Concert Review: Jay Reatard & Cola Freaks
Jay Reatard (blog) has been around for a few years now, and he is still making waves in the Rock n Roll world. Most recently he was signed to Matador Records to do a string of 7″ singles, ending with a full album of Collected Matador Singles. He is best known for his consistent stream of quality output in 7″ form, and for his debut record in 2006, Blood Visions (In The Red Records).
I’ve been hearing about him for a while, ever since my wife was able to see him live in Philly, at a free show outside a newly opening clothing store. There was free beer, a sidewalk, and Jay Reatard. Those of you that know me and Amanda might say, “I don’t think those two would like Jay Reatard at all.” Well, you’re half right – although I have to point out that Amanda did not get to see him in a very controlled environment, and I got to see him in a decently small club. Our two experiences are hugely different, and perhaps explains why I like him more than she does.
To me, Jay (Mr. Reatard?) seems to be very focused on sound, and sound quality. I can’t say this about a lot of musicians in his particular genre, so this is definitely a compliment. The band is tighter than any punk band I’ve seen in that past few years – the guitar riffs are tighter than Mother Theresa, and louder than an attacking Rhino. I also noticed something that made the drummer stand out among punk drummers – he used his ride cymbal like a ping ride (usually), not just like a larger crash cymbal. It’s not that his drumming was subdued, he just managed to use the instrument to a greater potential than most mental and punk drummers I’ve seen recently. Jay Reatard is definitely pushing the sound of modern punk, and I hope he continues he semi-prolific output as long as he can.
Do yourself a favor and pick up Blood Visions as soon as you can.
Jay Reatard – My Shadow
[audio:stu/2008/10/24/My Shadow.mp3]
Jay Reatard – See-Saw
[audio:stu/2008/10/24/See-Saw.mp3]
— See Him —
October, 24 2008 08:00 PM – Bowery Ballroom
New York, New York -
October, 25 2008 08:00 PM – Glasslands
Brooklyn, New York -
October, 26 2008 08:00 PM – Santos Party House
New York, New York -
October, 27 2008 08:00 PM – Johnny Brenda´s
Philadephia, Pennsylvania -
October, 28 2008 08:00 PM – Black Cat
Washington, Washington DC -
October, 29 2008 08:00 PM – Outback Lodge
Charlottesville, Virginia -
October, 30 2008 08:00 PM – Local 506
Chapel Hill, North Carolina -
October, 31 2008 08:00 PM – Variety Playhouse w/ Deerhunter, Pylon and Times New Viking
Atlanta, Georgia -
November, 1 2008 08:00 PM – Lenny´s
Atlanta, Georgia -
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