| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| AGirlNamedPsycho |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 03:44:54 AM
Let me preface this by saying that I don't usually write show reviews, so I'm first-timing this and going off the cuff completely. The show ended just under an hour ago; my fiancee and I took the stage approximately 5 hours prior.
Additionally, I hear there is some confusion about who this screenname belongs to. Let me clear all doubt right now, my name is Luke David Sticka and I am most assuredly a male! From what I understand, Fluffy et al. were confused by my choice of handle and could never certainly ascertain whether or not I was XY or XX. My bandmate and future wife has posted like once under this handle to add to the confusion, but 99.99993% of the time, you're reading male keystrokes.
Anyway.
--
While I stood over a small rack of Frank Zappa vinyls, my fiancee/bandmate Heather Rupp called to me from across the record store.
"Omigod it's 6:45, where ARE they??"
I hid my fear behind cigarettes for most of the evening, but even I had concerns that something strange had occured between Lawrence and Lincoln, and that our would-be headliners had been subject to a flat tire, or potential alien abduction; had Tim Reynolds returned to his putative home universe? Did the mothership signal a return which he could not ignore?
One must remember, we'd never really opened for a national act before. While another band of mine had warmed up the stage for such acts as The Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Karl Denson, my first and longest running venture - Tsumi - mostly spent its time and experience on local acts slightly larger than ourselves. We were effectively under Nebraska's radar.
It didn't help matters much that the sign out front of Knickerbocker's shared our concern. Upon first viewing it'd said "DOORS @ 7:00pm"; as the night progressed it became "DOORS @ 7:00pm 7:30pm". Heather and I are worry warriors; to see in paper what the small gremlins in the back of our minds were devilishly whispering did not ease nerves.
Still, I maintained composure. These guys are professionals, I reminded myself. You've got some nerve worrying over seasoned vets when you could be enjoying the obscure 45's here at Recycled Sounds.
And of course, they eventually did show. Marcus Eaton's entourage parked, unloaded, began to set up; within 10 minutes Tim was onsite and ready to soundcheck. In the meantime, our own haste had proven us faulty; where was our box of CDs?? Why, next to the PS2, exactly where you want them when you're opening for Tim Reynolds! A quick jaunt back to the house allowed Heather retrieval; she didn't even lose her prime parking spot in the time it took to leave and return.
So Tim does his soundcheck thing, and I sit coolly in the balcony of Knickerbocker's practicing my chromatic and diminished scales. I can't seem to get the goddamned hang of chromatic scales, and it should be easy, you just play all the notes in order right? Still, years of bad habits and no teacher to slap my wirsts with rulers meant that warming up 45 minutes before showtime was absolutely a requisite. It also meant that I could distract myself from the immediate truth that my primary inspiration and absentee guitar teacher was warming up with Stream, and as long as I didn't get swept up in awe my hands wouldn't shake, and if my hands don't shake then I remember to only play the GOOD notes.
Heather's not doing as well, as I discover when she comes up to join me. "He'ssounddheckingfuckingStreamomigodIcan'tbeLIEVEtodayissoawesome"
Inside I'm jumping off walls and shouting from mountain tops, but my anxiety issues and the moment at hand demand that I answer with a Morpheus "..yes." Heather knows I'm excited, and I know I'm excited, and she knows I know, so that's sufficient for her. We settle our setlist and decide to open our set with a delicate love song entitled "Back the Fuck Up".
--
Now, I don't go to a lot of shows. Really. I know, I'm supposed to be plugged into my local scene and support everyone with two guitars and two drumsticks but... I'm a busy motherfucker. I'm a dad. I'm a full timer at my job. I have band practice and sleep apnea. I don't see local shows, I *play* at local shows.
So when I walk into Knickerbocker's mini auditorium and see cascades of fans sitting on the floor in a broken oblong waiting for the music to start, my cool facade shatters a little. I've never seen THIS at Knickerbocker's, I comment within. Usually everyone's at the back of the room talking about how cool it would be to NOT be here. This is when the magnitude of my gig really sinks in. The crowd we've been hoping to access for the last 2.5 years is spread out in front of us, waiting patiently for the music to start. They're waiting for TR, sure, but - they're waiting for the MUSIC to start. Waiting for US, instead of LISTENING to us while they WAIT for the headliner.
Now don't get me wrong, we've got a following here, but our fans have generally acted the same way; those that have our number call to ask when we take the stage, not when the show starts. I can feel the audience's anticipation and it unnerves me. Excites me. I don't want to wait for 8:15, I want to play now!
