By: Sean Sauder
It seems that most critics lately would like you to believe that any
band that had some success in the '90s is no longer relevant. Well,
I'm here to tell you that is definitely not the case with Gin Blossoms.
I was blown away by the band when I first heard them in 1992, and never
understood how they later got lumped into the same category as un-listenable
bands such as Hootie & The Blowfish later in the decade.
They don't take themselves too seriously, are great musicians, and have
written some of the most catchy, jangly pop/rock songs ever
recorded.
After several – projects, including singer Robin Wilson and
drummer Phillip Rhodes' band, Gas Giants, guitarist
Scott Johnson playing with Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers,
and guitarist Jesse Valenzuela forming The Low/Watts and
releasing a solo album – the band eventually started playing together
again. Though Phillip Rhodes was initially involved, he is unfortunately
no longer in the band. He is one of my favorite drummers, so that
is disappointing to me, however, Scott "Kooze"
Kusmirek is definitely a capable replacement, and he played great
in Stillwater. The live band also included original bassist Bill
Leen.
The band opened up their set at Lumberjack Days with "Long
Time Gone," a song from their new album, Major Lodge
Victory, to be released August 8. They were quick to follow
it up with a couple familiar tunes ("Allison Road" and "Found
Out About You"), but they did play 9 of the 12 songs off the new
record, letting people know they're not just an act milking their prior
success. By the way, the new songs measure up to the old favorites
just fine, and if there's any justice in the music world (and we all know
that there usually isn't), Gin Blossoms should have another hit album
on their hands.
Besides the music, Robin Wilson's interaction with the crowd and his sense
of humor really made the show enjoyable. He voiced his displeasure several
times with the way the audience was made to pay $25 for "VIP"
seating in order to be anywhere close to the stage, while the "rockers"
were made to stand outside a fence, off to the side and farther away.
"Don't worry," he assured us, "there are a few of you represented
down here".
After the final notes of "Hey Jealousy" had been played,
there was a mass exodus of the people inside the "VIP" area
(not everyone, but quite a few). Lucky for those of us who stuck
around, the band returned to play four more songs - three off the upcoming
album. Of those, "Jet Black Sunrise" was definitely a
highlight, and I know that once the album is in my hands that song
will definitely get a lot of play in my stereo.
Robin made his way out to the "cheap seats" while the band continued
to jam, hamming it up with the audience, shaking hands, taking photos,
etc. When he returned to the stage, he introduced all the members
of the band and where they are originally from. He then introduced
himself (as a made up name I can't recall), "from right here in Stillwater,
MN!" Sense of humor, intact!
If you missed this show, you can catch Gin Blossoms back in Minnesota
on Thursday, August 3 at Hickory
Street RibFest in Mankato. I highly recommend it!
Set List:
Long Time Gone
Allison Road
Follow You Down
End Of The World
Learning The Hard Way
Found Out About You
Heart Shaped Locket
Mrs. Rita
Super Girl
Lost Horizons
Fool For The Taking
Til I Hear It From You
Hey Jealousy
Encore:
Come On Hard
Let's Play Two
Jet Black Sunrise
Hands Are Tied
Location Info:
Lumberjack Days
Artist Info: Gin Blossoms
Share this story:
Article comments powered by Disqus