Saturday, June 28, 2008
The Spin The Spin: Rancid @ Rcktwn
Posted by The Spin on Sat, Jun 28, 2008 at 1:43 AM
Photos by Steve Cross
Apparently nothing bridges the generation gap quite like a good old-fashioned punk-rock show. ‘90s MTV punk-revival faves Rancid put in an appearance at Music City’s premiere all-ages club Rcktwn to a packed crowd that was, oddly enough, all ages. We considered having our moms drop us off just to get the full RCKTWN experience—and had we remembered how hellish it can be to try and park downtown on a weekend, we sure as hell would have.
Once frisked and through the door, we were met by moderate-sized mob of fluorescent-headed pubescent punks, some with mohawks and most with leather jackets (despite the heat) with the occasional old-schooler lurking in the shadows.
First on stage were local punkabillies Hillbilly Casino, who gave us pretty much what we expected from a band of this genre: revved up train track beats, clackity-clack upright bass played by a guy with a tattoo on his neck, distorted blues riffs and the first frontman we’ve seen work the act of combing his hair into his best stage move. It wasn’t until after the first act we noticed a substantial influx of patrons. Boys, girls, moms, dads and probably a few creepy uncles were all filling for some good clean fun.
Next up was even yet another punkabilly act—this time the local legendary Legendary Shack Shakers. With a frontman that invoked a harmonica-shredding incarnation of Iggy Pop, the Shack Shakers rocked the same formula that preceded them, but with a hell of a lot more evil that was much appreciated.
By the time Rancid stepped on stage, the house was packed wall to wall, chanting the band’s name in anticipation. Without uttering a word, the boys launched into “Fall Back Down” from their last album, Indestructible, and proceeded in true economic punk-rock fashion to rip through as many songs as possible during their time on stage with literally no banter in between.
Despite having a new record that drops in September, Rancid made the wise choice not to sacrifice the sing-along momentum and delivered blow after blow of classic hits, drawing heavily from 1994’s Let’s Go and 1995’s ...And Out Come the Wolves. The band eventually broke out some newer tunes, which, like their old stuff, ignores pretty much any musical trend since the late '70s, combining an early Clash vibe with ‘80s hardcore punk and ‘60s ska. Keeping it relatively short and sweet, the band stopped mid-“Ruby Soho” to deliver some thanks, introduce the band members and promote the new record before finishing out the set.
They did grace us with a singular encore—Wolves’ “Time Bomb”--before saying goodnight for good, as a seemingly gapless set of generations reluctantly called it a night.
Comments (184)
Showing 1-50 of 184
Hillbilly Casino is amazing, please dont review shows that you hate the genre. Its obvious that you are not into punk rock and rockabilly which has absoutly nothing to do with any of these bands. Dont be so bitter becuase you didnt get to review a shearwater show or what ever new hip intelectual indie band that only ass holes are into. Go back to bed room and cry your self to sleep listening to the shins.
Perhaps i am a bit harsh but I do not apprecate all the belittling of punk rock and the disrespect to Hillbilly Casino.
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who the hell do you think you're talking to?
punk rock is my fucking life. i play in a punk rock band and have for half my life. show me a single word in this article that belittles it.
also, if i hate punk rock so much, how am i sitting here citing song names and the albums they came from in my my review?
i have no problem with punkabilly in and of itself but i have every right to think that Hillybilly Casino is boring and derivative. they were boring, preictable, and I didn't think their songs were very good. On the whole found them very bland and lacking that all-important "devil music" vibe you get from say Rev. Horton Heat.
I thought the Shack Shakers were awesome for every reason HC was not, and I thought I made it clear here. i did say they were using the same formula as Casino, but without the formula, it really can't be Punkabilly, can it?
i understand you were probably dying to bitch about someone not appreciating punk rock long before you even read this article, but it looks like you jumped the gun a little, my friend. the internet is a big place. surely you can find another blog that's much more conducive to your argument instead of looking like dumbass here for not even reading the whole article before you bitch about its content.
I have to back Nick Barnes up on this one...I've been to hundreds of live shows crossing all kinds of genres and I doubt I could name more than a couple that could match the fire of a Hillbilly Casino show. You're certainly entitled to an opinion in your own column, but lowering your crosshairs on the opening band like that just sounds like you're doing a little ass-kissing, and that you probably don't understand the crossroads between punk and rockabilly. My two cents, gents.
That was a horribly wrong portrayal of Hillbilly Casino.
First of all, without even mentioning their performance and music, the band members are the most down to earth musicians that I have met from nashville.
