Fats Pompano

Fallen From the Sky -- The Voting Continues

2006-12-04T12:08:00.000-05:00

A month ago, I posted a blog about Boca Raton’s Fallen From the Sky, who were in the semifinals for MTV2’s/Mountain Dew’s Dew Circuit Breakout. Well, it turns out our boys won (having beaten I Am the Avalanche), and now they’re in the finals, where they’re up against California’s Halifax and Pennsylvania’s Zolof the Rock & Roll Destroyer. The voting’s already underway and will end at 6 p.m. this Saturday. The winner will be announced at 6:30. So get to it – you don’t even need to register.

The Buzz Bakes Again

2006-12-01T13:45:00.000-05:00

The Buzz Bake Sale has always been a hit or miss affair. Just take a look at the difference in headlining acts from year to year: 1997 featured Green Day; in 1998, it was the Goo Goo Dolls; and the next year, the trailer cowboy himself, Kid Rock. More recently, it’s been more consistent: 2004 was helmed by New Found Glory, while 2005 and 2006 went to the current kings of the hill, My Chemical Romance. In fact, there’s very little nu-metal anymore. The Bake Sale’s usually a good indicator of what the alt kids are listening to – and this year, it’s not Staind.

It would be easy to say the Bake Sale “turned emo.” But it’d also be wrong, for the most part. While there’s no doubt the images I’ve included here represent many of today’s Buzzheads, bands like MCR just don’t fit the bill anymore. When they first came around, I’ll admit to blowing ‘em off as whiny, wimpy wannabes. I resent any band that’s even peripherally involved with bastardizing pop-punk, a genre I used to dig (during the Queers/Screeching Weasel/Lookout! Records heyday). Now, MCR’s sound is more solid. It rocks, in a pre-‘90s sorta way – and it doesn’t sound like New Order (the common path for repenting emo kids). It’s clear that MCR’s been doing its rock history homework. So please, if you're gonna pick on this band, use the right terminology. Or, at least, be a little creative with it, like the Daily Funk:

GWAR, the Aftermath

2006-11-30T04:36:00.000-05:00

Even if I brought a camera to last night's GWAR show at the Culture Room, I wouldn't have had the elbow room to be able to use it. It was the most packed I've seen that place in years. And lo, it was a dudefest. I'd say 98 percent of the crowd was of the male persuasion. And of that 98 percent, most were teeming with an overabundance of testosterone and liquor; a couple of near-violent incidents kept popping up around me, even outside the club. But that shit happens anywhere. The faux violence of the onstage show, not so much. It isn't every day you see a guy dressed as a Jesus/Hitler hybrid jerking off a giant phallus onto a crowd of people -- those people being the same macho guys who'd be afraid to slam-dance if there was a gay dude in the pit. And when Oderus Urungus sodomized the pig-faced policeman two songs later, the audience went even more apeshit.

For someone who values stage performance above all else -- that's what we're there to see, right? -- I was happy that GWAR managed to draw such a huge crowd. This despite the fact that they've already been here a billion times. Now if someone had clued me into this earlier, I could have shown up in time to find a parking spot you don't need a shuttle bus to get to.

GWAR -- What it's Good for

2006-11-29T15:02:00.000-05:00

Years ago, I'm thinkin' '96 or '97 -- I'm going on memory here -- I accidentally tuned in to The Jerry Springer Show. Yes, accidentally. Anyway, as soon as I caught a glimpse of the guests -- GWAR, the Mentors' El Duce, and a few whiners who thought they were vulgar -- I hit the record button on my VCR. Classic stuff here. I'm talking quote city, though it's mostly from El Duce, who was there to defend his tongue-through-cheek songs about rape and sodomy. Thing is, he didn't defend himself, he only offended Jerry and the other guests. GWAR, on the other hand, gave one of the most articulate defenses of "offensive" rock since Dee Snyder took on the PMRC. Of course, I still like the El Duce part where he taunts a rape victim, telling her she "looks familiar." But that's just me. So where are they now? Well, Duce's dead and GWAR's still struggling for that elusive world domination. Their quest takes them by the Culture Room tonight.

