Clutch is a band that I first heard of about a year ago. I liked what I heard, but didn't really investigate them. Since then I've seen them mentioned here or there, another video or two. They will be in Madison in early April and I don't know if I'm curious to see them or not. I've looked at a few live vids from February and I'll listen to their latest album online to check them out more. First impressions, they have a powerful lead singer, videos and live, but I think they lack on guitar, especially live. I might like them more if they had a second guitar player, better guitar player, or just turned it up a little. I've seen the lead singer play guitar on some, that might help. Hmm, I enjoy this kind of research, now I shall go check them a little closer...
This is the first video that I saw a while ago: Clutch - '50,000 Unstoppable Watts'
Edit: Here's the same song live from last month in Australia. Maybe I was too harsh earlier on the guitar sound, we'll see. I'm still looking...
When I saw this I just had to re-post it. I think Joanne posted this for me to share with Delcatto. Okay, maybe not, but that's what I want to think. Anyway, I enjoyed the hell out of this:
Edit: This video would be bigger, but I would have had to sign in to Youtube (it was flagged for content). I used to have an account but can't find or get into it and this wasn't a big enough reason to tackle that right now. Maybe I'll work it out one of these days...
The robot snow plow! I want one for next year! Just make it with a control like a remote control car (easy), or else automated better than that Roomba vacuum. Where do I sign up?
Yes, following the Green Bay Packers is a year round obsession for us diehards. This space is not about sports but a couple developments made me want to share. First, it was announced yesterday that Robert De Niro will play Vince Lombardi in an NFL film due to be released the week before the Superbowl, 2012. I can't say I disagree with the pick of actors. Actually, I hadn't ever thought about it. But De Niro, I think he will do a better job than anyone else that comes to mind. All this said, I don't really watch alot of movies let alone venture out*, but I am looking forward to this now!
ESPN has more here.
*'Alice in Wonderland' looks very interesting, however.
Secondly, the Packers will wear an alternate color scheme now and again for the next few years. Yes, it's another throwback jersey thing. It will be similar to the 1929 look (left), with modern mandated upgrades. It's kinda neat when football gets real ugly!
Colorized pic is from the Green Bay Press-Gazette. They have the whole story here.
That's all I have. It is a very active time right now with free agency having just begun. You can find all that stuff elsewhere. Here's to a great offseason!
BTW, I did do that 'Teenage Audio Test" on Monday night when my ears had mostly settled down. I still passed. I didn't even need to turn up the speakers. I'm dumbfounded. Not really. I know my hearing is less than 100%. I have to have a phone up to my right ear, my left doesn't work as well. Besides, you just know if your own hearing has diminished.
Sunday night's show went as well as I expected. There were three opening bands, with W.A.S.P. hitting the stage about 10:20 and playing until 11:40. I got home about quarter past midnight and was in bed 20 minutes later but didn't fall asleep until well past 1:00 am. My alarm went off at 5:00 am and I got up grudgingly and somehow stayed awake at work all day.
It was a shame to see them on that small stage. I don't think the club wasn't planned out very well. Not for seeing live bands. TV's (turned off) on the right were almost in the way and an odd corner jutting out on the left that the bass player had to watch out for. After the first couple songs, Blackie stopped to apologize for half the show being out in the truck. He told the Madison media that it was going to be the whole show setup but then found out someone lied to him about the stage size and ceiling height. It didn't matter much to me, though. They were there, they played well, and I enjoyed every minute.
I sat back at the bar (sipping my water) until right before W.A.S.P. started. I had no intention of clawing my way all the way up front -I'm too old to do that anymore- but I found a nice space directly in front about 20 or so feet back from the stage. It got crowded when they started playing but I had my spot.
I was very surprised that I didn't see many familiar faces at all. Only one, actually, and I knew he would be there because he was in one of the bands. Mostly I was one of the older ones in the room, top 15 or 20%, I'd say. I'm ashamed of my former metalhead brethren. They all probably have their hair cut short and have 2 or 3 screaming kids and a nagging wife who they didn't even bother asking if they could go because they didn't want to listen to her bitch. That's what I'm picturing in my mind anyway. Losers.
No videos on Youtube from this particular show yet, but I did see many people recording. For now, and since I'm just in the mood, here's a recent one that I will replace maybe if something is posted from Sunday night soon. Oh, and the T-shirt I bought looks just like the one Blackie is wearing, #25. It's my new favorite shirt!
W.A.S.P. "The Idol" March 5, 2010 Columbus, OH
I have always hated it when shows were on a school night, but as the bands I love come around less and less I'll take what I can get. W.A.S.P. will be across town at Scatz tonight. What could be a reliving of my youth seems more like a lesson in how old I actually am. I have been down with a cold again (second this year so far), my back is pretty touchy today, and I have to get up at 5:00 am to get to work. Still, I wouldn't miss this show for the world.
The first and only time I saw W.A.S.P. was in December 1984, if I recall correctly. They were opening for Kiss on the Animalize Tour at the Dane County Memorial Coliseum (now called the Alliant Energy Center). I was very close to the stage and a little to the left. I still have pictures from that show somewhere. I snuck in my little Kodak 110 camera. Only a few pics turned out, and none of the W.A.S.P. pics. I think I was 17, so it has been over 25 years.
I will be going alone, although I expect to see many familiar faces from the old days at the (long gone) Black Bear Lounge. The heavy metal bar in Madison in the late 80's and early 90's. At the most I may have a drink or two upon arriving, otherwise it will be a sober evening. I will be flying out of there as soon as the show is over to get home, unwind, and hopefully get enough rest.
I'm over 50, married and child-free. My wife and I have a home not far from downtown Madison, Wisconsin, since 2009. I like music, taking pictures and good humor - plus writing about it all here. I am still not on farcebook or other social media, only Blogger and YouTube. Email me at scoakatsblog@gmail.com. I check it every so often.
