, and probably should get back to some semblance of productivity, but I think that song is here: http://www.thesonsabitches.com/music/bs/gf3/BNLA3.mp3

monkeys!

this has nothing to do with Gonerfest III, but I love this photo.

a few Gonerfest pics

The King and I



I was trying to take a pic of Rebecca's shoes, but got totally distracted by her ass.



rock'n'roll boys



check out Jay's pants!



Plumley family @ the Goner store



BOUCK!



Windy, shortly after making her first million...



thanks for a great weekend, Eric & Zac!

Good Morning from the Goner Store...

Everyone who said they were leaving Memphis early seems to be hanging around.... hmmm... not easy to leave this place, huh?

I have a couple pictures to share...


Brand New Love Affairs the new Scott Rogers project.... killed at the Buc yesterday.... here they are from a Wednesday afternoon rehearsal where even though they sounded good, did not even hint at how great they are....

Later on the same day that the Brand New Love Affairs pictures were taken, I spied the Viva L'American Death Ray guys on their way to practice....

I know you have seen far too many of the wacky experimental pix that Nick and I took in NYC.... and Harlan, as photogenic as he is, doesn't like to be photographed.... so here is Death Ray's Jeff Bouck, a good sport at my particular brand of hunting...



Oh and how the Death Ray killed both on their Tuesday night show at the Buc and last night at the Hi Tone....

I do not really take live pix anymore, but I battled the crowd of people taller than me to take pix of Death Ray and of Jack Oblivian... coming soon.

Now... its time to eat and drink and hope that I can sneak a Harlan picture while he is here at the store and hopefully not noticing the camera.....

Stephanie bartends at the Buccaneer

THEY HAVE VERY GOOD CAKE.

My Best Moment So Far

Not half an hour ago I was discussing the merits of Memphis music with JB of Noise Choir when I was approached by a man named Goiche (sp?) and told that he had traveled from Japan for Goner Fest and that he reads my website everyday. Color me flattered! He was hanging out with my favorite drummer in Memphis John Argroves. I would mention John's bands, but I don't think I have enough room. Goiche was incredibly nice and then he told me he really wanted to meet Jack Oblivian, a request that I could not refuse.

Viva L'American Death Ray Music

On my way to the Hitone tonight I saw Harlan walking toward the club on Tucker. I thought about offering him a ride, but I had a pretty good feeling that he would decline. I called Nick Ray last week, because I wanted to write a story about Viva and the new album for the paper. He never returned my call. It's all good, I'm at peace with the fact that everyone in Viva are ridiculously more cool than me. It's not news, and they proved exactly why tonight. They put on the best performance I have seen all weekend. The word "tight" does not do them justice. Transcendental is not an overstatement. Being in a room with greatness is a blessing. By the crowd's reaction, I know I am not alone in this opinion. Jack Stands and I even bonded a little bit over the awesomeness. That's the great thing about music. That's why I do what I do

If you don't listen to any other recording of the weekend that Jack and Luke are outting together - listen to Viva L'American Death Ray Music. And I dare you to tell me I am wrong.

Here's some pictures:









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Royal Pendletons

So, yeah, duh.

You know the drill.

I wish I could write a retarded crazy post about how great the Royal Pendletons were last night, but I'm just not that talented. I guess all these other bloggers are gonna chime in after the weekend is over, so be sure to check back for their reviews and impressions of all the bands. I haven't heard a bad word said about any performance yet. I did just hear Theresa K. give Jay Reatard a lecture outside the office about the benefits of drinking one glass of water between every vodka drink. Sounds kind of counter-productive to me, but hey, her heart is in the right place.

Here are some RP pics...