Also, because it’s the last Wednesday of the month, the Art of Moving Butts is right on cue with another night of hip-hop Himmarshee. But the party’s no longer at the Poor House but next door at Revolution, where the Beatnuts, Diamond D, and Large Professor headline as part of the Down By Law Tour. The usual crew of locals is also on hand -- K-N-S, Doc Sus, UTI, Garcia, Mayday!, Jabrjaw, Dee Dubbs, Namebrand, and host Butta Verses.

Langerado: The Show That Keeps On Growing

2006-11-28T11:35:00.000-05:00

Three weeks ago, when I interviewed Ethan Schwartz and Mark Brown -- the brains behind Langerado Music Festival -- they said they were hoping (but not hopeful) that My Morning Jacket would be one of the headliners. But when the final lineup was sent to me a few days later, MMJ wasn't on it. But oh how a few weeks can make a difference. This morning, I just received word that MMJ was added to the bill, along with the New Pornographers and Cat Power. This could be the festival to beat in '07. But it's definitely the festival to be at.

From San Francisco With Love (and Booze)

2006-11-27T14:01:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, I caught up with my former colleague and predecessor, Jonathan Zwickel, who moved out to San Fran in May. We spent Saturday night at Dada, bullshitting about life, love, and music (OK, maybe just music) while local indie faves Humbert rocked the floor-stage. Sure, JZ had downed a few before he said, but I’m gonna hold him to his words:

“Dude, Humbert is the best local band in America… and you can quote me on that.”

So there you have it. While I don’t agree with dubbing anyone best local band in America (without a little subcategorizing, at least), Zwickel’s sentiments prove that South Florida, though lacking in cultural quality, isn’t lacking in musical quality. It takes a lot for a hardcore music guy like Zwickel to get teary-eyed at the thought of going back to San Fran (though, I think it was more of an alcohol-induced glass-eyed effect than actual tears). But I guarantee he feels the same way sober.

[Humbert photo by Karen Keesler]

Lots of Stuff I Won't Be Around to Check Out

2006-11-10T03:18:00.000-05:00

The Bang Music Festival. The Palm Beach Music Festival. Marky Ramone. The Gym Class Heroes. Hellogoodbye. Dashboard Confessional. All this stuff was mentioned in this week's New Times, so I won't be redundant (from this point on, at least). Here're some other shows you may not have heard about:

- The Mad Caddies/Love Equals Death show at Maguire's, Friday, November 10.

- The Hard Richards at Backbone Music, Saturday, November 11.

- The Ridicules and the Sleeparounds at South Shores Tavern, Saturday, November 11.

- A fundraiser party for Frank Loughrey, Jr., who's recently undergone treatment for liver cancer, 4 p.m. Saturday, November 18, at 4773 NW 58 Ter., Coral Springs (call 954-650-0712, 954-341-0543, or e-mail cpclucy@aol.com).

Though, none of this matters to me 'cause I'm outta here for the week. See you when I get back. Don't drink and drive or do other bad stuff while I'm gone.

Open Your Mind (and Your Mic Will Follow)

2006-11-09T16:29:00.000-05:00

Every time it looks like poet/open-mic promoter Renda Writer might stay put at one venue, he finds a new one to book nights at. Tonight, though, Writer’s back at a familiar locale -- Lake Worth’s South Shores Tavern, where it’s Open-Mic Night and Ladies Night.

Here’s Writer’s description of who’s invited to sign up: “poets, singers, bands, comedians, rappers, acoustic acts, improv actors, vocalists, magicians, jugglers, American Idol wannabes, beat boxers, yodelers, impersonators, crooners, beat poets, slam poets, reggae, blues, funk, ska…”

You get the point –- there’s really no limits, granted everything’s within the law. Personally, I think more performers should get into yodeling. Maybe try mixing yodeling and breakdancing, or juggling and death metal. Really, if you’re going to experiment, this is the place to do it. And if you’re going to do it, don’t do it half-assed -- go all the way. There are more than enough soporific singer-songwriter types to go around. But even that schtick can be amusing. Hell, I’m willing to offer this freebie, which I wrote a couple of years ago but have yet to perform. (Yes, it is pure satire.)

