Interview with Brian Kelly of So Cow

Interview by: Matt C



You know the music, now meet the man. A friendly chat with Brian Kelly of So Cow about music, and the shocking details of his love affair with Liz Taylor during her brave last days.

Myspace: www.myspace.com/socow

You can purchase So Cow albums HERE at Tic Tac Totally Records
 

 

I know its often difficult and sometimes pointless to classify what genre of music you see So Cow as, but for the sake of people such as myself who have So Cow listed in the "So Cow" genre, what say you?

Pop music. I've tried out any amount of answers to your question, and none of them made any MORE sense to me than pop music, so I'll go with that. I like melodies and rhythm and fast bits and loud bits, which is all the kind of stuff that saw 1 million youths arrested in the US in the 50s (I don't know if this was within one calendar year or spread out over the decade, it's just something a student wrote in an exam paper I corrected yesterday, they could've just been making shit up)

In your most recent album Meaningless Friendly, ive noticed that there is a slightly more punk edge to a couple of songs, what punk bands are your favorites past and present, American and European?

Punk acts I have liked: Minutemen, Damned, Undertones, Rudi, Tyvek. Mostly 'past', then.

I was listening to So Cow while driving in the car with my 80 year old grandfather not too long ago and he commented that he liked your music. How does it feel to know that you are bridging the music gap between young and old, and do you think this is grounds for a Nobel Peace Prize nomination?

Tell him thank you. That's genuinely lovely. What song was it? My mum likes some of the songs too, which is good. I'm not trying to speak specifically to anyone, which in turn hopefully means I end up speaking to everyone, potentially. As regards Nobel Peace Prize nominations, I'll leave that to the Chinese government.

There were a couple of songs he commented on, the first if I remember correctly was Shackleton and the and the other song was To Do List, which he got a laugh from. Since then ive spotted him with my old iPod and portable speakers that I gave him on the patio pruning flowers listening to So Cow.

What do you do for work and recreation when you aren't playing or making music? It cant be any worse than me, a professional nerd who collects records, restores vintage stereos and televisions and watches lots of cartoons.

You restore televisions? I want to hear more about that. Work-wise, I guess I'm in the educational sector. Recreation-wise, long walks. You cannot beat a long walk, preferably with some sea air involved. I also like doing the Irish Times cryptic crossword with my lady. So, all in all, nothing too ridiculous or dangerous.

Don't get me started on vintage televisions. I become like Hank Hill talking about propane and propane accessories. I do hope you get the reference!

I've seen you play twice within the past year, im considering a move to Ireland simply to be more So Cow adjacent. Are you working on a new album or planning on visiting the United States this year?

This year will be mostly about getting a new LP together. No firm plans as to when it will come out, or on what label. Am more concerned with getting 15 or so songs done that we can be happy to play live for ages. No plans for the USA this year. I had my fill last year.

Thats great, ill be looking forward to that album! Maybe an insert with the album this time?

Where is your biggest fan base? Ireland? USA?

The internet, I guess. I don't go asking. I guess there'd be more people who listen to the LPs in the US, seeing as they were released there. There's a couple of lads in Brazil who seem keen.

When you play live who are the people playing bass and drums for you?

The band is Jonny on bass guitar and Peter on drums. It's been us three since December 2009. (apologies if the last few answers seem unfocused, there's a TERRIBLE smell of body odour from the lad sitting at the computer to my right...holy shit, is it rank).

Thats awful. The smell, not about Jonny and Peter, they seem like swell guys from what I can tell.

Was music a big part of your household while you were growing up? If so what was generally being played?

My mother played the chords A and D on a guitar a whole lot, which is a primary influence of the first LP. My brother was in bands, he played bass. There was a big fat Casiotone keyboard in the living room. On Sunday afternoon car trips, we'd listen to Bob Dylan and Clifford T. Ward cassettes. Clifford T. Ward has had more of an effect on me, to this day I cannot be arsed with Bob Dylan.

Do you have any interesting tour stories? Close calls? Fights? Something funny?

I have a lot of stories, and that's kind of the problem. Especially with last year, it all just blurs into a hazy mess. If I could condense all the tour stories into one short anecdote, it'd likely involve someone spilling PBR all over their trousers, one of us going missing for 2 hours, a Waffle House and a snowstorm.