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About Last Night

Sometime around 1:30 AM last night, even though I had the best of intentions, this whole liveblogging thing kind of got lost by the wayside. Maybe it was the the six beers and two shots, maybe it was the groundshaking grooves the Royal Pendletons laid down for the crowd. Whatever it was it sent me into a tizzy and I had to go dance it off at Murphy's. Then it was on to the Armory for Mr Quinn Powers' birthday party and peformances from The Guacos, Evil Army and some other band whose name I've already forgotten. All I know is that I didn't make home until after 10 AM this morning. Which obviously meant there was no ways I was going to make it to The Buc. My only regret is missing the Final Solutions earlier. Luckily, Windy Mayes was in the house and I am quite sure her pictures will be a million times better than mine.

Here's some candids:

Cozy Corner rocks!!

MY FOOD IS TALKIN TO ME!!!

man, I haven't slept in about 30 hours. I left the hi-tone and had a ten hour conversation with a frisbee...... he wouldn't divulge any secrets about how to fly. I finally ended up throwing him into the mississippi, then I cried for two hours about it. anyway, the show was great last night. I learned goners love to do the chicken dance, more than anything else in the world.

see you at the buccaneer!!!!

Angry Angles

Yeah...I ain't saying shit, cause anybody in this band could easily kick my ass..

From Agony Shorthand:
Perhaps the best 45 of 2005 that we didnt write anything about was the ANGRY ANGLES Things Are Moving EP particularly the title track. This Tennessee boy/girl twosome and their pals are roughly approximate to a punked-up, spazzed-out SCREAMERS, MISSION OF BURMA or URINALS, even taking the Urinals hollow, blank-eye guitar sound to new vistas. This brand new single is their best to date. Apparent-Transparent is a frantic art punker with dueling male/female vocals, much like that NERVOUS PATTERNS 45 we loved so much a year ago, and who not coincidentally share a bedrock member with the Angry Angles. You Fell In is a subdued version of the same, and their cover of The 15th from WIREs 154 is a beautiful thing to behold, immediately going on my best covers list and certainly the best Wire cover since the TYRADES nailed Former Airline. With this sort of progress from release to release I can imagine any forthcoming LP is going to be among the hottest releases this year. So whens it going to be, gang??


And now, for the photos:













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The Hipshakes

no pictures.

I GOT VIDEO!


I'll post it tomorrow...

check it out.

And Now a Message From Our Sponsor

Hey Guys! Drugs are fun! We love 'em! But please be polite and use the parking lot, as some of us have to pee! And doing them on front of everyone is just rude if you don't intend to share!!!

Now look at these:

I GOT MY MOJO WORKIN!!!!

HEY Y'ALLLLL!!!!!!!!!

THINGS BEEN FUNNY SINCE LAST i BLOGGED!!!!!!!!! FIRST OFF, i DECIDED TO TAKE HIGHWAY 61 TO MEMPHIS. THAT'S THE bluuuuueees HIGHWAY, YO KNOW, ROBERT JOHNSON AND SHIT. THE CROSSRODES. ANYWAY, i TOOKS IT THE WRONG WAY, i THINK. MAYBE. IT TOOK THE USUAL 7 HOURS TO GET TO MEMPHIS. BUT i WAS ON FOOT, SO i DON'T KNOW FOR SURE.

P.S. THE FUNNY JUICE THAT MY FRIEND BOYD GAVE TO ME MADE ME FEEL FUNNY, LIKE A FUNNY BUNNY. OR A SILY BUNNEY.

ANYWAY, I GOT TO MY HOTEL, THE FRENCH QUARTER INN ON POPLAR. IT WAS REALLY AUTHENTIC. JUST LIKE THE FRRENCH QUARTER IN EVERY WAY. THE MAID WAS A HUSTLER AND STOLE MY WALLET. PICTURES OF THA TSSOOON.

DID YOU EVER FEEL LIKE YOU'RE A TINY (((ant))) LIVING AROUND REALLY HUGE BLADES OF GRASS AND SHIT!!!! i FEEL CRAYZ RIGHT NOW.

BUT FOR REALS Y'ALL, without further adeiu:::: THE PICTURES!

GONER FEST 3 FRIDAY NIGHT WAS AWESOME!!!