“Bomb Iran” (set to the tune of the Beach Boys’ “Barbaranne”)
Bomb Iran/Take their land
Bomb Iran/It’s only made of sand
Bomb Iran
Assassinate Khamenei/replace him with Dick Cheney
Bomb Iran

See how easy that was? Now get to work.

Jazz, Sushi, and Cartoon Rappers

2006-11-08T05:04:00.000-05:00

Sometimes a full-blown concert's too much for the middle of the week, even for a seasoned pro like Fats (professional what, I don't know). Last week, I spent Hump Day at Dada, which was surprisingly absent of music most of the night. Of course, there are plenty of places that aim for middle ground -- where you can hear live music AND the conversation you're trying to have (assuming the other party's interested in your bar babble). That's why there are places like the Lounge (517 Clematis St., West Palm Beach). Tonight and every Wednesday features some expertly experimental jazz, courtesy of PHLAT-9 (AKA, the Robert Goodman Band). If you haven't been to the Lounge in the past six months or so (or ever, for that matter), don't be surprised if you see a plate or three of sushi being consumed. It is, after all, a "sushi and sake bar" these days. And to think my band Billy Boloby used to play there. I guess you could say we were the wasabi that spiced things up (or made people gag, as it were).

True, Thursdays at the Lounge are a little more happenin', with regular sets by the People Upstairs, Aquaphonics, and Doorway 27. But that's a whole day away.

Then again, there's also the MC Chris show at the Culture Room tonight. For insight into the mind of this cartoony geek-hopper, check out this amusingly sharp interview he did with my colleague, Deirdra Funcheon. And while you're at it, check out the rest of her blog, Vitamin D. She knows what's going on around these parts -- and can give you a pretty accurate surf report too.

Group Nostalgia

2006-11-06T12:38:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, I got one of those "how ya been?" MySpace messages from a friend I haven't seen in years (one of the many Jasons I hung out with). Every time I think of the "old days" (AKA, the irresponsible days), certain images come to mind -- bands, people, and whatever clubs or hangout spots we frequented. One of our earliest hangout spot/clubs was the Foundation, the long defunct former staple of the Palm Beach County underground scene. Well, it looks like there’s a MySpace group for the Foundation, which closed 11 years ago. The entire building was demolished several years ago, so this is literally all that’s left of the club.

In its heyday, the Foundation was ground zero for all manner of rock-oriented music, from the punks ‘n’ skins crowd to the dark-wavers to ska kids and metalheads. It was where I saw many a band for the first time, be they local (the Crumbs, LOAD, the Livid Kittens, Cavity, the Leftovers) or national (the Queers, back when B-Face was in the group).

If you remember the Foundation, you’ve undoubtedly got many stories to tell. That’s if someone hasn’t already posted them on the message board. So check it out, and don’t forget to browse the photos page. Maybe you’re in there. I’m not, thankfully. I don’t think I need to be reminded of whatever weird-ass hairdo I was sporting back then.

Breakout the Vote

2006-11-03T15:36:00.000-05:00

The midterm elections are a few days away, and with them come the usual fears about electronic voting. But before you touch your finger to the screen, might I suggest a different type of e-voting? Yes, it involves bands, and one of 'em is local -- Boca Raton's Fallen From the Sky. Right now, there's an online election taking place for the Dew Circuit Breakout, a six-band battle for some prime national exposure, hosted by MTV2 and Mountain Dew (you know, the rock 'n' roll supervisors of elections). Right now, the battles are split into three one-on-one battles, each housed in a different city. FFTS's battle is in Philadelphia, against I Am the Avalanche. The site has video clips of each band, in case you're one of those annoying "undecided" voters. Is there a paper receipt? Um, no. It's done in Flash, so we'll have to trust the powers that be that there'll be no tomfoolery -- and that Macromedia isn't the 'Net's version of Diebold.

