









The Black Lips at The Shank
Those four guys squashed into the back of the small stage at The Shank are a band called "The Black Lips". They used to do more shows like this. I'm guessing that at this point they forgot how much of a pain in the ass shows like this are. Yes there are dozens of people on the stage. Yes there is a guy holding up the mics. Welcome back to New York!















The Dixons at Union Pool
It had been more than a year since the last time I saw The Dixons and they picked up two new members during that time (lead guitar and pedal steel guitar). I hope this was one of their first shows with this lineup because it was sloppy. Not horrible, just sloppy. They have great songs, I know that from before, but this was not the triumphant return I was hoping for. Next time?












Electric Tickle Machine at Don Pedro
What's blue and electric and tickles? The amps at Don Pedro if you stand real close. As for the band Electric Tickle Machine, they don't have the sheer auditory firepower of some of those punk bands I keep going to see, but they're all right. They have enough energy, especially the cheerleader guy, and a few really good songs.