THE OPENING CEREMONIES



LEATHER UPPERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!





EVERYONE SINGS ALONG!!!!!!!



EVEN WINDY MAYES SINGS ALONG!!!!




MATT AND MIKE PENDLETON BRANDISH THE PENDLETONS FLAG





GETTIN MORE WASTED!!!!!




ROCKIN OUT TO THE ANGRY ANGLES




CHICKEN HEAD!!!!! DTRAIN IS CRAZY!!!!




JAY AND ALIX OF THE ANGRY ANGELS GET DOWN!!!! JAY PENDELTON TEARS IT UP IN THE FOREGROUND!




CHECK OUT BILLIAMS, DRUMMER FROM THE LIVE FAST DIES!!!!!



LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, JACK STANDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



TYPICAL MEMPHIS HOEZZZZZZZZZZZZZ



ANY WAY Y'ALL, I GOTTA SCRIMMY SCRAM ON THE BEE BOP NOW. LOTSA SHIT TO DO IN THE RIVVER CITY!!!! GONNA GO EAT SOME REAL DOWN SOUTH BBQ TOMORROW AFTERNOON. I'LL BLOG THE FUCK OUT OF THAT SHIT.

Leather Uppers

Envy Me. I just watched the lead singer of Leather Uppers change his pants outside the office door - then he hit the stage blew me away. Maybe I'll return the favor later. Have I drank too much already? Maybe. You know what they say, when half the people in the room hate you, just put a beer on their tab and have an awesome time!

Ok, here'e the gist:

Make no mistake; the Leather Uppers are a rock and roll group. The line-up may consist of two dudes in matching outfits playing just guitar and drums, but dont expect any laid back shuffle-blues here. This is an eruption of high-energy, go-for-the-throat, stadium-worthy, freak-out-and-die fun with more in common with Kiss and the Ramones than any duo you can think of. Add to the mix the fact that Groovy Greg and Classy Craig seamlessly switch instruments during every performance, and youve got a party that just will not stop. Originally formed in 1991, then disbanded in 1994, these crazed Canadians influenced several rock stars such as Eric Oblivian, Danko Jones, as well as members of the Sadies, and the Deadly Snakes. When the Leather Uppers re-formed in 2003 to play a few gigs to support the re-issue of their classic OK, Dont Say Hi album, the reaction was overwhelming. Over the next few years they would start to write new songs, tour and connect with fans old and new who encouraged them to record the new Bright Lights album (Goner, 2006). Being such a big Uppers booster over the years, it was only natural that Eric Oblivian would release the new record on his own Memphis-based label, Goner Records, who were responsible for such landmark releases as Guitar Wolfs first album, Wolf Rock and The King Khan and BBQ Show LP. With bamboozlingly good performances at 2006s South By South West music conference, Goner Fest 2 in Memphis and on New Jerseys highly-influential WFMU radio under their belt, its obvious that the band is not only back in fighting shape, but perhaps even better than they were during their original run. Since its release, Bright Lights with its blend of 60s and 70s punk, rock and garage has earned critical raves, topped the Canadian Campus Charts for months and led to extensive touring in the USA and Canada. As infectious as the rock and roll pneumonia, the Leather Uppers are set to spread their boogie woogie flu all over the planet, and as far as medical science has advanced in modern times, there is still no known cure.









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White & Blacks

So, if you think I have time to formulate an opinion about every band that plays tonight, and drink beer and smoke, well, I'm just not that good...so I am going to do what every great music bloogger does and just copy and paste a bunch of shit:

The Black and Whites is a recording project of Talbot Adams. Over the last 5 years, Talbot has played in some bands that he has been very proud to be a part of. The Royal Pendletons and The Darkest Hours from New Orleans, LA. The Preacher's Kids from Oxford, MS. The Dutch Masters and The Jenny Jeans out of Memphis, TN. For whatever reason, none of these bands ever released a full length record in his time. So Talbot assembled some friends and former bandmates to make a record. It was recorded by Jeffrey Reed at Tweed and Taproot Studios in Oxford, MS. Here are 4 out of 10 songs completed. All songs written by Talbot Adams (c) 2006.

