Clean Hands starting to really take off

After a pretty successful show at the Vnuks Lounge in Cudahy Wisconsin, we've booked quite a few shows going into November. This Friday we're either shooting ourselves in the foot, or boldly making a name for ourselves booking two shows in one night. The first show will be at Starship on Farwell ave. There's a local artist showing some art at the small store, and we're playing some music afterwords. It's more like a glorified practice. I also have to find a way to tune it down a bit since we're in a small store. The 2nd show, we go on at 10:30, and it's at a small venue, but should be well-packed. Either way, it'll be a lot of fun getting our name out there in the thriving music scene.

"Dude, that band totally sold out for playing at ___"

A while ago Lawrence Arms bassist/vocalist Brendan Kelly posted on his blog The Bad Sandwich Chronicles about bands playing big venues (specifically he was referring to Against Me!) and how silly and stupid it'd be to stay an underground band with bills and a family and NOT want to progress to making more money...This makes absolute sense to me. His band hasn't blown up like underground sensation and friends Alkaline Trio, but they've probably come to terms with that. They've got super loyal fans all over, but just don't have the 'sound' to be dragged across radio waves on a mainstream level. Now I can see from both sides how the cause and effect of a band once small blowing up can be. From the fan's point of view, you loved watching your favourite band play intimate venues and hung out with them afterwords at the bar. They get bigger and play larger venues with a hefty ticket price or with bigger bands you don't have the slightest interest in. You then feel like they've 'sold out' since they're playing with band you don't care for, maybe on a sponsored tour package...such is life right? Imagine being the band starting out with next to no money, making the records in living rooms using a closet as a vocal booth. They hand-silk screened the shirt you're wearing and pulled up to the venue in a rusted van that also doubles as their hotel for the night. You watch them play that night as they give it their all putting every drop of energy into their set. They pick up their small amount of cash they made (since the venue screwed them over once again) and drive to the next town. Fast-forward 8 or so years from now. They've made 5 or so records, can afford a better vehicle and now can make the record at a somewhat better recording studio. Hell, they can even tour more cities with a better chance of hitting your hometown again. I guess after years of struggling to get bigger in the music scene and business, I can't turn my back on a band that deserves success. I mean, what band would want to stay on the bottom food chain while their buddies in other bands make a more comfortable living doing the exact same thing they do? It doesn't make sense to me. We all have goals in life. And Every band most likely would enjoy to continue to be successful doing what they love: playing for the fans and spreading their music. That would be like telling your favourite athlete they should have stayed playing minor ball or whatever because that would be "keeping it real".

And now, the best of the best

I've come up with some of the greatest musicians in the field of their instrument. This week I'm going to focus on a couple of the greatest piano, bass,guitar and singers of all time. And by all time, I mean in my most humble opinion. 

Today it's piano players. Two big names come to mind when I think of the best.

Ben Folds is one of the most creative piano players of all time. I've seen him perform at least 3 or so times and every time he performs, it's an amazing show. But it's not just his stage performance and the ability to improv. He has written some of the greatest songs. Some involving pain, others humor and growing old.  He plays with the most intense passion and at the same time, can make you crack up.

"Philosophy", "Still Fighting It", and "Landed" highlight a great list of his wonderful works of art, and on the other side "Rockin The Suburbs", "Hiroshima", and "Army" always bring a smile to your face. 

The second noteworthy piano player is a legend in many ways. He goes by The Piano Man, but is also known as Billy Joel. His songs are still song and enjoyed by many. One classic song that seems to never fade away is "Piano Man". It's probably the most played song at weddings besides whatever the flavor of the month is. Other classic songs are "The Longest Time", "New York State of Mind"  "The Downeastern 'Alexa'", "Only The Good Die Young" plus many others.

He seems to hold a special place in my wife's heart because our wedding song was "She's got a way", which was performed by her brother.  

Billy Joel is a fine piano player that remains a favourite among many. His classic songs warm up the heart and can usually get anyone singing.