The Manglers / The Old Edison / The Stretchers / Hooks & Sinkers / The Roaches
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain MA 3/12
So another Saturday matinee show at the Midway. What a chore and task that fate has aligned me with; but alas, someone must have beer, have fun and write about it.
I am greeted by the delightful presence of the lovely Jenn, as she is the official greeter and toll taker at the majestic Midway. She has many chocolate conceptions she is displaying and dispersing to the grubby, thirsty punks. Her concoctions are quite tasty and the “Chocolate Surprise” where electric springs suddenly strike out piercing your cheeks when biting into one is a favorite amongst the throng; and quite worthy of its name, indeed.
Up first is The Roaches, a bunch of young stalwarts with the typical lineup except that everyone sings lead but the drummer. Though they’re very energetic I would say they’re more garage than punk. Very enthusiastic and I wish, I could be the same. As it is, I’m more enthusiastic about euthanasia. But seriously, this is a good opening band and they show promise.
Around this time I notice a Midway patron has his bulldog pug sitting at the bar and the dog is eagerly slurping a dark colored drink down. As this is an all-ages show I question Jenn whether he is of the legal age to be drinking (maybe in dog years) and shouldn’t he have a pink wrist band (divvied out to patrons over 21) if he is allowed to drink.
Sure enough, the fellow buying him drinks figures out my observation, over the din, and motions for the wrist band. He puts it on the dog’s leg and now, the canine looks like he may be injured, poor thing. I know how he feels as my own heart, itself, has been sliced into shreds before by the cruel, imperious Queen Jenn, but I digress…
Next on the bill is Hooks & Sinkers and filling in is Javiar of Bad Lieutenants. With his large frame and shaved head except for a tuft of green hair, he looks like a punk genie, indeed, granting any wish you could possibly want from a punk rock guitarist. This band is more moderate in speed and heavy in mood, both musically and lyrically in tone. Not exactly my “La raison de vivre” but they’re good at what they do.
Now more my speed is The Stretchers which is a straight ahead punk band with no hardcore influences. When I mention to Jenn they sound like Grand Funk Railroad, (Oh, my! I believe the vermouth I am sipping has had an adverse effect) she wisely states that they sound like the Sex Pistols. Ah, hah! A lightbulb does ignite in my cranium and yes, they do- and the singer does have a bit of that British punk snarl. Whatever the case, this band delivers the punk uncut, straight with no chaser, and they do it quite well. I have no qualms in recommending them and I recommend, to myself, to see them again ASAP.
Now, The Old Edison is next. They consist of a banjo, violin, acoustic guitar and no drums. They, unfortunately, stand no chance in pleasing the sanctimonious, pompous, prejudiced, putrid, pile of puss known as Slimedog. Alas, it is true as I predicted but I must point out with songs that seem to be called, “Fuck The World,” and “Go Fuck Yourself,” (a song destined to be dedicated to Slimedog in the near future) bodes well with me and I wish God’s forbearance upon them and I pray, someday, I know what that means.
Last up is The Manglers and I eagerly await them as the only time I witnessed them before was right before Christmas and I was too full of holiday cheer. I was half unconscious and half in a coma and did not fully embrace the performance as a person, more fortunate, with senses at the time, might have.
But today I’m feeling more lucid and it is indeed a treat. Now, this band consists of two Bad Lieutenants and instead of doing their horrid songs they do early punk covers. What a delightful idea! Any set that consists of three Johnny Thunders songs and two Dead Boys ones can’t miss. Lead singer, Brian does a great job especially while delivering a credible version of “Search and Destroy” by Iggy & The Stooges. The lead guitar player reminds me of Walter Lure, of Johnny Thunders band, with his added vocals, able playing and stage moves. Really a fun, fun, fun band to see as my daddy with the keys to the T-bird would say.
So now the festivities are over, the twilight of night descends upon the city. The hidden desires and dreams of men, too afraid to glow in the sunlight now shine in the caverns of darkness in the night. I bid my farewell, regretfully, to this warming inn of congeniality and comfort and to the temptress known as Jenn. But I know my essence will once again, soon, spread its shadow upon these doorsteps quite eagerly again.
(Slimedog)