Now here are some pretty pictures:









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The State of The Fest

So, first the bad news...

It seems Miss Alex White will not performing. Some car problems meant that she and The Red Orchestra did not make it out of the city limits of Chicago... We feel her pain and she will be sorely missed this evening.

But in better news, the Hitone is packed before 10 o'clock which is weird but great for the early bands. Although, I have a feeling by 11 it is going to be really hard to move within these walls, and even harder to get a beer. Good thing Scott Rogers is in love with me. I'm sure to be first served!

Here's some more of our favorite people at the Fest! You should post in the comments who they are, cause I'm already feeling super lazy. Maybe it's the xanax I took. Looks likes somebody may be getting lucky tonight!







In other news, I offered to help somebody get a hook-up last night, out of the kindness of my heart, and the dude asked somebody if I was a narc! High-larious.

And Here We Go Again

Last night's show was pretty tame by Goner standards, as was to be expected. The Hitone was not at full capacity, but it was pretty packed. The real party started for me when I ended up at after party at The Buccaneer (I was trying not to get to drunk while covering the show!) By 2:30, the afterparty was jam packed wall-to-wall with out of towners and it was fun to watch all of the renunions. I got to plunge the ladies toilet and made friends with Miss Linda. At 3:30 the bar was still packed and afterparty after parties were being discussed. I dragged my ass home around 5 AM and just made it out of bed around 6PM. The doors of the Hitone are about to open right now and I still haven't even taken a shower. I guess I better get it in gear - stay tuned! Not only are there a shitload of awesome bands playing tonight - there are two more highly anticipated after parties.

See ya there.

I suck at titles. I don't suck at taking pictures

What I have so far...

Music up!!!

More pictures and .mp3s of the bands up here:
http://www.goner-records.com/board/index.php?action=vthread&forum=3&topic=20153

Hold on, I'm comin'

Harlan and Viva L'American Death Ray were great at the Circle Bar last night. Great turnout too, although several people were missing because they'd already gone up to Memphis. I'd have been up there with them, but I had to stay behind another day for work, and Saint Sarah had to go to school.

So I missed night one, but that's okay because half the acts were from New Orleans anyway and I see them all the time. Tonight and tomorrow are what it's all about for me. Can't wait to see Talbot's new band, the Leather Uppers, Hipshakes, True Sons, Cheveau, and all the rest.

I know it's gonna be a great weekend already. Last night, my friend Boyd gave me a vial with some kind of clear liquid in it. He wouldn't tell me what it was, but he just winked at me and said "have a nice trip." I don't even think I told him I was going to Memphis! He just sensed it, I guess. So that's why I already know it's going to be a great trip. I guess the logical thing to do at this juncture would be to consume the entire contents of the vial, whatever it is. I'm hitting the road in an hour, can't wait 'till I get there. See everyone then!

And That's All She Wrote

Backstage

The Carbonas

Carbonas tore it up. Need I say more?









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Who the Hell am I? Donahue?

Justice and King Louie


The Happy Couple


Trouble

More Scenes From Thursday

Meeting of the minds


Craig Brewer



Hotdog eating a hotdog



Memphis' most famous trick



Old Pals



this line-up is unfuckingbelievable!


Old Skool

River City Tanlines

Miss Alicja Trout was named by The Memphis Flyer as the Best Rocker in memphis this week in thei annual Best of Memphis issue. I think they were spot on!











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Die Rotzz!

New Orleans based Die Rotzz just murdered the crowd!








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The First Fight of the Evening

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More Memphis Knowns

And So It Begins...

Before Picture


Jack Stands and Luke Warm


Elle and Jeanine


Dtrain


Best Bartenders in Memphis - Bret and Dan



April from Rat Traps


Mr Jack Yarber


Kicking off the show: Boston Chinks

Friday Night After Party

hmmmmmmmmm, yum.

