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Mike Huguenor on January 30, 2019
There is a classic indie rock vibe to Funny Face House’s BDIY-005. Released this past August, BDIY is a hissing snap of four-track rock complete with weirdo melodies, scuzzy vocals, double-tracked guitar solos and warbly keyboards. Think Pavement debut Slanted and Enchanted, or Thee Oh Sees. It’s also an unabashedly fun record, taking no prisoners in its playfulness. The supremely Pavement-y “Lizard” asks the question “What am I?” then screams the answer: “A lizard!” Reptile or not, Funny Face House is a band to watch in SJ. Philly-based Church Girls and Joan & The Rivers share the bill. Continue reading »
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Wallace Baine on January 30, 2019
These days it wouldn’t be so surprising to hear My Chemical Romance raining softly down from overhead speakers at your local Nordstroms. But before punk was fully incorporated into the Great Corporate American Songbook, a trio of scuzzy East Bay kids in their 20s paved the way with a multi-platinum album called Dookie. It’s been 25 years since Green Day released their pop-punk masterpiece. Now, another Bay Area power-pop trio, Pounders, plans to pay tribute to Billy, Tré and Mike by covering Green Day’s seminal 1994 album in its entirety. Continue reading »
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Wallace Baine on January 30, 2019
Stand-up comedian Chris Porter spoke for millions of self-loathing middle-age dudes in his hit comedy special Ugly & Angry. If you’re a fan of Comedy Central or NBC’s Last Comic Standing, maybe you’ve gotten a taste of his deadpan drollery—“If you wear a toupee, know this: No one’s heard a word you’ve said, ever.” He’s also finds laughs with a cost-benefit analysis of healthy living vs. fun living. That one can be found by Googling his name plus the words “heroin” and “Taco Bell.” Porter performs four shows over three nights at RTF. Continue reading »
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Mike Huguenor on January 30, 2019
Oakland-based The Younger Lovers don’t have time for just being young. They want to be even younger. Younger than Neil Young. Younger than Young Jeezy. Younger! Surfy, trashy and fuzzed out, these East Bay punks definitely have a youthful energy. Their songs are short and dirty, and sound a bit like Shannon & the Clams run through Hunks & His Punx. Burger Records—which put out the group’s Rock Flawless cassette back in 2012—is co-presenting this show in coordination with rising event curation collective The Come Up during Cafe Stritch’s weekly Wax Wednesday shindig. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on January 30, 2019
Anyone who paid even the least bit of attention during social studies class should know at least a few things about Leonardo Da Vinci. Quite literally a Renaissance man, he lived from 1452 to 1516 and is known for his painting, inventions, scientific work and sculpture. Oh, plus the “Mona Lisa”—that was good old Leo. But those who have taken a deeper dive, such as Saratoga-based author Caroline Cocciardi, find so much more to unpack. Cocciardi has put together a book all about Da Vinci’s fascination with ornate knots. She speaks about her new work Leonardo’s Knots in Saratoga this week. Continue reading »
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Nick Veronin on January 30, 2019
It has been a banner year for female rappers. A string of mainstream rap radio hits from the likes of Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, Bhad Bhabi, City Girls and Kash Doll have shattered the longstanding and problematic recording industry norm that would only tolerate one woman on the top of the charts at a time. Continue reading »
I was in my car stopped at the red light on San Antonio Road waiting to cross El Camino to go into Los Altos. You were a young lady looking at her phone with your little dog on a leash waiting on the curb to cross El Camino. Then your little dog started to scratch on your pant legs. You put your phone in your purse and picked up your little dog. Your little dog looked up at you with love. You smiled and kissed your little dog on the top of her head. The light turned green; you crossed El Camino with your little dog cradled in your arms, and I drove home and told your two-minute story to my family over dinner.
I Saw You is an anonymous “man on the street” column. Email your rants and raves about co-workers or any badly behaving citizens to [email protected], or send to 380 S. First St, San Jose, 95113. Submissions should stick to about 100 words.
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Wallace Baine on January 24, 2019
Those without truly adventurous musical tastes need not apply. There’s really no reason to engage with Senyawa otherwise, even on a hypothetical level. It’s akin to asking a 6-year-old to try the haggis; the bar for persuasion is just too high. Continue reading »
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Metro Staff on January 23, 2019
This snarky musical farce follows Nick and Nigel Bottom, two aspiring playwrights living in Elizabethan England. Facing some pretty serious competition in the form of William Shakespeare, they’re desperately seeking a leg up. That’s when a local soothsayer gives them a glimpse into the future. Upon learning that singing, dancing and acting might all be combined into one glorious show, the Bottoms set out to write the world’s very first Broadway hit. Featuring a show tune titled “The Black Death,” the uproarious Something Rotten! scored 10 Tony Award nominations, including Best Musical. Runs through Feb. 3. Continue reading »
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Metro Staff on January 23, 2019
Of all the bands that carved out a niche in the bouncy bubble that was the late-’90s swing revival, few garnered more mainstream love than the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies. The Eugene, Oregon, band scored big with their 1997 single, “Zoot Suit Riot.” But to their dedicated fans, the Daddies are far more than a one-hit wonder. The group was founded by guitarist and singer Steve Perry in 1989 and has always incorporated a diverse range of influences in its eclectic sound, from doo-wop to punk to ska to jazz. Continue reading »
