gniP gnoP is the tumblog

Everything Jason said…

Last night, I saw one of the last shows ever to be held at the Southgate House, a Newport, Kentucky, institution for almost as many years as I’ve been going to shows. It was only fitting that alt.country darlings The V-Roys took the stage for the twelfth or so time at the venue a few days before it closes, having last played together as a band in public in 1999. They only recorded two studio albums, a live one, and a handful of outtakes from EPs, but if there’s a clunker in the bunch, I haven’t found it.

I can’t put into words how much I loved the show last night. It’s been a long, long time since I’ve been to a show where I knew every word of every song and could sing along to every note.

I remember the first time I heard “Cold Beer, Hello,” in the parking lot of the Best Buy in Greenwood, when my friend Lane emerged from his job there with a copy of Just Add Ice in hand. I fell in love immediately, and have been a fan of The V-Roys and their descendants, Scott Miller & The Commonwealth and Mic Harrison & The High Score, ever since. Hell, Scott’s played Twangfest more than any other non-St. Louis-based artist. We all kinda love them.

Anyway, I’m still buzzing, and my ears are still ringing, and for having two hours’ sleep under my belt, I’m in a remarkably good mood. Music that burrows into your heart and your brain, shared with a close friend and a room full of people only a few of whom I’d murder given the opportunity—popped collar shaved head knit cap in sweltering rock club stupid frat dude dancing guy, I’m looking at you—well, I remember why I spent ten happy years working for Twangfest, and why I’ll never stop going to shows, because on the right night, magic can still happen.

COLD BEER, HELLO!

Source: jasonbaldwin