The Milky Way Lounge was the kick-off event for the Scammies. It was not only that, but also the very first time that many of us would formally mueet and talk in person for the first time. After 6 months or so of online chatting and emailing it was awesome to finally touch base on a human level.
The night started off with Scammies initiator Anne Stott, who did a solo acoustic performance of originals and topped off with a great cover of Neil Youngs’ ‘Heart Of Gold”, which she dedicated to the Scammies . One of her songs, “Westbound Train” really stuck out and did so again after listening to her album on the way home.
Next up, was fellow NJ band, “Their Planes Will Block Out The Sun”. Watching these guys set up was a trip. They brought out a Glock and Go-Go Bells. It’s been awhile since we’ve seen another group bring out cool little toys. Their set was hypnotic…truly a mesmerizing set. Notable tunes ; self titled “Their Planes Will Block Out The Sun” and “Brazil”.
Amber Blues took to the stage third and we did a solid rock set fashioned in a different way than usual. We tried out a new order of songs, thus changing the dynamic and build of our set, and it worked real well. A few highlights of our set; “Never Get Back”, “Everybody’s Trying To Hold You Down” and “When You Were Mine”.
Closing out the night was Boston band, BabyDriver. These guys were a lot of fun…a little garage rock, a little alternative…a little bit like Weezer as well, which I think is one of their noted influences. It was cool to see a band like theirs have a keyboard, which really isn’t as common as one might think. Believe it or not, these guys also use Glock..and much to Tareks’ pleasure, a Wurlitzer piano.
Come the end of the night all of us in the Scammies were blown away at how great the night was. Every band/artist was completely awesome and the caliber of musicians in the room was outstanding. This collection of artists is really to die for. Amber Blues doesn’t often tour with other artists but this time, we are thrilled to be a part of the action.
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