February 16, 2007
Unbuckled 5: It's a Wrap
A big thanks to everyone who braved the icy sidewalks and parking spots to come out to Unbuckled last night. The folks at DC9 were excellent hosts, as always. These United States and Pela played truly captivating and impressive sets, complete with a sweet lap steel and enough guitar pedals to sink a ship. Pela braved the bad roads and came down from NYC for the show, and we were lucky to snag TUS before they head off for a tour including a stop at SXSW. And the beer flowed like... beer tends to flow at bars, so effusive praise for Kyle and all those involved is about all we can muster today. Unbuckled always tends to live up to its name and inspire people to dance a little more, chat a little more, and have a little more fun. It was great to meet a lot of the people that we only know by email address or commentor name. So again, thanks for coming out, the fifth outing was a hit!
Photos by Kyle Gustafson
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these united states suck ass.
I agree with always correct. These United States may dress cool and play their instruments competently, but their songs and performance lick balls.
I read on DCist that they're about to tour the US. I really wish they wouldnt. I dont want people to think the DC scene is that bland and mediocre.
You guys have got to be kidding me.
These US are probably the best band in this city right now. The songs are intricate, the lyrics are brilliant, and the musicianship is well above "competent."
Care to elaborate beyond "suck ass" and "lick balls?" You're not really making much of a case. You sort of sound like Fallout Boy fans.
Great show last night, both bands did a fantastic job. thanks dcist
I dont know wtf, while I would agree that TUS dont "suck ass" or "lick balls," i would hardly say that they are the best band in the city right now. I was at the Washington Social Club/ TUS show, and I saw both performances and the crowd reactions. TUS was playing beneath the din of crowd chatter, failed to engage the audience, and played nothing memorable. Washington Social Club, on the other hand, made the audience go nuts, and put on quite a performance.
I think the issue that the issue that "always correct" and "Robby W." have with These United States is that there is really nothing remarkable about their stage show, they dont have a record out, and yet they have been getting buzz around town.
As a side note, I also dont get the whole contrived urban alt-country scene that bands like TUS and their cohorts are trying to start. I mean, I respect TUS for playing the music that they want to, but this whole alt-country scene out of the blue kind of throws me for a loop.
Well, given that WSC was the headliner at that show, and they have a very different audience from TUS (one that apparently doesn't know how to respect a supporting act), that chatter was to be expected. I was in front of the stage during TUS' set and the energy was great.
Now, go see a TUS-headlined show, or a show with them and other Gypsy Eyes bands and then you'll see. But crowd reaction doesn't really factor in for me. Public opinion's got nothing to do with the strength of a band's songs. see: nickelback.
I don't see the alt-country/folksy bent of a lot of bands right now as contrived, per se. Most of those guys have been playing music like that forever, and I think it's gaining ground because it feels (to me anyway) like honest music. There's nothing contrived about TUS. Jessie Elliot's songs feel like they're written for him alone, and people just happen to like them a lot.
And I'm a skeptical guy. The second I smell something phony or contrived about a band, they're my worst enemy. And there are plenty of those in this city.
wtf - are you in the band or something, or are you dating the drummer? this whole thread is lamer than DC's alt-country scene.
first off, anybody who makes their case with the nuanced statements of 'sucks ass' and 'licks balls' is a bright, observant, gifted writer who should pursue their art further, especially publicly. contrast that to the literate thoughtful lyrics, deft performance, and energy that These US generates. i think some of the haters on this forum should form a band together, or maybe they already have one and its called 'Sour Grapes'. in short, if you have horrible taste in music and can't see talent when it smacks you in the face with a fantastic set in packed club, keep it to yourself. but instead, i expect you will likely retort with another gem like 'sucks ass'. finally, there is nothing out of blue re: alt country. its older than dirt. check your music history. yes, older than nickelback (gasp!)
first off, anybody who makes their case with the nuanced statements of 'sucks ass' and 'licks balls' is a bright, observant, gifted writer who should pursue their art further, especially publicly. contrast that to the literate thoughtful lyrics, deft performance, and energy that These US generates. i think some of the haters on this forum should form a band together, or maybe they already have one and its called 'Sour Grapes'. in short, if you have horrible taste in music and can't see talent when it smacks you in the face with a fantastic set in packed club, keep it to yourself. but instead, i expect you will likely retort with another gem like 'sucks ass'. finally, there is nothing out of blue re: alt country. its older than dirt. check your music history. yes, older than nickelback (gasp!)