15 long minutes later, our set finally starts. All things being equal, I'd have to say our set was pretty good; the audience seemed to like my lead work, they definitely enjoyed Heather's voice and all in attendance appreciated our fucked up covers (yes acoustic TOOL pwns ur face). My mother liked it, anyway.
So we play our set and we're greeted by a community of greatful listeners. We're used to the usual "good set" murmurs from ZOO Bar regulars, but these guys want to talk to us.
"How long you been on the road with these guys??" Um, about an hour? "Where you guys from, anyway?" Your backyard, actually.
"You been playing long?" Yeah, 10 years give or take.
I've answered these questions before, but never within the context of a contiguous conversation, and CERTAINLY not 4 times in the span of an hour. Where have these guys been all my life, anyway?
This is the door that we've been waiting to walk through. We couldn't seem to do it on our own. Tim Reynolds made it possible, and suddenly I am more humbled, more greatful to be involved.
Word to the wise here; If you haven't given Marcus Eaton a listen, you're going to Hell. To put it simply, the man is a jukebox. The cornicopia of sounds he generates with his guitar and the genre-hopping he commands is worth attention. Guys like me, I can get away with incorporating a snipet of blues and half a jazz lick and call it applesauce; it's clear that Marcus has at one point or another immersed himself in the various genres he represents. I can hear that he went through a Latin jazz phase, and when he plays soul music I'm convinced that he must have limited himself to Otis Redding or Marvin Gaye recordings for months. This is a patience of study that pays off.
Let it also be known that Eaton has a penchant for playing in 7. In addition to the song I heard when I visited his site the other day, he played 2 numbers that night which spent the majority of their time in 7/8, and it was a very organic 7 at that; I didn't notice the second one until a fellow musician pointed it out. That kind of feel is a gift. Hats off to Marcus Eaton.
And then Tim comes out of my peripheral vision and takes the stage. He does it quickly and without warning, like a squirrel dashes for a nut he must grab before anyone else gets down on it. Little ado, little speech (or at least, little intelligible speech) and goes to work on a number I'm not familiar with.
Honestly, as much of a TR fan that I am, I'm underexposed. I lost my copy of Astral Projection and the first disk of Sanctuary, and I have Nomadic Wavelength and the ID discs... and that's about it. It's not like I'm uninterested in the rest of the material, but like I said, I'm busy. What I failed to mention is I'm also stupid broke. Add to that the fact that it's not easy to find a local distributor that carries TR's work and you get a kid who knows what he likes, but doesn't know what to call it. I know he played Stream at one point, I'm pretty sure he also played Kundalini Bonfire, and it's not called Valley of Flowers anymore but he definitely played that one. Jemez Rolling Waves ended up in the early part of the set as well.
See, for me it wasn't about the songs. It was about remembering where I'd come from and seeing it acted out in front of me. I used to live and breathe on this stuff, and once I joined another couple of bands that were more plugged into blues and soul music, all of a sudden my voice didn't go. I was speaking a second language of music on a regular basis, and it wasn't one I ever spoke at home so you could imagine how hit and miss I must have felt about my performances. The bandmates' criticism went over hard, and I eventually started coming around a bit but the general feeling was that I was out of my element and not really that great a player.
So tonite... seeing what I'd seen, and seeing the crowd reaction to my stuff, to Marcus' stuff, and holy crap to TIM's stuff... my faith in my musical compass was bolstered. The notes I was hearing instead of the notes I was being asked to play did in fact have a value, and here was the audience to express that value.
Told you this'd be a weird review. It's more like a diary entry, really.
After the show, Heather and I hang out for just long enough to see the crowd dissipate almost completely, and that's when Tim comes out of the green room I didn't know Knickerbocker's fucking had, and Heather beckons to me to break conversation with some new fans and join her in a photo. I introduce myself to Tim, and he says the damnedest thing.
"Hey, you're AGirlNamedPsycho right?"
...
The fuck! Tim reads his message boards! Moreover, whenever I post, which is like twice every 8 months or so, some manner of debate ensues as to whether or not I'm actually a girl. (this has all been addressed in the first paragraph of my post, but this is the point in the evening where it was actually brought to my attention.}
So, feeling a little goofy and red I say, "...um yeah that's me."
Picture is taken. Thanks are exchanged. I take the opportunity to tell TR that he's been a big inspiration, and he claps his hands and bows in humble appreciation. I should probably return the gesture, but the beer in me is obviating my sense of manners so I probably babble about something vaguely relevant.
So we head in and exchange CDs with Marcus and Tim. I manage to get another copy of Astral Projection, which I've been missing for the better part of 2 years now. Eaton says when he passes thru again he'll be in touch, and I look forward to that, which I think I ended up telling him about four times.