Also, here's some more FFTS action you won't see in the battle video:

Experience the Queen

2006-11-03T14:59:00.000-05:00

If you’re going to tonight’s Pete Yorn concert at Revolution, don’t be surprised if you see this woman on the outdoor stage.

According to an e-mail I got from Gemstone Management, Wendy Williams -- the New York City radio personality, VH1 star, and self-proclaimed “Queen of All Media” -- will be hosting an all-night party as part of a five-city tour. And she's not alone. Keyshia Cole and Bobby Valentino lay down the R&B, while comic T.K. Kirkland gets his joke on -- and everyone gets their drink on; Alizé liquor comes in many flavors, and they'll be there for you to imbibe.

Last night, I caught an episode of Williams show on VH1, Wendy Williams is On Fire. Her special guest was Andrew Dice Clay, and he wasted no time before verbally sparring with everyone (even dropping a "hickory dickory dock" joke). Too bad he won't be there tonight. It'd be fun to watch him and Kirkland go at it, nursery rhymes and all.

Paint It, Red

2006-11-02T12:17:00.000-05:00

In the off chance you saw the 1998 cult film, Six-String Samurai, you’re familiar with the music of the Red Elvises. Oh, wait… it’s 2006. That means in addition to the film, you might’ve seen or at least heard of the group’s many visits to South Florida they’ve made in the past several years -- like last night’s show at Alligator Alley or tonight’s show at the Bamboo Room. So if that’s the case, you know what to expect from these California-by-way-of-Siberia hepcats: high-energy surf/rockabilly that balances the kitsch and the cool. The photo pretty much says it all. And what it doesn’t say, the band’s live show does. I’m talking about the f word here, and I don’t mean the four-letter one (read: fun). So get on this Russian rocket before it takes off, back to the Left Coast (where all the reds live, right?).

Roxanne's Gets Schooled

2006-11-01T06:44:00.000-05:00

When I was finishing up this week's column about the Breaks, the weekly hip-hop night at Roxanne's on Main, I had to scratch mention of tonight's scheduled Edo G & Special Teams/Cali Agents/Sean Price show. It turns out the Florida leg of their tour got the ax. Imagine that, huh? Anyway, the show itself was never canceled; it was left to local boys like Unified Styles to pick up the slack. But then a funny thing happened on the way to the recent KRS-One concert at I/O -- the "Teacher" himself agreed to come down for a set. That means tonight. KRS-One. Roxanne's. Yeah. The show's held courtesy of Lexicon, Dialectic Records, UG Science, and the Basement State. Admission costs ten bucks for those of legal drinking age. The first 25 peeps get a free copy of DJ Unemployed's Will Scratch For Food.

Spooky Adults

2006-10-31T12:50:00.000-05:00

Halloween’s as good a time as any for ex-Marilyn Manson guitarist Scott Putesky to unveil his latest project. But Putesky’s performance tonight at the Nightmare in the Park is different from what long-time fans might expect. Though the artist formerly known as Daisy Berkowitz (one of the original Spooky Kids) recently released an album for his project Three Ton Gate, tonight he’s doing solo performance under the name Black Cabaret. What will it sound like? Dude, it’s a free show –- find out yourself. I’m not here to spoil the surprise. Besides, I’m saving some of the suspense for myself too. As long as all the bands show up (and it doesn’t rain), I’ll be happy. Now, if I can just find a damned costume…

Garage a Go-Go, Coliseum a No-No

2006-10-30T03:13:00.000-05:00

I'm sure glad I went to last night's Little Steven's Underground Garage a Go-Go instead of the Coliseum show at Churchill's. Not only did my night end earlier than if I'd made the trek down to Little Haiti, but... actually, scratch that. My night would have ended way sooner if I'd gone to Churchill's -- because the show didn't happen. My colleague, D. Sirianni, called me around 11 p.m., bummed that he didn't get to see any bands. Apparently, a pre-show street fight in front of Churchill's threw the whole night into chaos, and the show was canceled. Meanwhile, I was still stoked that I saw Roky Erickson, former frontman of the 13th Floor Elevators and a bonafide garage-rock legend. But I'll save it for my column. Erickson's story is an interesting one, full of drugs, insanity, and two-headed dogs -- you know, normal rock 'n' roll stuff.