Id buy that book. If anyone ever tried to question if you actually did an American tour the mention of "PBR" and " Waffle House" should remove any doubt. However I feel compelled to mention that I once waited 20 minutes for a grilled cheese sandwich at a Waffle House while on tour. Im still slightly peeved from that...thanks for letting me vent.

If you had to live in the United States where would you live and why?

Philadelphia. I just like it the most. I'm a fan of Cleveland, too. On the west coast, maybe San Diego, despite our last show there being a headwreck from beginning to end.

British or American version of The Office?

The American version. There's more jokes. Also, the British version, in my head, seems to have fog running through it, like it was filmed on a stage on a moor. That might just be me though.

I would imagine that though it may be a lot of work to write and record an entire album all by yourself, it must also be easier to some extent, allowing you full control and the ability to actualize your thoughts easier. But have you ever considered teaming up with other friends or musicians for a So Cow album?

Well, that's how the next LP is going to go. Three of us recording together live and seeing how it works out. I resisted it for ages, because I absolutely love the process of recording by myself so much, but I'm intrigued as to how the band would sound recorded, because we're totally different live. Should be fun.

Is there a particular musician that you admire or feel you have emulated so some degree in your guitar style?

Not particularly, though I always liked the way Graham Coxon plays guitar. No teenage guitar heroes though. Maybe David Gedge.

Any plans for 2011 or the foreseeable future?

2011 - a 7" around the middle of May on Ride The Snake Records, based in Boston. Called 'GMT EP'. 4 songs. After that, finding time to record, then recording. I'm still slightly wiped out from last year. I'm not a young man!

That sounds awesome! Its important for us old folks to stay limber and active at our age.

 

 

 

 

The Adicts – at The Ventura Theatre – Ventura, CA

There are some bands that you like for a couple weeks and forget about. There are some bands that you listen to for months on end and then eventually store away in your ipod. Then there are the bands that no matter how much time passes or how much your musical tastes develop you will always hold near and dear to your heart. For me The Adicts is one of those bands.I remember being enthralled with the songs of praise album from the first time I heard it. The over all composure and construction of each song was quite literally music to my ears. As the years progressed I had made several attempts at trying to see The Adicts. Each and every time some freak force of nature stood in my way and prevented it. Finally on Sunday March 27th, after 8 years I finally got to catch a live show. Was it worth the wait? You're god damn right it was!

After a month on the road, The Adicts Organized Confusion Tour came to a close at the Ventura Theatre. The stage was set  and the crowd was patiently awaiting The Adicts to take their stance. Just then, the lights were dimmed and the opening music from Stanley Kubricks A Clock Work Orange starts to play. One by one Pete Dee, Kid Dee, Scruff, Fiddle Dan and "12" as they affectionately called him all take their place. They start to play "Ode to Joy" as Monkey make his Grand entrance.

The crowd is cheering and the space close to the front is getting tighter and tighter. As soon as they start with "Joker in the pack" movement from every which way breaks out and a scramble to either find you place in the pit or move away from it sets forth. Is a beautiful thing to see everyone singing and dancing along while limbs flying over head as people crowd surf and all the while confetti flies every which way. The entire band has this free spirited and joyous presence on stage and incredible interaction with the audience. The place is a circus and Monkey is the ring leader and the clown.

Each member of the audience takes every song a different way. While playing "Troubadour"  I can hear girls screaming from different parts of the room, During "I Am Yours" The entire crowd sings along.

During "Bad Girl", Monkey asks all the bad girls to come up and dance proclaiming the naughtiest girl will receive a prize. My favorite point in their set is when the played "Fools", for a moment I couldn't quite place the song but I knew the tune and sang along with every word. This was a song my memory had buried and the Adicts themselves had resurrected.

They play the anthem of change that is "Viva La Revolution" and tribute to lost love "Steamroller". As they take their  bow and exit the stage the crowd begs for more, pleading the band to return requesting songs like "Songs of Praise" and "Love Sucks". After what feels like forever, they retake the stage and put the cherry on top of the Sunday night with "Bad Boy" and "Who Spilt My Beer".

It was a night I wont soon forget and a band i will be sure to catch again.

