Bummed I didn't get the keyboardist.
$100 played the Alex P. Keaton last night. The opening act didn't show, so $100 played two sets. That was fine by me.
I first heard the band through online word of mouth; hearing they covered a Fucked Up song (not being that into FU's music, but their actions as a band) was enough to get me to check out the band. At first I didn't know if I was all that into it, I never really listened to country. But there was just something about it, it stuck with me. I kept listening until I accepted that I liked the band. I finally heard the album, Forest Of Tears, and was hooked. It was country I could relate to, talking about things I could identify with.
Evidently I was alone, because none of my friends wanted to go, despite it being a "pay what you can." I didn't know this of course until day of – after several "the alex p keaton can eat shit" claims – I called the bar to find out if the show was even happening. Luckily no one answered, but the answering machine very politely told me the show was on. I got there around 10pm, when it was supposed to start. I didn't expect to know anyone there, but when I walked to the back of the room, I saw Jason O'Young. We talked about straight edge and hardcore. It was good having someone to talk to.
Finally around 10:30, $100 started playing. They opened with 900 Miles (I'm pretty sure that's what it was). I can't remember the set list in order, but I know they played all the songs I wanted to hear – Forest Of Tears, Hell's A Place, Fourteen Hour Day, Fourteenth Floor, No Great Leap, Someday Soon – it was a good two sets. They also covered Blaze of Glory by Fucked Up, at Jason's request. I thought about asking to hear Tirade of a Shitty Mom, but I didn't think of it until the end of the last set, and I didn't think they'd want to end the night on a sad note. They also covered Dolly Parton and Gordon Lightfoot. It was one of the best shows I've been to in a while. Seeing a good band, in a small room with people who are into it is the best.
I bought a shirt and the regional 7" for Toronto. Overall it was an awesome night. Contender for "Show of the Year" for sure.