Moonfest Memories

2006-10-27T14:29:00.000-04:00

Ever since Fats can remember (which, for the purpose of this blog, is 1994), Moonfest has been the annual Halloween party to end all Halloween parties. Though my earliest recollection of the event involves a lot of drunken, quasi-violent jock types roaming the east end of Clematis Street looking to start shit, it wasn’t until Moonfest 1996 that a 20-year-old Fats understood the true beauty of the event -– it was the closest I’d ever been to experiencing real anarchy. And when I say anarchy, I mean it in the free-wheelin’, Woodstock sense, not the post-hurricane, store-looting definition. Now, I’m not condoning underage street drinking, but it sure made some of the horrible live music go down a lot easier. Fortunately, this Saturday’s lineup goes down well with or without booze. (Remember, we’re no longer in the age of rap-rock, thank fucking God.) If you’ve been to any Moonfests past (or other Honeycomb.com-sponsored shows), then you’re probably familiar with bands like Boxelder, Hit$How, Humbert, and the People Upstairs.

One group that may not be as recognizable in the 561 is Modernage. The Miami foursome (shown right) has opened for the likes of Bloc Party and Elefant, and their sound falls somewhere along those same lines as well. It’s the kind of music you’ll enjoy whether you're dressed as a priest with a boner or just wearing your street clothes.

They've Got the Airwaves

2006-10-26T16:50:00.000-04:00

Tonight, from 7 to 9 p.m., the University of Miami's WVUM (90.5 FM) kicks off a new show called “Shut Up and Play.” It’s hosted by Low-Fidelity Promotions’ Mike Hooker and Chelsea Wine, meaning it’ll be heavy on the punk, ska, and garage, and utterly removed from “flavor of the month” hipster crap. What to expect: Thee Billy Childish, Riverboat Gamblers, Screeching Weasel, Dillinger 4, the Exploding Hearts, and the Briefs (who recently played at Respectable Street). What not to expect: emo, screamo, rap-rock, and anti-drug PSAs (or any such skits, for that matter). Of course, this is a college radio station with a college radio frequency – venture too far from the campus and you’ll lose reception. That’s why a streaming version will be available at WVUM’s website during those same hours. Now, bandwith is another matter…

Clan in the Front... Hopefully

2006-10-25T14:13:00.000-04:00

Anyone who saw the Wu-Tang Clan’s abbreviated performance on VH1’s Hip-Hop Honors last week had to wonder: Where the hell was Ghostface? The rest of the surviving Clan was there, but ol’ Tony Starks was absent without a trace. Whatever the reason for Ghostface going AWOL, tonight’s Method Man/KRS-One concert at Revolution oughtta make up for it, at least a little bit. The show’s been billed for months under the headliners' names. But recently, it was announced that fellow Wu-Tang members Masta Killah and Inspectah Deck are onboard as well. Yeah, the entire Clan was here exactly two months ago, but that was a few days before Meth dropped his latest album, 4:21… The Day After. So now he gets to run the show. (Well, when KRS isn’t off on one of his insightful but loooong tangents.) Let’s just hope everyone shows up.

Tuesday's OK

2006-10-24T12:55:00.000-04:00

It’s Tuesday. It’s South Florida. There shouldn’t be shit to do, right? Ah, but it’s also October, part of the magical time of year known as the season. Though, being in season doesn’t mean everything we have is, er, blossoming. But it’s here nonetheless. So I’ll let you decide what’s fresh and what may be a little too ripe.