 

 

-Desire G.-
Big Wheel Reporter

                   More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

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Stench Radio music play list for the week of March 27, 2011

Top 25  - In no particular order -

Adolescents - LA Girl
Mickey Leigh`s New Yorkestra - Dog Eat Dog
Haunted Garage - 976-KILL
Texas Texas Bomb - Dirty Action
Sylvia Juncosa - Love Crash
No Alternative - Johnny Got His Gun
Kommunity FK - Incompatible Disposition
Black Flag - Nothing Left Inside
SNFU - Drunk on a Bike
Social Distortion - Playpen
Ramones - I Wanna Live
The Clash - Rudi Can't Fail
Slayer - Abolish Government/Superficial Love
Battalion Of Saints - Nowhere Going Faster
Joe Buck Yourself - Born To Scare
A Pretty Mess - Tonight We Drown
The Specials - Ghost Town
Scientists - Murderess In A Purple Dress
RF7 - Fuck Money
Lords Of The New Church - Russian Roulette
Channel 3 - Manazar
To Damascus - Slam Den
Abrasive Wheels - Burn `em Down
Toxic Reasons - Tomorrow Tonight
Selecter - Missing Words

The above list are some of the top played songs on Stench Radio.

 

 

Download the above songs HERE at the iTunes Music Store

 

 

 

 

 

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Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark – at The Music Box – Los Angeles, CA

One of Los Angeles's most anticipated shows for many months after it sold out in a blink of an eye and then a second show had to be added to accommodate the demand was finally here. Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. Tonight would mark the first time OMD would perform live in Los Angeles in 23 long years and Los Angeles came out in droves to thank them for coming. A band such as this tends to bring out people for various different reasons.

Be it they were die hard fans back in the day and still are, they are new fans of the band that discovered them because of other bands they are listening to that were influenced by them, there are those that remember the music being played in the background as the soundtrack for special times in their lives, along with the casual observer. This show’s attendance was truly a multi generational, crossed members of various musically genres and diverse backgrounds.

By 7:30 the entire place filled up even as space in front of the stage was quickly snapped up and every seat throughout the place had been claimed. Oh Land who comes from New York via Copenhagen opened up the show. Their sound is somewhat likened to a European electronica vibe with all the back up music coming from the keyboards and the stand up drummer. Stand out song they played was, "We Turn It Up" which was very melodic and catchy, certainly a guilty pleasure song.

OMD started at a little past 9, and months of waiting was finally over. It seems that with any band that has had a strong career 20 or more years ago and then pops back on the scene there can always be some apprehension that the band may dash fond memories of the past. Tonight’s performance would host what is called the classic OMD line up of Andy McCluskey, Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper (keyboards) and Malcolm Holmes (drums). Under the haze of a blue darkness the members of OMD took their places on stage with vocalist Andy McCluskey taking the stage last to a welcoming applause.

They opened up with History of Modern from their latest album but the same title. Granted there were many in the audience that had not heard the new album, the song is a very progressive one with all the classic OMD fingerprints all over it and the crowd was eating it up.

The set bounced around a lot of the band’s catalog of songs while mixing in the songs from the new album. Nine songs in they performed the song that introduced even more fans to OMD when the song, “If You Leave” was played toward the end of 80’s movie “Pretty in Pink”. Before they performed the song, Andy commented about how Hollywood had come calling and wanted this song for the movie. As the song was played, people throughout the theater were either singing along or cheering.

At this point in the show some things were every clear. Any apprehension that anyone had about if the bands performance would not be up to par was gone. The band still posses the talent to perform these songs live in 2011 as they did over 20 years ago. However the glaring point was that Andy McCluskey vocal prowess has held up and remains to silky smooth and vibrant.

To top that off, Andy at the age of 51 he was dancing and moving all over the stage throughout the show with the same vigor you would expect from performers half his age…. It was impressive. A little know tid bit about Andy is that he learned to play bass guitar on a left handed bass guitar even though he is right handed and out of those early learning days, he plays with the strings upside down with the lowest-pitched string on the bottom and the highest-pitched one on top, which is normally not done.


The hour and a half set was starting to wind down as they played 1980 song Enola Gay that originally came out as a single and then later appeared on the bands second album Organisation. This song like many of the others performed tonight were completely intoxicating to hear live. As Enola Gay wound down the band unceremoniously left the stage as the roar of cheers filled the void.

After being off stage for a few minutes, OMD returned to the stage for a two song encore that included Walking on the Milky Way followed by the band’s debut single, Electricity. Perhaps the best song to end on as the crowd was taken back to where it all started with OMD with this song that was first released by Factory Records. When the song concluded the band thanked everyone for coming out before exiting the stage for the final time. As you looked around at the faces of the people that just experienced the show the reaction of joy were very different with some crying to others standing in amazement as to what they just witnessed, all the way to others that wanted to go out and party to celebrate being at a great show.

