Social Classics 2005ish

I was effing off on Myspace one night and I got a message from this band called Social Classics asking if I could help them book their tour.  I think they got my info through Johnny Misfit from the Rushmores, or maybe Allie from What the Kids Want.  I wasn't really booking shows at that point, at least not much and after listening to their totally sweet Minneapolis influenced pop punk, I said I'd ask around.

Tuesday nights in Chicago, especially in 2005 sucked for helping out bands, so I broke the bad news to them.  What I offered was a chance to play on the radio.  It didn't put gas in the van, or put any records in anyones hands, but it was something.  I talked to Darius from Reality Radio, a highly listened to radio show on WLUW and said "these kids have a boner for Husker Du, you should let them play the radio show."  He agreed and the rest was history.

The kids, all of which were still in high school were pretty stoked to be on the radio and tore through a solid set of raucous punk rock.  If they sound at all familiar, it's because a couple of these guys went on to form Tenement, who are also totally sweet and worth checking out.  You really hear the roots from which Tenement came; a teenage punk band that grew up on the Replacements and Husker Du while worshipping hometown heros the Modern Machines and Yesterdays Kids.  If you dig that northern Wisconsin/Twin Cities sound, you'll pretty much love this.

If any of you guys aren't into me sharing, let me know and I'll take it down.

Enjoy!

Link!

Brokedowns 2006ish

Recorded the same night as the VBS set.  I just recently got to know the Brokedowns and was stoked to have them on the air.  I saw the previous year at the old Bottom Lounge opening for Operation Cliff Clavin  and again with Vacation Bible School.  Seeing the progress they made stylistically and performance wise, was impressive and kind of mind blowing.

This was the first time I saw the Brokedowns as a three piece.  They rip their set in roughly nine minutes.

If you guys are pissed about this, lemme know and I'll kill it.

Enjoy!

Link!

Vacation Bible School 2006ish

I have a very distinct memory of this night, because this was before Christmas and it was snowy and crappy.  I wasn't sure if VBS or the Brokedowns would be able to make it to the studio, because they were coming in from the suburbs.  Both bands arrived around the same time, loaded in and played two of the best sets Underground Communique hosted.

The Vacation Bible School set features a lot of songs that aren't available elsewhere, including their Bikini Kill cover.  Of all the sets I recorded, this one is probably my favorite, because 1) I love VBS and 2) because it sounds fantastic and the band destroyed.

If any of the VBS guys are bummed out about this, I'm friends with you guys on Facebook.  Message me and I'll kill it.

Enjoy!

Link!