Bad Brains: Still got that attitude

When a friend told me some weeks ago that the Bad Brains were coming to Brussels I didn't hesitate to buy a ticket. It would have been unforgivable to forsake this occasion when the Brains are playing just 500 meters from my home. And apparently I was right because last Sunday the Hallen van Schaarbeek were packed with people from all over Europe, as the band played only four concerts this side of the ocean on their mini-tour.

It's not unforgivable not to know the Bad Brains. They never broke through in the mainstream. There aren't many bands who have invented their own genre though. The Brains did when, in the late 1970s, these jazz musicians toyed around with punk, significantly jacking up the speed, until hardcore was born. They were the first and probably also the best hardcore band ever, becoming an inspiration for every generation that has played rock and punk ever since. And if that wasn't enough to make them stand out, they tend to alternate hardcore with reggae during live shows and on their records.

Las time I saw the band must have been about 20 years ago. I had just discovered "Rock for Light", an album that is still on my favorites list (and should be on yours if you care for some pretty intense music), and I was blown away by their frantic live show.

Last Sunday singer HR, known to be extremely unpredictable, was not really with us and his performance was downright dull--hands in his pocket and his head covered with a scarf. The music was great though. The rhythm section is still rock solid at breakneck speed and Dr. Know's guitar playing hasn't lost any of its genius after all those years. The gig was way too short but still it was worthwhile. Even if their new album doesn't live up to the recordings of the early years, the Bad Brains' live shows are still an experience.

Belgium united

This country is going to the dogs, if our politicians are to be believed. Two months after the elections they are still trying to figure out how to form the new government. In order to justify their ineptitude they're blaming the deep divisions between French- and Dutch-speaking part of the country. Divide and rule, you know. Well, some people down here in Belgium just had enough of it. Some started a campaign on Myspace and changed their pictures with the flag. It's not that we're Belgian nationalists but we're against any further division according to language, race, belief or whatever. The people are united as one!

BTW, it reminds me of my favorite Husker Du song:

It's not about my politics
Something happened way too quick
A bunch of men who played it sick
They divide, conquer

For those under 30 or over 50: Husker Du was one of those bands that helped me through the 1980s.

This one's for Leterme: Divide and conquer live!

Summer festivals

I prefer to monitor the summer festivals on the radio and the internet. Music festivals are more like a mega-party these days. It's not about the music anymore and that's a pity. Moreover it's expensive. Sure, I missed some nice concerts again at this weekend's Pukkelpop festival. Sonic Youth played Daydream Nation. And there was Cocorosie, one of the most exciting bands around these days. Are the Casidy sisters weird or just plain nuts? I don't know but you really have to check them out. The Hairnet Paradise video is a good start. It's amazing what they do with a kazoo and a couple of toys.

Back from Kinshasa

After two weeks in the RD Congo, visiting Lubumbashi and Kinshasa, I'm back in town. It was a heavy schedule and we definitely worked hard with the wonderful team of EDS. They're doing such a great job in the popular neighbourhoods of Kinshasa. We hardly had any time to discover the city but still the atmosphere of Kinshasa gets under your skin. There is probably no better way to pay respect to it than with Franco's ode to the city where he is still considered one of its greatest musicians ever. Wait for the moment an aide hands him his blue Gibson and you'll know why.

The Storm - Chikoy against the killings

Chikoy Pura is one of my favorite Filipino artists. His band, the Jerks, is an institution in Philippine music and they are responsible for some of the classics in Philippine rock history. They never sold out and are respected by musicians and music lovers alike. Chikoy is also not afraid to speak his mind about political issues and I saw him often play in between speeches at protest rallies. His tribute to the martyrs of the people's movement is probably not his best but heck, it moves me to tears.

Punx not dead

Bush is sending 21,500 extra troops to Iraq. He'll probably need more money for his war machine. Look what he's up to:



And here's the anti-flag's answer:



I like this chorus:

Protest!... Against!... Injustice!... State terror!...
On the streets of the world for the disempowered!


Apparently the old slogan still holds true: Punx not dead!

Tugboat

Galaxie 500 is one of my favorite bands ever and their first LP "Today" is still on heavy rotation. Somebody pointed me to their video of Tugboat, one of the songs on that album. It's an intriguing video for a timeless song with great guitars.