My fiancee and I hop in our old blue truck and we make the trip back to our house. We're exhausted, we're thrilled. So much has happened. We've gotten exposure we'd have seemingly never had before. We've shook hands with professionals and muses. We've had our revels for the night, and as our minds sync with our tired bodies, one of us realizes that Fluffy asked for a show review. He says he's tired of writing them, he's a little burnt and the actual setlist hasn't changed much so he thinks it'd be better if someone else gives it a try. It's only once I sit at the computer that it hits me, I've really never done this before. But I've never really opened for Tim Reynolds before, so I figure if I can handle that honor I can handle a show review. It's not from the perspective of an audience member, no, but it does relay how the show felt and what it meant for me, which is ultimately what it should come down to. The experience will last beyond the song titles I don't know.
Major thanks to Tim et al. for giving us such a wonderful opportunity. Thanks also the Knickerbocker's for being a venue to this night. Those who showed up, we appreciate your support and hope to find you again. Let the evening become the night..
http://www.myspace.com/tsumimusic |
| 8 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| TylerMoore |
Posted - 10/02/2006 : 10:30:25 PM
I attended this show as well, it was amazing. It was my first Tim show, and even after listening to a lot of Tim's music, i was still surprised by how amazing he played.
I'm really bummed nobody recorded this concert, if i would've known that it was that acceptable before hand i would've done it myself.
I think thats a reason in itself to come back to lincoln guys!
|
| AGirlNamedPsycho |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 10:19:25 PM
--Luke says--
Heh, no, BTFU is an original actually. The name's not really appropriate, but it conveys the basic message of the song. I think the song's too pretty be called Back the Fuck Up but then again, I came up with the name, so whatever :P
Thanks for the praise. Maybe I'll start freelancing in my spare time xD |
| AGirlNamedPsycho |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 09:43:18 AM
Let me start by saying this is Heather. When I posted before I had no idea it would automatically post under Luke's name. Now I know....
Thanks for the wonderful evening guys and, Fluffy, sorry about drunkenly playing telephone with our conversation when I relayed it to Luke. Didn't mean to. But I did.
Next time you're in town (or around) I will cook you a real Nebraskan meal (read- not from a commercial kitchen) so you have a bit of time to relax. Life on the road can be rough no matter how seasoned you are. We host about 8 touring groups a year and we always want our home to be someplace where any musician can kick back, get full, and enjoy a semi-normal evening. Home away from home.
Thanks again guys and we look forward to seeing you soon!
|
| Fluffy |
Posted - 09/26/2006 : 08:16:09 AM
WOW, WOW and DOUBLE WOW(guess thats actually a triple WOW LOL)
What an AWESOME review. So nice to have a fresh perspective on the show for all. Everyone must get tired of me trying to find new words to describe the show. LOL "Sublime", I can't believe I used sublime in a review, that's so NOT me. LOL Anyway, I will start by clearing up a few details as well. First, I always knew that AGirlNamedPsycho was Luke. I was only confused after Heather's post but after a quick visit to the myspace page it all be came clear. Strangely, we had discussed in the van on the drive to Lincoln, or should I say, TR asked "Isn't there someone from the message board from Lincoln NE?" I answered "Yes" but never put 2 and 2 together to realize that that person was Luke and that he would be opening for us. TR had remembered someone asking for a Lincoln show a while back and hoped that whoever that was would be in attendance. We were all happy to get it all sorted out at the end as I finally realized that Luke and Heather were AGirlCalledPsycho and that they had gotten to share the stage with TR. It was a pleasure having them. I only wish we hand been there for your performance. Which brings me to my next correction. Green Room, may be a bad word to use to describe the office where TR spent his TIMe. It is actually the office of the club and very small and very hot. This led to us having to jet out after soundcheck to the hotel as TR thought 3 hours in that room would drive him mad. LOL So unfortunately I missed their set. I hope we can catch it next TIMe. Was the "Back the Fuck Up" song you refer to a cover of the Fear Factory track?
