On the Road, in the Heat

So I was in Southern California for the past few days with these guys on the left here, and another good friend named Todd. We played at a few venues and drove around in our big, sweaty, white machine. I was able to fool Todd with the fake van cockroach at least once. I always try to get somebody with the damn thing, and sometimes it works. The shows were fun and I believe we played one of our consistently best sets of songs in a long while. I recall past shows with us lumbering about on stage, unsure and skittish about the songs and the transitions in between them. This time it felt "right" or as right as it can feel for us. Essentially, we try very hard not to be "rock poseurs". You know, the type of band that belittles people in the audience by forcing them to "Come up closer to the stage so that you will inspire us". Fuck that stupid bullshit, and fuck those misogynistic, megalomaniac LA based bands that try to pull that crap. I will kill for less. Your music should speak for itself, and if people watching want to come up closer to the stage they can. And if they are comfortable staying far back they can do that too. Who are bands trying to fool anyway? I believe in being comfortable at shows, and enjoying live music the way you want to enjoy it; sitting down, standing up, squatting, sleeping, smiling...whatever. Talking is rude too, you come to a live show to watch, observe, and most importantly to listen. Take your talking and your flirting with that slutty Southern California girl outside, because I don't want to hear it. Ahhh, very nice, quiet now, able to play music for the few who actually enjoy and appreciate it. As far as I'm concerned the only good, new bands to make honest, original music in the LA area are Autolux, Timonium, and longtime residents Idaho. Forget the rest, don't waste your time, your time is precious, and you will not live forever here on this thing called planet earth. Make the best of it. Be nice, smile, say "hello", and come to shows with an open mind and quiet mouth. And for god sakes, shut off that insipid cell phone! Nobody cares and nobody wants it. Cool.