I met Nic Roulette at a past show and when I had to leave early he personally gave me a hug and almost begged me to stay.
Point One: They appreciate their fans, unlike most of the bands that play regularly at Rocketown.
Performance wise, I think that they are some of the most energetic, lively bands I have ever seen. The first show I went to with them opening up, I was amazed because I was dancing around and just loving the music.
Music wise, they are talented.
If you can write your own music, play a double stand up bass, write lyrics, etc... that's when you are allowed to comment on their "horrible" musical style.
hillbilly casino kicks ass and puts on an incredible show, sorry that you Seth Graves are to incompetent to see that. Maybe you just needed a drink. Through the whole article u acted as though that show was beneath you....you sir are too fuckin cool!
i have to pile on here, feller. how can you say a band is predictable and then say that the reason you didn't like them is because they weren't like every other band in the genre? lacking the "devil music" vibe, you said. i can vouch for hillbilly casino, i've seen them do a week's worth of shows, and each show was unique and entertaining. nic roulette has to be one of the most clever, entertaining and engaging frontmen i've ever seen. but i wouldn't expect you to know that, blogger. that would only come with familiarity. and i think you're a little sensitive to getting called out. you were pretty quick to say how punkrock you are, which i think is pretty anti-punkrock. just some point-counterpoint.
Why are you not supporting your local music scene? How can you write things like you did and not expect people to be defensive? Hillbilly Casino put on a good show, not once that night, but twice. If you'd seen Rancid in the last 3 or 4 years, you'd know that they put on the exact same show with the exact same song list. I've loved them all my life, but I've been bitterly disappointed in them since I've realized that they're not even trying anymore. I left early because I knew that I'd already seen what was worth seeing.
I'd like to see you try and put a show on like Hillbilly Casino did.
again. i never said anyone was horrible, so please don't "quote" me on that. I never said they weren't talented. never said they were anything less than good at what they do. i never said punkabilly music was bad, and i didn't "trash" them by any means.
in fact, how is this a wrong portrayal? whose ass am i kissing? is anyone here going to deny that they have "revved up train track beats", "clackity clack upright bass", "distorted blues riffs", or that the singer combs his hair on stage? the only commentary i added on this was that it was exactly what i expected. yes, i meant to imply this as predictable. because to me it was. that is an opinion and thus incapable of being "wrong". explain to me the inaccuracy, please.
i'm sure they love their fans. i'm sure they're great guys. but those things don't factor in to what i'm paid to do. my job is to comment on what i see on stage. i didn't say they weren't energetic (they definitely were), but that doesn't change the fact i wasn't impressed. why should i treat the opening band any different than the headliner? what does being able to play music have to do with being a critic? (which by the way, i do write my own music and write lyrics in my own hillbilly-inspired punk band).
anyways. again. don't attack me over things i've written before you've actually read them. no one here has yet to present a valid argument based on anything that actually appears in the above review. i described their sound accurately and objectively commenting only that it's what punkabilly bands pretty much always sound like.
am i wrong? am i lying? seriously. what are you complaining about?
Ok, as a departure from the Hillbilly Casino fanclub firestorm of indignation, I totally agree with Seth Graves. Having seen the band open for the Cramps and Shack Shakers a few times, I fail to see anything at all special about this band. I don't know (or frankly, care) about what a caring gentleman their frontman is offstage, his onstage persona stinks. It gets pretty hard to get actually get your ears around his trite preening and posing and actually judge the music on its own merits without getting bogged down by that cocky eyesore cluttering the stage. There is a fine line between entertaining showmanship and being a witless, hollow jester.....And to those claiming they are the "most energetic, lively band" they've ever seen, well, that's just a shame.
My, oh my son, I was not there, but I can assure you that the boy I raised, who I am sure you do not know is legally blind without his contacts or glasses....does one heck of a show, he even has performed without contacts and know one was the wiser. Showmanship, TALENT, and never giving up his dreams, plus, might I add FAITH, powers Nic. AND, the least of which is combing his hair, be real, were you even watching the show? When you can entertain with song, dance, and working the stage like he does, I guess then you can judge. I also am a columnist, of a different genre, the spiritual kind and I should suggest you not judge any band as rudely as you did The Hillbilly Casino. Every single one of "my boys" (AND I love them all like they were mine) are so talented and genuine in their love of music, their fans and give all to their performances.I find it utterly unbelievable that you considered The Hillbilly Casino less then the Shack Shackers. I see J.D. in a personal vein, not one of him on the stage. I look into the hearts of folks and I feel, perhaps, your heart needs to lighten up a bit when reviewing bands or other's musical style. Yes, I am Nic's Mom, however, I am also privy to many folks' opinions and reviews, and your's young man, needs some apologies to The Hillbilly Casino. You need to think upon, perhaps even pray before you write a review next time, about any band. God bless you and please take to heart my words as a kind rebuke, rather than a harsh one. Chaplain Altalee Stellhorn, Fort Wayne, IN
Seth, i think the general complaint is that your a douche bag. If you are not perceptive enough to realize that the overall theme of your article is one of negativity then im not sure that you are qualified to write for a highschool news paper.