The Other Rachel

I like to call her drunkard, er, Drinkard...

She writes a Memphis Blog called Pulpfaction.

She put together a Goner Fest Playlist for you folks...

Check it out here.

There's No Homework in Punk Rock!

It looks like some people are on the fence about whether to come out to Goner Fest this weekend. If you do make it out, don't forget there are a few cool add-on parties:

From Buck Wilders:

Just a reminder that the Hook-Up and I will still be at the Buccaneer tonight spinnin' those records we like so much. FREE ENTRY...$6.00 BEER BUST!
We'll be rockin' til' 3:00am so stop by after Gonerfest or Betty Lavette! Wish I could go to both places before the Bucc. but you can't always get what you want. If I don't see you tonight, I'll see you Friday & Saturday.

From Witnesse:

Tomorrow Night we will be doing a 'GonerFest' After Party
@ Murphy's on the late tip! The best in Punk-Funk and Weird Party Jams-More info TBA!

Did you know The Real Kim Fowley will be in town for Goner Fest 3? So will Theresa Kereakes!

So, screw your homework and come on down!

Tokyo Electron - Innocent

From Gonerfest 2!



Check out these pics from the Goner Showcase @ SXSW from March 2006: King Louie, Harlan T. Bobo, Dutchmasters, Final Solutions!

Speaking of King Louie

Impala "King Louie Stomp" live in New Orleans c. 1994

King Louie One Man Band on Live @ 9!

"Memphis is lucky to have him..."

Goner Fest II: Electric Boogaloo Trailer

It's that time of year again...Goner Fest! Where all the craziest, crustiest, most insane Goner fans gather in Memphis to see the best garage/punk bands in the world! It is always quite an experience. I will be liveblogging it all weekend and will be frequently posting updates, pictures and some video.

Check out the trailer for the Goner Fest II: Electric Booglaoo DVD from last year - produced by the good people over at Live From Memphis.



Due to a slight accounting error, I am actually quite broke, so feel free to buy me a beer if you see me.

I'm freaking out...

I'm here at work. I have exactly 25 minutes before I leave. My leg could have powered a small piston engine from all the shaking it's done while sitting at my desk.
In about 2 hours, we'll be at Goner, setting up the rig in the back. The store will start filling up, and King Louie will play songs and tell tales of adventure.
Last night at the Buccaneer, I met up with Memphis Mike and Pee Wee (from ICU and Passout Record in NYC), Mark from the Chinese Millionaires, Chris Teenager, and another guy from Atlanta, who I'm embarrased to say I've already forgot his name.
The night before last, Viva L'American Death Ray played, and most of the Memphis Goner constituancy was present, packing the little house that is the Buc.
Wiring is laid down at the Hi-Tone and ready for us. We'll be posting music nightly for those of you that couldn't make it.

I'm freaking out.

GONERFEST 2 DVD+ CD
we got 'em! 60+ minutes of insane video
70+minutes of insane audio
with every band in order of appearance!
available in the store RIGHT NOW
DVD+ CD just 15.99

GonerFest on VictimOfTime.com !!!

Final Solutions at Gonerfest I: photo Canderson
Read all about GONERFEST 3 on the excellent Victim Of Time.com
(includes a snapshot of the goner site from 2000... yikes!)

See also the full-page ad in the memphis flyer for a handy schedule of the entire festival's events
or come by the shop for a schedule!

What the hell?

It's late. God dammed late. I'm going to bed. But I want to let y'all know, Viva L'American DeathRay kicked my ass tonight. Why don't bands do it like that anymore?
They're playing Saturday. And I can't wait.

Posts of music coming up each night of the 'fest (albeit late, very late). Hope to see y'all there, hope to meet some new folks.

The Hipshakes Are Coming!

HIPSHAKES!

Goner Window!!!

Posters everywhere...

Gonerfest posters everywhere.... up all over town now...