The Viper Room further kept itself as one of my least favourite venues. When they allow those on the Guest List to enter first over those who actually PAID for their ticket, it pisses me off. It would be understandable if it were a short line of non-paying guests, but when it's about 30-40 people...puhleeez. Grrr!!

Anyway, Long-View who performed here for the first time did a great job of an abbreviated set (only 6 songs from their 'new' album) -- a teaser for this fan who's been waiting to see them for awhile now. In speaking to them afterwards, they were excited to be in the States, are having a grand time and plan on returning on their own headlining tour in May.

TSOOL surprised me. As they were preparing the stage for the band to come on, I noticed that the oh-so-sexy guitarist, Bjorn, had an acoustic guitar. My suspicions turned out to be true -- an acoustic set! I've never seen them perform that way! It was more of a semi-acoustic set but who cared, it was a very nice treat! They combined two sets worth of music with a break in-between. Unfortunately, when they took their break around midnight, I was exhausted by then...said my 'goodbyes' and left. I truly wished I could've stayed for the other half, but am consoled with the fact that I'm seeing them perform acoustically later today at their Tower in-store.

I'm exhausted. Have a meeting at 9am sharp and just know I'm gonna fall asleep through it.

And I still hate the Viper Room.

Oh yeah, I could've sworn I saw Limahl last night. I kept thinking this guy was gonna bust out singing "Never Ending Story"! Sadly, it was just some random guy with an 80's do and highlights.

Also, it appears that The Viper Room allows random homeless people into their venue. I'm assuming they're regulars that hang out around the club. A couple of 'em stood by the stage and rocked out the entire time TSOOL was onstage. It was rather cool, I thought.

Saw the TSOOL boys at their instore -- sang about 45 minutes worth of songs from their new album, ending it with Surround Sister. Very nice! Met the boys afterwards and gee...they remembered my friend, Diane, and me from the previous shows and were kind enough to chat with us for a bit. Will be returning in a few months supporting Robert Plant. Robert Plant? Really, guys? Hmmm...ohhhhhkay.

A crappy photo from my cameraphone...I seriously need to invest in a digicam:

Nice! I meant to ask you what you thought of the new songs?

Ya know, I'll have to admit that TSOOL win me over during their live performances which make the songs better for me. So far, I've heard their new songs done loud with electric guitars and acoustically -- both have come across very well.

But the question is--is it a muumuu? A caftan? Homer's fat guy dress? What? WHAT??!!!

A caftan made for XXL men.

So, no excessive hugging this time. eh? Hee hee...

Actually, I don't think the pairing with Robert Plant is all that bad - might help expand their audience a little bit ( with people that actually BUY records as opposed to downloading them, too ) .


BTW - I REALLY like that Graham Coxson CD. I think it's gonna get a LOT of play in the car this summer!

Nope, no hugging this time...whew! But, did get a nice handshake and a "nice to meet you" from most of the band. Martin and Bjorn (keyboardist and guitarist...also the HOTTEST bandmembers!) were the ones who recognized us and kind enough to chat us up.

I agree with you on the Plant pairing. My friend and I were discussing their popularity which has seemed to wane. We feel it's from the fact that the Swedish Movement has now been taken over by the popularity of Canadian and Brit bands (not a bad thing). If you think about it, a lot of the Swedish bands that had gained popularity 1-2 years ago are no longer in the limelight as they once were. It's still nice, though, to see them...they're also already working on their next album.

Sooo glad you like the Coxon CD! I've been meaning to ask you what you thought of it and kept forgetting. He's already working on his next one from what I hear.