Thursday, December 3rd, 2009, Jay Reatard performed at the Earl in East Atlanta. Special guests/opening bands were GG King and Small Reactions.
Without chewing the fat, let me give you the skinny...it was soul-less. Jay has moved on from his previous drummer and bass player, and has replaced them with Jacob Elving and Anders Thode of the Cola Freaks. Cola Freaks you say? I love those guys! A spastic mash of punk and gravy, but with Jay Reatard, they're all dried up turkey.
I went to the show with high hopes of taking out some aggression on the floor. I must confess that I was late, and unfortunately missed the opening band, Small Reactions.
I caught GG King before Reatard took the stage. They were interesting and provided the kind of quick beat that makes you wanna jump and smile. I was glad that I made it in time for their performance, and was able to observe the Reatard crew set up while I enjoyed a beverage. There was a good energy in the air, but something wasn't right. As the music played, it was like sitting down to a giant sundae - determined to finish it, but not enjoying the glutenous process.
I found myself struggling to feel a connection with the band and the music. You could see it in the crowd too. There is typically a high level of energy in the crowd - dancing, moshing, smiles...but not on this night. One girl in the front row who had been standing still for quite a while suddenly burst into a stationary combo of moves in what seemed like a desperate attempt to have some fun. A drink was thrown, a trio of drunken ladies started a lonely mosh pit - perhaps in order to snare a fellow handsome fan. At the end of the show, I was happy to have carved another Jay Reatard show into my belt...but when a friend asked me what I thought about the show, I honestly replied, "I think they need to practice more together."
Until next time, J.R.
Music Monkey gives this band TWO out of FOUR bananas.