Next, let me apologize to all for the lateness of our arrival and the stress and doubt it may have caused. It was all my fault. A stupid mistake on my part, and the first TIMe it has happened during my tenure with TR. So unfortunately, in my haste to check into the hotel in Lawrence KS and get a late check out for the morning, I glanced at my one sheet for Lincoln and unfortunately looked at the DOOR TIMe instead of the LOAD IN TIMe. OOOOOPPPSSSS!! Big difference between 7 PM and 5 PM. I remember thinking that's odd for a show on a Sunday nite to start so late. DUHHHHHHHHH. Never doublechecked. My fault. Got the late check out for 2 PM thinking plenty of TIMe to drive the 4 hours to Lincoln by 7 PM. DOAH!! Around 6:30 I got a call from the promoter wondering where we were at which point I pulled out my one sheet and doublechecked and almost choked as I realized we were already 1 1/2 hours late for load-in. I had images of angry staff and soundman, furious promoter, fans wanting to lynch me etc etc etc. I am happy to say this was not the case when I arrived. Everyone was quite pleasant and noone seemed to angry although I felt like a piece of shit. I did not share my revelation with the rest of the passengers of the van as I felt like a complete idiot. We arrived, I rushed them in the door and we began what my crew does best. Getting the job done, even when I have dropped the ball on my end. Thankfully the soundman was a consumate professional and we had a quick and painless soundcheck. We were rolling right along, me watching my watch as every second passed by hoping we could keep the show on schedule. So you know we did. Tsumi 8:30 Marcus 9:30 TR 10:30. You can bet I will never make that mistake again. I am sure a number of you have heard me talk about "why do I bother to advance" when the folks at the venue have not idea about anything after I have advanced a show. Well tonite, they could have been saying that about me and I felt horrible about it. I don't think I have said sorry so many TIMes in one nite. LOL
As for the evening, I think a great TIMe was had by all once the show began. As for Marcus and TR, they both had a wonderful TIMe and both talked about how wonderful the audience was at the gig and how they both wanted to come back. They really liked Lincoln NE as town as well. They said it reminded them more of the West than what we think of as the midwest. They really dug it and had nothing but great comments about the audience. Certainly not our usual barroom crowd. Quite respectful and definitely into it. TR's setlist for the evening was as follows:
Intermediate Overload
Captain Goldrush Ohio
Jemez
Betrayal
Che
Indoctrinate
Xperimental Researches
-------------------------
Flourescence
Ancestors
Streemn
Devil's Head
Vantage
Revolution All Around
---------------------------
Pulsating Sugar Balls
Dissident or maybe Whole
All You Need
Kundalini
More Pulsating, Bigger Inhuman Sugar Balls - Testing For Fritters
----------------------------
Hands Full
Doom
Ocean
Hold On
Not sure how accurate it is and unfortunately it was not recorded to my knowledge. I was told there was a video camera in balcony at one point but I never saw one. Maybe something will turn up. As for the encore, it was Rheginos with TR and Marcus together. Seemed to go over quite well.
Would love to THANX Sean and Shawn for being so wonderful and obviously PATIENT and taking such good care of us. Amanda for helping with merch. And especially Heather and Luke for opening the show and hanging out with us for a bit after the show. Hope we can do it again someTIMe. A SUPER SPECIAL THANX to Luke for the AWESOME review. Don't sell yourself short, you did a great job with it. You had a unique perspective and that is always wonderful to hear. As well as your unique perspective you also managed to convey a review by a fan attending the show at the same TIMe. 2 in 1, not bad, not bad.
Did I mention that we really LOVED Lincoln NE? Weird huh? But we truly did! THANX LINCOLN!!! |
| Robin |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 12:54:54 PM
Hey! excellent review, nice to have an alternate perspective.
It sounds like it was a wonderful night for you and Heather, may you have many more thanks for taking the TIMe to write it all up. Peace, Robin |
| Arthen |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 12:54:32 PM
Cool, cool story. Glad to hear the night went well. From the way you described the events, it made me think that's how I'd feel if I ever had the pleasure of opening for TR. Keep rocking Pysch! |
| Biff the Pig |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 09:16:09 AM
as a person who tends to write long things myself, i think you'll appreciate the fact that i read all of your review. i really enjoyed it, and i'm glad you had such a great TIMe! |
| PJK |
Posted - 09/25/2006 : 06:38:16 AM
Luke, you did an excellent job at a review! Really enjoyed reading it! Great way to start my day. So glad you had a great TIMe and that your set went well.
Thanks too for using paragraphs, LOL, our dear Fluffy is getting better at them, but as everyone on here knows, Fluffy and paragraphs don't always go together.haha
Glad you cleared up the guy/girl thing. Yeah, I was confused too! I blame the confusion on Heather j/k, but I thought you were a guy and then she put her name on one of the posts and I thought WTF????? Hey, added interest to the name.
Set lists can always be provided by Fluffy later, and I am sure he doesn't mind posting that. I can see what a pain it would be to have to write a review night after night. I had trouble once writing two reviews for a friend's new CD, kept thinking I wanted to say something different and not have them both say the exact same thing. It wasn't easy. You did Fluffy proud with your review and I know he appreciates it that you wrote one.
Enjoy your musical high!  |
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