BTW Saves The Day cover bands don’t count as punk bands.
As someone who is very much into many music genres and enjoys writing, I have always wanted to be a music critic. However, after reading this article, I can't help but feel as though the writer has a personal problem with the band itself.
At what point does it seem necessary to bring up the bass players choice of body expression or the lead singers hair? Does that have any impact on the way a person enjoys the music produced by the band?
Not to mention the personal comment posted by the writer riddled with 'choice' words meant only for situations where one could not find words to express ones self.
As an employee of the website and no doubt, the publishing 'Nashville Scene', I'm sure you have some reputation to withhold that does not approve of the way you handled criticism of you're column.
I myself, am not a fan of Rancid. After all, there are simply to many genres out there for one to enjoy all.
However, I respect them as being a 'name' in their genre. I am deeply sorry that your 'Casio inspired' band did not get to open for them. Is this what it's all about???? Oh, God, why didn't I see it sooner????
I apologize!!!! How insensitive of me.
Go back to writing blogs on myspace, please. Because critiques here are meant for music. Your idea of music is clearly pierced by personal choice and is not suitable for music journalism.
Take care,
Kelly
Okay. I get it. Seth Graves didn't like HBC. Fine. Mr Graves, Please give them another look. Give them another listen. They will be playing Layla's on Broadway every Friday night. I am shocked, being a local music critic, that you have not heard of them. I challenge you to give it another listen. Hell, I dare you. Maybe give the band a little something in the tip jar....they need money for more neck tattoos. Man up, SG, and do it.
wow, a performer's actual mother scolding a columnist for a mediocre review. I think a lot of you people need to calm down, or at least try to remain on topic, rather than tossing out accusations of jealousy. That's ridiculous.
Seth-
Clearly, you need to get out of the business and move onto that sales job Daddy is holding for you at the dealership.
If you really think Hillbilly Casino's best move was the lead singer combing his hair - you're probably burnt out from reviewing too many shows.
So - save me a silver Lexus - I want mine with leather seats.
Toodles-
Joe
Thanks! Your article reminded me of why I stopped picking up copies of the Nashville Scene. Say what you want about Hillbilly Casino, but you really shouldn't judge them until you see them at a venue that is more fitting to their style. They played a quick set to a bunch of hipsters at a venue that is my last choice to see good, live music. I'll even admit that their performance was somewhat lacking, but I wouldn't call them boring and derivative based on a 25 minute set you saw at Rocketown.
Before you decide to bash Hillbilly Casino in another "prize winning" article, go and see them at a place like Layla's on Broadway, a place where they really let loose. If you still think their performance is boring and predictable, then you must be as lame as your article makes you seem.
Russ, I am reposting this again, seems not to have gone through. Since the Scene has given very little press to The Hillbilly Casino, I find it rather unfair a poor review was given at this time. As far as tossing out accusations of jealousy, do not know what that is all about. Things went on at the show, least of which was tattos and hair combing. Rather petty, in my eyes to point out tattoos and hair, rather than talent. I just felt I suggested Seth needed to pay more attention to the talent, and afterall, this was suppose to be an all ages show and I know for a fact Nic did not want to play any drinking or smoking songs. So perhaps when the crowd wanted PBR and the boys did not play that, something should be said that THE HILLBILLY CASINO KEPT IT ALL AGES!!!!! By the way Russ, were you there?
i was joking with someone before the show about how punkabilly bands typically always have some big guy with at tattoo on his neck playing the upright bass. it was listed here as one of the things i've come to expect from the punkabilly genre. if you were too blinded with rage to pick up on that, i apologize.
the hair-combing comment was not an insult. i said it was the first time i'd seen it, meaning it was unique. and i really did think it was his best stage move. it was a compliment.
