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1/11/2004
EAR PLUGS
SW caught the cold I picked up in Amsterdam, which the entire world apparently
has, so she wasn’t up for leaving the house, much less trekking across town to
see if the Elvis show at the Echo Lounge was worth cramming into. Instead, I
left her on the couch assembling our Amsterdam scrapbook while I headed around
the corner to Northside Tavern on Friday night for the Johnny Knox version of
Elvis’ birthday. I’d hoped that since both Echo and the Star Bar were having
Elvis-themed events the same weekend, I could get into Northside without having
to park half a mile away and squeeze into the yuppie-filled sardine can that the
former dive bar has become lately.
Yet again, I was disappointed. I should’ve known when the only free parking
space was a block away behind a brand new Hummer. I suppose I’m overly
nostalgic. I long for the days when my favorite dive bars were still dive bars
and you could get in for little or no cover, without struggling through a packed
house, and see a great show. Those days are long gone for Northside Tavern. The
room was packed wall to wall with Bill Gates look-alikes and their bleached
blonde dates. Ugh.
But Kate James & Lost Country kicked things off with some pretty versions of
some pretty good Elvis tunes done by a pretty girl. Eventually I lurked by the
bar long enough to get a seat, though not one with a view of much more than the
backs of the graying heads in front of me. The beer is still cheap and there are
still strange characters at Northside, like the 60-something guy next to me,
overweight, glasses, wearing a hat that said “The Man, The Myth, The Legend.” I
wasn’t sure if it was an Elvis reference or something akin to “World’s Greatest
Grandad.” A girl young enough to be his granddaughter danced with him at random,
dyed black hair, black eyeliner, black leather jacket, tattoos, and a demeanor
that screamed “date for hire,” especially when he sat down for a bit and she did
a perfect table dance for him right there in the corner. It was only a little
creepy, until he put his hands down her pants during one slow dance. Then it was
far more than a little creepy.
Johnny Knox did up-tempo rockabilly Elvis, including a brilliant combination of
Rock-A-Hula and Sheena Is A Punk Rocker by The Ramones. Random guest appearances
helped round out the night, including John McLean from the house across the
street from DP HQ and Sonoramic Commando.
In all, it was a good show. I just wish I could’ve seen a bit more of it.
Speaking of, Stomp and Stammer has the details this month on Johnny’s legal
problems stemming from the car crash last year after which friend Scott Rogers
passed away. Fulton County is pressing 1st degree vehicular homicide and DUI
charges. It’s unfortunate in every way. As if losing a dear friend isn’t
punishment enough. But you can help by attending the benefit shows January 30th
at the Earl and Echo Lounge for the low price of $8 (I’ve also seen $10 listed
as the cover, but either way it’s worth it and worthy. Heck, going to just about
any Johnny Knox show probably helps, even if it’s just moral support.)
DEGENERATES ABROAD
The Amsterdam trip has been compiled, I just need to check a few facts and make
sure none of those photographed object to being shown in various states of
intoxication and/or drug influence and/or having a good time. Should be public
next episode.
FILM FLAM
Saw the new Tim Burton effort, Big Fish, this weekend. It’s a cute film, worth
seeing, though not Burton’s best effort. The previews make it seem a little more
imaginative that it really is, but it’s enjoyable, family-friendly fare.
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