Me and jagged went and saw them back on 6/6. It was a great show. I FINALLY got a chance to post the pics (see below). Let me provide a few bullet points...

* An Austin-based band called The Fall Collection opened things up, and while they weren't bad, they're a bit too Green Day-ish. However, they did show potential.

* This venue was pretty damn small, so between bands, we hung by the bar and intermittently watched Game 7 of DET-MIA. From what I could tell, it looked like the Heat were about to pull away, but then all of a sudden the Pistons assumed control. Every time TNT cut away for a sideline shot of Stan Van Gundy, I couldn't help but wonder how Ron Jeremy managed to land an NBA head coaching gig. I think from now on, I will refer to Jeff's more follically endowed brother as Ron Van Jeremy.

* As I expected, The Oranges Band were great. Other than Cory (Elvis Fu), I'm probably their biggest fan among the Obnerati. Even though their new album isn't released until later this month, they were selling it at the merch table for only $10. Sadly, I was cash free last night, so I went home empty handed.

* After sweltering through most of The Oranges Band's set, we decided to venture up to stage left, where there was at least a hint of A/C and we were also within 5-10 feet of Ted Leo himself! Mofo is skinny. In fact, they just might be the skinniest band in rock. I doubt any one of them checks in over 150. And speaking of appearances, it seems as if The Pharmacists are now comprised of Albert Hammond, Jr. on bass and Doug Clifford on drums. Striking resemblances not withstanding, those two absolutely slayed as a rhythm section. I mean, the Leo catalog doesn't contain many slow-paced waltzes, so they had to keep the pedal to the metal all night long. I'd heard Leo's stage banter was often controversial and inflammatory, but he was just having fun last night throughout the entire set, encouraging random shouts from the audience. Without a doubt, the highlight of the night was an impromptu, yet flawlessly executed, segue into the final third of Rush's "The Spirit of Radio." OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOF SAAAAAAAAALESMENNNNNNN!!! What a fantastic show!

JEALOUS

As you should be. Is there a Baltimore stop on this tour?

the new album from The Oranges Band is fucking GOOOOOOOD. we listened to it 3 times today at work.

FT, lemme know if you'd like a copy.

Ya THINK?!? LOL...mucho appreciato, Dalen!

They'll be around, but not yet that I've seen. I get the Ottobar newsletter, though.

If there's one after about the 20th, don't let me miss it.

I hear my new mayor's in a band, too. Have to check that out.

I've seen them once, and it was okay. It might have not been their fault but the venue's. Couldn't hear the singer at all. Sounded like a high school talent show.

O'Malley's March, but I think he called it quits a couple of month's ago, maybe St. Patrick's Day. He's gearing up for a run at Guv'nah.

"March 14, 2005

Dear Friends of O'Malley's March,

All good things must come to an end, and I wanted to let you know that this will be my last St. Patrick's season. I really want to thank all the guys in the band -- Pete, Jamie, Jared, Sean, Jimmy, and Ralph -- and each of you for 25 years of playing music and keeping the tradition alive and real. At this point in my life, every ounce of my aging creative energies are going to have to be focused on continuing our City's remarkable progress and being laser focused on getting our State moving in the right direction again. I'd love to keep playing, but a vocation is a "yes" that requires a thousand "no's." Thanks again for your support, and please log on to www.martinomalley.com and sign up for the campaign. Maryland deserves better and is capable of so much more.

God bless,

Martin"

Bummer. What about bringing the rock, Mr Mayor?

Oranges Band is so damn nice.

Richard Marx, July 17 bay-buh.

What, TL opening?

I was standing directly in front of constantly-yell-out-song-titles girl...but other than that it was good positioning and a good show

i see this show next wednesday. i'm going to harass the oranges band until they play "ok apartment" because they never play it when i see them.

Friday, July 1st at Ottobar. CD Release Party. Tickets go on sale June 10th.

I'm not sure I can fucking go. Goddammit.

the oranges band - the world and everything in it - 2005

http://s40.yousendit.com/d.aspx?id=18AE ... PM4NMK0HP5

enjoy dudes.

Dalen, i'm trapped like a rat at one of my stores; would you mind PM'ing me this so i can scoop it up tonight. Thanks....

He's running for a little thing called "Governor"

Did Bono have to run for governor, I ask you?

I suppose the obvious questions are whether he's a decent mayor, whether he's a plausibly decent governor, and how good the band is or isn't.

I'm pretty sure he is a good Mayor. Hard to get re-elected as a white man in a majority black city w/o doing some good. I know he would be a good Governor. If you can find it, there's an excellent piece on him in the December 02 or Jan 03 issue of Esquire.

interesting cat. I'd be interested to know what Elvis Fu thinks of him?

dude. i'm super jealous. i can never get enough of ted leo.

And you're on the campaign, then? Is he sticking with the vaguely threatening but somehow also uplifting BELIEVE?

No, but I know his campaign manager well enough. If I wanted to leave here I am sure I could get some kind of poistion. Dunno what his slogans are or anything. I would imagine he is hunkered down in a bunker hammering on people for massive infusions of raw cash.

They played it the other night.