No, I have no personal beef with the band. Unlike many of the people who've posted here tonight, I feel petty name calling and irrelevant personal attacks would only detriment my argument (as it certainly does yours) and are, ironically, more accurately "words meant only for situations where one could not find words to express ones self".
i'm sorry i don't love your favorite band. get over it. what does rallying the fan club together to bully a writer who didn't lavish your friends with adoring praise accomplish? Are you trying to punish me for having an opposing opinion? (very American, btw) It doesn't change anything. I still think Hillbilly Casino is carbon copy of 90% of every other punkabilly act i've seen and I'm afraid you've failed to change my mind.
I don't even know why that's insulting. They're not claiming - as far as i can tell - to be musical innovators.
I suggest you guys invest in a much thicker skin if you're going to involve yourself this closely with anyone in the entertainment biz. If i reacted the way you're reacting right now every time my band got a bad review (btw, the Scene has printed some of the worst criticism ever written about my music) I would have hung it up a long time ago. But this, I assure you, is hardly a bad review. No one got "bashed" here, and even if they were, hassling the press over these sorts of things is about the most futile thing you can do about it.
if this is the worst thing that's ever been written about Hillbilly Casino, they're doing a hell of a lot better than most bands.
yo seth, the cool thing about writing as "the spin" is that you can give accurate and negative (if warranted) concert criticism anonymously! ha. well at least you've drawn the mob off the trail of the real villain in this local music tragicomedy - the nefarious Tracy Moore! so, you wanna go to layla's this weekend and see a predictable rockabilly show and drink some predictable beers?
Wow Seth. Looks like you pissed off the wrong band's message board. And there is nothing I get more annoyed with than comments like, "If you can write your own music, play a double stand up bass, write lyrics, etc... that's when you are allowed to comment on their "horrible" musical style." People don't have to be sexy to be able to tell how sexy I am.
Yea, you obviously have NO CLUE what your talking about. Hillbilly Casino is a great example of that style of music, if you don't like the style you have no right no review them. And Th' Legendary Shack Shakers are one of the most entertaining bands I've seen in a long time, along with being talented as hell. You might want to quit your day job if you get this many people angry with you.
Well Seth, what a fool you are!
Hillbilly Casino is one of the most entertaining groups with the ability to have you toe tappen, singing along and laughing, top of the food chain musictians!
Some one send this guy back to Out and About Mag. so he can write on what he knows...
Seriously Seth...would you be willing to head out to Layla's on a Friday night and really give these guys a chance in a more appropriate venue?
As people have mentioned this repeatedly, you have failed to respond. Several of these guys have played with huge international acts and are, to say the very least, pretty damn good at what they do. So what do you say? Friday night?
I'll be looking for your response.
a-
People, people, people! Don't get your knickers in a twist over this. Since when does a "professional" critic ever give an unbiased review? Get out, see the band, listen to the lp, make up your own mind.
Any twat can write a review. It doesn't make them the voice of authority.
"also, if i hate punk rock so much, how am i sitting here citing song names and the albums they came from in my my review?"
Gotta' Love Wikapedia!
Truth be told, Seth, you're making a decent defense of your opinion and you get your propers for that. Two things, though: 1) Jason is right...you do need to stand on the tracks in front of the HBC train one more time at Layla's some fine Friday. And B) you got your hat handed to you by Nic's mom. Seriously.
"Punk rock is my fucking life" Seriously lol. You pretentious R-tard. Just reading this sentence makes me giggle.
"I play in a punk rock band and have for half my life" Half your life? Are you serious? Wow someone call Guinness we have a world's record here.
"Show me a single word in this article that belittles it." With your wording and demeanor it is inferred that your hubris was keeping you from enjoying the show.
It's rocketown by the way, what did you expect?
I do realize that HBC was what you came to expect out of the genre so here is what I expect out of the blogger genre:
A. Cannot get a real job writing so they vent through the internet (mom wouldn’t listen anymore).
B. Definitely a social mongoloid (I know you stood in the back corner; probably with your hand in your pocket debating if you should have gotten your tribal tattoo on your neck instead of lower back).
C. Thinks what they have to say matters (the only reason I read this article was to see everyone making fun of you, which I am sure you’re used to).
I really hope Nashville Scene does not compensate you for scribbling tripe on the internet.
I did enjoy everyone commenting and making fun of you though, and the pic of you and your friends up at the top was too cute.
Oh and are you sure you don’t listen to emo or have a vag? My buddy and I have a bet going.
