Review: Wednesday Night, Dec 6

It's been quite a random week for music for me which had left me pretty damn exhausted. That said, I got home from work and took an hour long nap which was plenty. I actually spazzed when I woke up thinking it was morning and I was late for work...

When I did get up and got ready, I swung by and picked up Andrea and we headed to 4th and B for the Faint and Ratatat. We did a "drive-by" and there was a line wrapping around the building and a 4x8 area for smoking. (Get that shit together, 4th & B) Granted, maybe planning our arrival for 9:45 was a bit foolish, but still...LAME. We parked the car and got a drink at the Local, which was having some fundraising karaoke night to raise money for Christmas gifts for foster kids. I contacted Catdirt who said he saw the line and took off. We left the Local and the line was still just as long so we ditched that plan altogether.

We decided on Landlord Jims, hoping that Mitch would be working, but he was not. One drink, then back on our way. Knowing today would be a long day (TNT, House Of Bluse for the Little Ones), Andrea decided to call it a night.

I was gonna do the same but got a text message from Miggs so I headed to the Zombie Lounge. I really need to go there more. I guess I don't because the unisex bathrooms are a turnoff, but it really is fun. Cheap drinks, good small area for bands, and if you get there early enough you can grab yummy tamales across the street. (Or Church's Chicken, if that's your thing.)

As I arrived, 12 Cent was playing. I think the guitarist told me they are from PB, but it was a punk rock night so I don't really know what he was talking about. The band was good and they had a small crowd of friends up front screaming along with every song. One guy had a Rancid beanie on and I definitely heard that influence but there was also that whole sound mainstreamed by Flogging Molly. People there for Murphy's Law seemed to appreciate the opener almost as much as the cheap drinks, which is a compliment in that place...

Murphy's Law played a short time after and I guess with them, I expected more of Flogging Molly sound but really they were pretty much a standard straight forward punk band on the verge of hardcore. The bar was pretty packed and the crowd seemed pleased with what they were seeing...I on the other hand was pleased that Peter from the Ken Club was slinging drinks at the Zombie cuz he knows how I like em...

I've gotten the feeling over time that shows at the Zombie are defintely more for a social scene. You check out the band for one or two songs till you can't take the heat and then hang out by the bar or out front for a smoke. Not to say the bands aren't worth watching, but it's like being at a house party more than a more formal "show". The funny thing about that was that unlike the Belly Up, House of Blues, or almost any other venue, this crowd is punk and the crowd your mama warned you about, yet EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. someone passed me or bumped me, there was an "oh, excuse me" attached. Those fake blonde bitches at the Belly Up could take some schoolin'. All in all, I'm kinda glad the Faint didn't work out because I needed a night of wild, near my home, among friends and music that really lets you let it out. Not bad for a Wednesday night in San Diego.