OMD would again play another night at the Music Box on Tuesday March 29th on the show they added after this night’s show had sold out so fast and the Tuesday show sold out as well. We have a feeling that next time they come back to Los Angeles that they will need to play three or more nights in a row to be able to accommodate the high demand for this band’s performance.

Setlist:
History of Modern Pt II - New Babies - Messages - Tesla Girls - Radio Waves - History of Modern Pt I - Forever Live and Die - If You Leave - Souvenir - Joan of Arc - Maid of Orleans - New Holy Ground - Green - Talking Loud and Clear - So In Love - Sister Marie - Locomotion - Dreaming - Sailing on the Seven Seas - Enola Gay
Encore:
Walking on the Milky Way - Electricity

 

                            More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

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Black Fag 5 year anniversary Show with Panties, Henchmen21 and The Shrooms – at The Blvd Cafe – Los Angeles, CA

It's a Friday night, there is an electric feeling in the humid atmosphere at The Blvd. Pushing through the dense crowd, one can sense it is only going to get more rowdy as the night carries on. Its Black Fags 5 year anniversary show and the small space surrounding the bar at The Blvd has heavy foot traffic from both the outside patio and the stage.The crowd is abuzz with anticipation for what is expected to be a truly fabulous night of performances.

The night kicked off with The Shrooms who put on a solid set. Next up was Henchmen21 whose performance definitely got he crowd revved up. Their music was loud, fast,and punchy, everything I want to hear in a band. It seemed that  with every band the crowd got bigger and bigger. Up next was LA based metal band Panties. I was impressed by their musicianship and perhaps mesmerized by the way the rather large pair of panties they had draped over the drum set danced around with every kick of the bass drum.

They brought the energy level of the crowd up and delivered a incendiary set. It was just the right appetizer before the main course that was Black Fag.

Black Fag consists of Liberace Morris on vocals, Greg Streisand on guitar, Cher "The Dyke" Dykeowski on bass, Robo Simmons on Drums and feature back up dancers Bugger and Raymond Pettiboner. As they take the stage and begin to set up the crowd dissipates away from the bar and patio and fills the main room at The Blvd. They start the show with Slip It In and the audience responds almost instantly with movement.

One member of the crowd pogo's in place while another sings along with a mile wide grin on their face. Just when you're deciding wether or not to make that first uncertain push that incites a pit someone else beats you to it.

Front man Liberace Morris updates the crowd on current events such as Elizabeth Taylors passing and Charlie Sheens Winning attitude. The obligatory sweaty shirtless man pitting too hard for his own good graces everyone with his presence during Wasted.

Everyone is singing and slamming to their hearts content. Its clear that audience participation is a huge factor at these shows. Some members even rise to the occasion and dress drag for the show. They spice it up with mash-ups of Six Pack and The B-52's Rock Lobster, at which point the Bugger and Raymond Pettiboner don beehive wigs and opera length satin gloves. The Damaged/ Holla Back Girl mash up was hilarious but my favorite had to be Tmz Party Tonight.

I had the chance to catch Liberace Morris on the phone while he was taking a bubble bath. We chit chat as he recalls some of the more memorable shows in the 5 years past. He tells me about one of the first shows they played during Punk Rock Bowling 2007. Black Fag opened up for Me First and The Gimme Gimme's that year and later joined their tour as a supporting act. He also details a show they played with Bro-Loaf at The Rouge Bar in Scottsdale AZ . A couple of especially enthusiastic members of the crowd got completely naked and stage dove onto an unwilling audience."We once played in a Paris squat, the show ran late and since they enforced a curfew the power was cut off right as we were about to start! Just then the whole room started singing Rise Above a-cappella" Morris explains with a sigh "We hope to go back and sing for Paris one of these days"

Its easy to see how Black Fag can be misunderstood as mocking the gay culture, however its not meant to be taken as a joke, " We don't poke fun at it, We embrace it." says back up dancer Bugger. Although Some fail to find the humor in changing the context of the way Black Flag songs are performed, for example; Henry Rollins. "We asked him to sing a couple songs with us and he folded his arms and said "No!" Explained Bugger "Its like, Get over yourself and go to the gym." Black Fag has had previous cameos from the likes of Mike Watt who wore a Carmen Miranda headpiece and Blag Dahlia adorned a sequin red dress for the occasion.