The people that are a part of the Nashville music scene: 1
Seth "punk rock is my fucking life" Graves: 0
ownt.
the best part about this post is that no one commented on it for almost a day and a half.
wow. it seems things have gotten a bit heated. this is the local scene at work, though. it's actually encouraging. seth, i'm sure you knew this would be the result. hbc have become local darlings in the time they've been in existence. i have no problem with you personally. i've never met you. i didn't know you existed before i read your review. i'm not naive enough to think you have a personal beef with the band, or that you have no clue about music or anything beyond the surface of reviewing a band that just didn't strike your fancy. my main problem with your criticism is that you didn't like them because, based on their style, they fit the criteria that you expected. isn't that kind of the point? i mean, you were there to see rancid. i don't think there's more of a cliche than rancid. and don't even try to sell them as pioneers. the punk flag had been planted long before they took sandpaper to their leather jackets. if tim armstrong hadn't been in op ivy, they wouldn't be near as popular. if a band belongs to a certain genre, it's for a reason. if i was in a punkabilly band, i wouldn't be playing josh groban songs. likewise, if i'm in a shoegazer hipster band, then i'm going to sound and look like radiohead or sunny day or some such band. it's going to be predictable based on the definition of the genre itself. genre's exist for a reason. as a side note, the whole "big guy playing upright bass with a neck tattoo" thing, jeff is probably the reason you expected it. he's one of the originals. if i can offer some advice, it would be to check out this band in a more favorable venue. just don't wear your press badge. blessings.
I have been listening to and seen many Rockabilly/Psychobilly acts over the years and I must say I agree with Seth Graves on this one?This band really doesn't bring anything new to the genre and if people can't listen to other peoples opinions on a forum such as this then maybe they shouldn't read them.If all you want to hear is how awesome your band is then maybe you should go play your music for your Mom.
How many of you people trashing Seth have neck tattoos and/or play stand-up bass? Or at least some finely quaffed pompadours. C'mon now, Greasers... be honest.
This band is good entertainment down at Layla's on Saturday night for drunk tourists but thats about it.
Wow, this thread is the twilight zone.
I dug the review Seth - thought you summed up both opening bands nicely without having more than a sentence apiece to work with. It's funny, I thought you were pretty diplomatic, which is why the commenter tirade seems a little out of place to me. Half the time openers don't even get mentioned in show reviews.
Props on even braving Rocketown - I wouldn't have been able to handle any of that without a few beers.
I agree, why are these people so defensive and ready to attack when he didn't even say anything negative about the band? Wtf?
and Neight,its funny how your putting down blogging while doing it?!!I needed a good laugh and your it buddy,HA HA!!!
You people actually paid money to see Rancid? Seriously? Our education system has failed.
Janet, clearly you've been spending too many Saturday nights drinking beers in East Nashville condos with 40-inch TVs and flea market tables made from doors.
"Neight, its funny how your putting down blogging while doing it?!!"
Luke, is this a question or exclamation?
If you mean I was blogging by adding content to a blog then so be it. There is a difference between posting and maintaining but, I can still see that adding a comment could be considered blogging.
I was mainly commenting on the ridiculous of this post which I find filled with arrogance I just wanted to match it with my own.
By the way it's "you're" I know this is the internet but you should still be able to realize the difference.
Anyway if you got a laugh that is great but I am sure the airplane and giraffe mobile above YOUR head provides you with enough amusement throughout the day.
Please, people. Anyone can see that most of these Seth-hating comments came in really close to one another and that it's obviously the result of this blog. They felt pigeon-holed by the review, BLOGGED about it on their MYSPACE (I guess Neight will have to stop liking them now) and viola, you have a stream of angry comments from the unofficial Hillbilly Casino fanclub.
I'm a pretty big fan of HBC, but seriously, give the dude a break. Encouraging him to check out the band again is one thing (which, I strongly agree that he should) but the personal attack thing is just tacky.
I agree with Janet... this is one of the strangest threads in Cream history. Jeebus.
Seth didn't even trash HBC, he just didn't rave about them. Fuck, if you guys have ever read some of The Spin's reviews of other opening bands, you'd recognize that what he said qualifies as faint praise by comparison.
I've seen HBC at Layla's. And I enjoyed it. Seth is right that they're not terribly original, but they're good at what they do, and they put on a good show. It's just hard for me to believe that such a mild review has inspired this kinda outrage. Why don't you guys channel that passion into something that actually matters... it is an election year after all.
Steve please dont post til you can wear your big-boy pants until then go get your sippie-cup and watch your teletubbies
Neight,"If you mean I was blogging by adding content to a blog then so be it. There is a difference between posting and maintaining but, I can still see that adding a comment could be considered blogging."
Are you not "maintaining your blog" by posting again? Thnx 4 the gramutical co-erection.
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