Done With You / Taxi Driver / Progress / Red Line Rebels / A Dying Breed
Midway Cafe, Jamaica Plain, MA 8/3/13
Today’s show was originally planned as a fundraiser for the fine Punks For A Princess organization but with the recent passing of Josh Barone’s brother, who is the lead singer of the band A Dying Breed, it was switched to a benefit for him to help in burial costs. And the next day at the President’s Club, a show for Joe Strummer’s birthday organized by Carrie Ford Bell of the BarRoom Heroes, also donated the funds from that show toward Josh Barone. Just another example of what makes the punk community a great, tight nit group of people and we offer our condolences as well.
So strap yourself in for the time of your life as dual texting is once again about to begin. We suggest people to use the bathroom before reading to eliminate any embarrassing accidents. And please do not try this at home as it is unlawful except by certified, meaning certifiably insane, people like Andy Bang and Slimedog.
Slimedog- This place looks awfully familiar.
Andy- Yes, we’ve been here before. Perhaps in a previous life?
Slimedog- Now, this is a cafe, right? Where are the croissants and cappuccino?
Andy- Not sure but I think I saw Jill and T.J. Fighting over a donut a few minutes ago.
Slimedog- Oh, this is the Midway again. I was hoping to hear, instead of some exciting punk music, some bland, boring, inoffensive folk stuff today.
Andy- Inoffensive folk? Isn’t that an oxymoron?
Slimedog- True, many morons do play folk. Well, the show’s about to start, good turnout today.
Andy- Yes, I had to throw a kindly old lady off a stool just to get a seat.
Slimedog- Yes, they should ban anyone over fifty from punk shows. Up first is A Dying Breed and they are sprightly as you might say.
Andy- Even the highest honor of “scrotum-ly good” as you would say.
Slimedog- They play loud, metal influenced hardcore and today I see Jaime from the Trans Fats on bass.
Andy- Yeah, kind of a metallic funky hardcore. Jaime is really getting down with his bad self.
Slimedog- I’ve seen the band before but this is the best I’ve heard them. Now the Red Lines are taking the stage.
Andy- I agree. Oh you mean the Rebels, for a second I thought you meant that rock’n’roll band out of Pittsburg.
Slimedog- Who is that?
Andy- You know. The Red Lines. Oops, never mind. Hey isn’t that the tyrannical slave manager of those innocent young boy musicians (BarRoom Heroes) out of Weymouth?
Slimedog- Yes, the evil redheaded Carrie. But she’s so adorable I forgive all her transgressions.
Andy- Well, the RLR’s are rippin’ it up. For a band that’s breaking up, they certainly do a great job.
Slimedog- Yeah, they’re the fastest band in all the land. Hey Jay is standing on top of the bar. Take a picture.
Andy- Okay. (Click) Check it out. Another fine shot of Jay’s ass to go along with the others in your secret stash. Oops, forget I said that, Jay’s fiance is behind me.
Slimedog- She’s right next to me. I thought I was being blinded by the sun but it’s her radiant beauty. Save that photo for our upcoming centerfold.
Andy- Cool. Up next is a band we’ve never seen before.
Slimedog- No, but they are from Connecticut where they grow good bands. How would you describe them?
Andy- Their name is Progress and WOW!!!, these guys are amazing! The band is incredibly tight and musically very sound. They remind me of Government Issue but better.
Slimedog- Yeah- hard, aggressive, intricate hardcore. They sound great much like my delightful Narragansette Latte I’m enjoying.
Andy- Hey, you got a Narragansette Latte? I want one, too. Now, where did that fetching bartenderess go?
Slimedog- Yeah and these beef jerky croissants are heavenly. And talk about heavenly; it’s time for Taxi Driver.
Andy- For a second I thought Robert DeNiro just walked in. Oh you mean that fine hardcore band from Boston.
Slimedog- Yeah, they get better all the time. And I think they’re starting off with “Iron Man” by Black Sabbath!
Andy- Well, sort of. It’s actually “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden, which I erroneously called “Aces High” during our last review. Either way it’s a great lead off song.
Slimedog- I like seeing bands like them, BarRoom Heroes, OC45 and others- seeing them grow and improve with time. They make my words ring true and is my favorite part of what we do. Now it’s time for Refuse Resist!
Andy- Hey wait a minute. This can’t be Refuse Resist. I see Shawn holding the mike, but a slightly smaller than usual individual on bass.
Slimedog- Excellent observation. It’s actually his new New York band called Done With You.
Andy- Oh, thanks be to Freddie Mercury, I thought I was hallucinating. Hmm, these guys are rockin’ it out. Quite scrotum-ly sprightly.
Slimedog- Yes, safe to say there is not a dry scrotum in the house. Shawn’s is a great front man and they have an excellent drummer.
Andy- Agreed. I know my scrotum’s wet. The drummer is like a Tasmanian devil back there.
Slimedog- And not since Elvis Presley played the Midway has a better performer graced the stage. Hey they’re playing “Nervous Breakdown” by Led Zeppelin.
Andy- Sorry, I missed that last part. I was trying a few of those delightful beef jerky croissants. Hey check it out. It’s “Communication Breakdown” by Led Zeppelin. I wonder if they know“Stairway To Heaven.”
Slimedog- We’re both wrong it’s “Nervous Breakdown” by Black Flag and a song by The Trouble, as well. Well, here’s another great New York band.
Andy- Cool, pretty soon New York will have enough bands to field an entire Midway afternoon lineup.
Slimedog- That would be groovy. I must say that I’m very impressed with the nice tablecloths and new chairs here at the Midway. And the PBR espresso was simply divine.
Andy- I thought the Jager juice-boxes were also a nice touch. But I think Rocky (Midway mascot, a pug) may have had a few too many. He appears to be passed out under my stool.