Black Fag is an absolutely fabulous tribute to Black Flag. They are on point musically and completely woo the crowd with their colorful spin on all our favorites. Everything from the costume changes and the back up dancers to the crowd participation makes for one hell of an entertaining performance and a must see show. You can check them out at one of their next shows with The Meatmen on April 15th at Alex's Bar in Long Beach or April 16th at The Cheyenne Saloon in Las Vegas or find them online at www.myspace.com/blackfag.

 

 

-Desire G.-
Big Wheel Reporter

                   More photos of the show can be seen HERE

 

Go HERE to see all the latest show reviews

 

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Monkey – La Pobreska – Jokes for Feelings – Bobby Adopted and the Self Inflicted Wounds – at 924 Gilman – Berkley, CA

I'm somewhat ashamed and embarrassed to say that I had been living in the Bay Area for about 9 months without making it to see a show at the infamous 924 Gilman Street in Berkeley. For those of you who have been living under a rock, 924 Gilman is a non-profit, all ages club dedicated to music, mainly Punk, ska, hardcore, and a variety of other genres in that realm.I finally made it out to Berkeley for what they coined as "Ska Night"; the small venue was covered in flyers, graffiti art, and scribbled quotes on the wall that contributes to the venue's laid back and DIY environment. The night's line-up consisted of Aught 7, Bobby Adopted and the Self Inflicted Wounds, Jokes for Feelings, La Pobreska, and Monkey.

Unfortunately, I just missed August 7 by the time I arrived at the Gilman, meaning Bobby Adopted and the Self Inflicted Wounds's set was just about to begin and commence my night of Ska filled tunes, even though Bobby Adpoted were the only straight up Punk band on the bill. From the beginning of the set, a pit full of enthusiastic skankers formed, giving there immense support for the band. However, one particular man in the crowd kept consistently heckling the band; at first, it felt as if they were friends messing around with each other but as their set progressed, the taunts continued and became more serious. Despite the prick, Bobby Adopted and the Self Inflicted Wounds carried on to perform exceptional set.

Jokes for Feelings arrived on stage next. Before they could even begin their set, you could feel the excitement and eagerness for their performance in the room. The pit formed immediately, which was easily the biggest of the night and contained the most energy. With the crowd putting their full effort into dancing, and the band performing their hearts out, they could have easily been the headlining act that night. Their set included songs such as "Jolly Roger" and the sultry tune "Naughty Girl", which has proven to become a favorite at their shows. Jokes for Feelings also treated the audience with a few new and never-before-played songs, which the crowd showed appreciation by skanking with tons of zeal. They expressed gratitude for everyone who came out to support them and the rest of the bands performing, and ended their stellar performance with the hit "Welcome to the Show", causing the crowd to break a sweat and create chaos on the dance floor.

One of the things that stood out the most to me about La Pobreska was the fact that they were from Los Angeles, and classified themselves as "LA Skacore". Due to the fact that most of the songs were performed in Spanish and that a few of the band/crew members were sporting Dodgers apparel, I felt right back at home in Los Angeles. Although the pit wasn't as large as it was for Jokes for Feelings, La Pobreska's proved to be much more combative. The band combined Ska-punk style with hardcore and metal elements, bringing a refreshing and unique sound that the audience embraced and enjoyed.

Last but definitely not least, Monkey finally emerged onto the stage, sharply dressed in all black with a slender red tie. Most of the people had left at this point, leaving an incredibly intimate crowd of approximately 25-35 people. Lead singer Curtis Meacham invited the small crowd to gather as close as they could to the stage to truly participate in the Ska music they were about to play. The third wave Ska group's music also consisted of heavy Reggae influences, reminding one of bands such as the Skatalities, Fishbone, and the Slackers. The very same heckler that was present during Bobby Adopted's set was causing trouble once more and became a prime victim for the band's jokes; he eventually was thrown out and Monkey gave the audience permission to applaud and turn the heckling onto him. Monkey created a fun and laid-back environment, with almost everyone in attendance skanking in harmony to the beat of the Ska music. The band ended their set, thus ending the Gilman's night of extraordinary Ska melodies.

The small and hospitable Gilman proved to be a perfect venue to host such a great night of Ska, and I can safely say that I picked a perfect night to experience my first show there. The variety of Ska bands,from Skacore to Ska infused with Reggae,proved that no matter which type you prefer, everyone can unite and skank for something everyone can agree on- their love for Ska music.

-Sarah K.-
Big Wheel Staff Reporter

 

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