(With this post, DCist starts featuring guest music
reviews from our readers. The first one is from DCist contributor Jake Wolman.)

Things we were told about Clem Snide before attending their show:

• “They’re pretty mellow–great music to study to.”
• “They play fun alt-country indie rock.”
• “Don’t miss this show.”
• “They’re a great live band.”
• “I make sure to see them whenever they come through DC.”

We weren’t sure exactly what to expect from Clem Snide, but given the enthusiastic recommendations we got from a number of our good friends, we were definitely excited to see them do their thing.

The first opening band was Marbles. Marbles is the solo project of Rob Schneider, frontman of the terrific Apples in Stereo. Schneider may be accustomed to playing with bandmates, but on Friday he made do with a stereo system not unlike the one we had on our bookshelf in college. Wearing big blocky sunglasses, a shiny silver cape and matching flip-flops, with an unplugged electric guitar hanging from his neck, Schneider didn’t exactly exude staid professionalism. Adding to the effect was his backing troupe: cardboard cutouts of the robot from Lost in Space and Darth Vader (with shoulder-strapped keyboard, circa 1986). He gesticulated dramatically, at times looking like a karaoke version of a glam rock diva, swinging his guitar around and generally strutting like the cock of the walk. His antics, however, couldn’t completely distract from the simple appeal of his quirky songs–despite the bizarre accoutrements and goofy dramatics, Schneider’s performance was quite enjoyable. The combination of simple, harmonic guitar, soft drums, and glitchy synth effects melded well with his high, melodic voice, and while the presentation may not have tickled everyone in the audience it’s hard to complain about the music or Schneider’s energy–this was an excellent beginning to the evening.