-- Guns N’ Roses, Sebastian Bach, and Papa Roach at the BankAtlantic Center.
-- Rise Against and Thursday at Revolution
-- The Casualties and the Briefs at Respectable Street
-- Celtic Frost at the Culture Room

Try doing that in July.

Protoman, Behind the Scenes

2006-10-23T12:08:00.000-04:00

So I missed out on this past Saturday's Hip-Hop Reality Show at Revolution. I heard it wasn't very crowded, which really sucks because (a) no turnout means no future, (b) all the artists involved are worthy of checking out, and (c) who knows what'll replace the Reality Show if it fails. (Another indie-rock night? Booty music? Please God no.)

Fortunately, though, I did manage to catch one of the featured MCs last night at Roxanne's -- Protoman. I've seen him perform at a few shows and was impressed each time. And now, thanks to YouTube, Protoman's part from the Hip-Hop Reality Show is floating around in one of those Internet tubes. Check it:

Weekend Revolution

2006-10-20T14:31:00.000-04:00

Once again, Revolution’s got the hook up for national acts, and this weekend’s only part of it. (I’ll get to next week’s stuff next week.)

I could take or leave Saturday's “Radio Rebellion Tour,” featuring Norma Jean, Between the Buried and Me, Fear Before the March of Flames, etc. I’m just not down with the post-hardcore thing (or praising Jesus at a rock club, for that matter). But that’s OK because later that night, Revolution’s new monthly hip-hop night, the Hip-Hop Reality Show, takes over at 11 p.m.

Miami's Brimstone127 plays host to a lineup of local rhymers (Protoman and Dynas) and DJs (Stevie D and De La Soul’s Maseo). But it is a reality show, and that doesn’t just mean they’re “keepin’ it real” (though, that’s true too, cliché or not). There’ll be a video screen showing behind-the-scenes footage of the performers in the studio, at home, or wherever. And if you see some dude with a video camera aimed your way, chances are you’ll end up onscreen soon enough.

On Sunday, it’s back to the rock, with indie-flavored power-poppers Say Anything (left, photo by Laura Kirsch) headlining, along with Mewithoutyou, Piebald, and Days Away. A lot of older, “grown-up” rockers like to lump Say Anything in with the Fall Out Boy crowd. But that’s not really fair. Yeah, the band’s vocalist, Max Bemis, does sound like he took a few emo vocal lessons. But if you listen past that, you’ll hear a band that’s record collection precedes Green Day. Whiney vocals aside, Say Anything’s “Alive With the Glory of Love” sounds a lot like the Smiths' "This Charming Man." Now, if you don’t like that song, Fats can’t help you. But a lot of people do, and when a band like Say Anything carries the ´80s indie-pop torch for the younger generation, you gotta give ‘em credit. It doesn’t happen often.

The Postmarks on Grey’s Anatomy… tonight!

2006-10-19T13:10:00.000-04:00

The Postmarks – the lush, classically inspired orch-pop trio of Tim Yehezkely, Christopher Moll, and Jon Wilkins – is stepping out of the studio. And how. What started as a recording project is now an active band – like, really active, given the short amount of time it took the band to get from A to B. Not only do the Postmarks have a show next Thursday opening for the Album Leaf at Respectable Street and a slot at the CMJ showcase in New York City later this month. But tonight, they have a gig on prime time television. When Grey’s Anatomy airs at 9 p.m. on ABC, it’ll feature the “Goodbye” (from the band’s recently released EP, The Postmarks Remixes). Like The OC, Grey’s Anatomy is one of those shows that can help an indie band get non-indie exposure. The hookup came from the Postmarks’ label, Unfiltered Records, which has been pushing the band in Hollywood circles. Next stop, Zach Braff’s office?

Obligatory "Welcome" Blog

2006-10-12T17:59:00.000-04:00

Content? You want content? Be patient. It's on the way. In the meantime, go here:
New Times Broward-Palm Beach.