Brain Surgeons, 8/25/95

[Chip Hart]

        Brain Surgeons, Club Toast, 08/25/95


        Albert and Deborah just left a few minutes ago and I quickly
        dashed to my machine to post a review of their show last night
        when I ran into a problem: do I post the "10-page-no-one-will-
        believe-what-a-damn-good-time-I-had" version or the "2-page-
        just-the-facts" version?  I guess I'll start with the latter and
        see how I do.

        After a little effort (and driving from New York), the band
        began to assemble in front of the club to unload the gear.  Just
        then, Al and Deb looked up and waved to a group of people I've
        never seen before.  "Hey guys!"

        It turns out that Carl, Tania, and Scott drove up from Boston
        just to see the show.  Surprise FTF encounters are always fun
        and, to no surprise, they were each completely pleasant.

        We all helped unload and witnessed 1/2 a sound check.  A
        scramble for dining arrangements ensued, and the Boston crew
        went off while we helped settle Ace in for the evening.

        I had the pleasure of sitting down with David (the BS bassist,
        for those heathens who don't know) before the show and we had a
        few beers.  Since everything had been very hectic to that
        point, I got a chance to really find out that everyone in the
        band is just so friggin' personable.  What the hell?  I don't
        think I can assemble 5 of my friends as nice as these guys.

        The show started about 9:30.  I'll leave it up to the Boston
        crew to provide a complete set-list, but you can be sure the
        goodies were there (Gimme' Nothin, Time Will Take Care of You,
        Cities on Flame, etc.).  Let's get one thing straight:

        THE BRAIN SURGEONS ROCK.

        I'm a little jaded on the club rock scene and really pretty much
        stopped sacrificing my hearing for the cause a few years ago.
        But damn, they really sounded GREAT.  They truly are a head above
        any live intimate band I can name right now.  The original works
        comes across so well live, I was amazed.  In particular, the new
        stuff is truly, truly great.  "My Civilization" was just
        fantastic.

        Ok, to avoid just tossing out superlatives, I'll skip to the
        highlight: *Death Valley Nights*.  According to Albert, it was
        only the second time it's ever been played live (but no longer).
        DVN has always been one of my favorite tracks and to hear it, to
        SEE IT two feet in front of me, was just great, especially given
        the live changes to it.

        My only complaints about the show: TOO SHORT and no "Sally".
        The band really coulda' held the audience for another 1/2 hour
        easily, and should have gone at least 2-3 more songs.  I'd also
        like to hear "Sally" in there.

        PURPOSEFUL EDITORIAL HERE:

        Why the hell hasn't every BOC fan on this list bought
        "Trepenation"?!  With the exception of those of you on a really
        tight budget, you've got no excuse.  This isn't fawning to some
        famous rock star here...they already left for home!
        "Trepanation" is really an excellent album and is substantially
        better than "Eponymous".  Live, the band really throws some
        crunch into the sound.

        Albert will probably not want to hear this, but "Trepanation"
        also has a significant "BOC" sound to it.  I think it may be
        because there's a band presence now, but the source is
        irrelevant.  "T'" is easily the best outside-of-BOC
        performance by any of the band members (including "Flat Out,"
        "Summa Cum Loud," etc.).

        END EDITORIAL

        After the show, we had excellent food at a small place I know
        well.  In the morning, we went and visited my parents who have a
        house which borders a state park.  We took a hike up into the
        woods and enjoyed the view of Lake Champlain and the
        Adirondacks.  And that was that!

        One thing I won't soon forget: hearing Albert pick up my
        guitar and play bits from _Imaginos_ or practice "Dr.
        Music" for an upcoming gig.  I hope some of it rubbed off.

        The entire band was truly delightful and enjoyable from top to
        bottom and I hope they'll make it back here again soon.  And, as
        I expect the Boston crew to say, IT'S COMPLETELY WORTH THE DRIVE
        TO SEE THEM.  Next time they play Boston, I'm there.

        Thanks Al + Deb!

--
Chip Hart * chip at pcc.com   *   http://www.pcc.com/~chip
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