Blowout 2009: A Short Preview

It’s that time of year again.

Blowout Twelve begins Wednesday with the Opening Night Pre-Party, continuing Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, ending Sunday with you sleeping in till two in the afternoon, completely exhausted, but satisfied. And another guarantee I’ll guarantee: even with plenty of rest on The Day of Rest, you will still feel fatigued and completely out of it on Monday morning at work. At least if you do Blowout the right way.

Just like last year, your ePals Scotter and Whalebomb will have recaps, racing our fellow blognerds to see who can post the most blatheringly rushed werds the soonest in order to allow for a 15 minute nap before heading out for the next night of music.

Last year’s Blowout was one of the best weekends of the year. I discovered many bands that I followed throughout 2008, had lots of fun traveling from venue to venue, took pictures in front of the Pope, got yelled at by TV news groupies at the Devon Scillian performance–it was great. But this year may be a bit different. I went into last year’s Blowout as a returning newbie to the Detroit scene, having been away for a few years. It was all so new.

But this year, I’m a vet, having enjoyed seeing many of the bands on the docket several times over the past twelve months. Certainly, there will be some new finds, but it will be difficult to give an unfamiliar band a chance when some of my faves are playing at the same time slots. So the problem with writing a Blowout preview is the large purview we’re working from here. Whalebomb, what do you think?

Whalebomb: This year–maybe because I just haven’t gone to as man shows lately–I don’t recognize a lot of bands that are playing. That’s a good thing. I’m going to treat this year like the first couple years I went to Blowout. Just go to go, knowing I’m going to find a lot of good music no matter which bar I walk into. A lot of people check out every band from their myspace links and research, research, research. I’m not looking forward to seeing any specific band. I don’t think one night is going to be better than all the others. I’m just looking forward to the Blowout experience: Complaining about parking; complaining about small, packed venues; complaining about the weather; but enjoying the shit out of myself over those four nights because it really is the best weekend in Detroit each year.

Other bloggers and writers will give you pointers and tips and tell you which bands to see. There’s nothing wrong with that, but we need to get you out there. This isn’t a special club that if you don’t know about the bands we’re talking about you have to stay home. Join us. For $20, it’s the best damn fun you can have in Detroit for four days straight (although maybe not anymore…with the economy so bad $20 can probably get you a lot of “things” in Detroit nowadays). For now, just go. Go and have fun.

Well writ, Whalebomb, but as our bloggy obligation, we should provide a few recommendations, so here’s a modest preview of bands that I’ll be sure to catch this weekend.

Wednesday

All the bands are at the Majestic Complex. Just roam. You don’t need us for Wednesday night.

Thursday

Blase Splee – K of C Lounge – 8:20

I czeched Blase Splee on a whim at last year’s Blowout after listening to a few of their tracks. By the middle of their first song at The Painted Lady, I was a fan. But since Blowout, I’ve only seen this band one other time–at Rock City Fest–and am looking forward to starting Thursday with 60s pop-revival revelry. The band has been working on a full-length album for forever, and I’m sure it’s got to be done by now. Let it out into the world, boys.

Daniel – 10:20 – K of C Lounge

Daniel’s New Year’s Eve show at the Belmont was the best performance by one guy with a laptop and mic that I’ve seen since Deastro used to play with just a laptop and mic (and drums, of course). With Zoos of Berlin following, the K of C Lounge seems to be the place to be on Thursday.

Other Thursday night picks:

Deastro at K of C Hall – 11:00
I saw Deastro with full band at the Millions of Brazilians EP release and, oh man, they’re getting better! The band’s bassist was playing some of the coolest basslines I’ve heard in some time, giving Deastro’s music an even dancier feel, and making said bassist my favorite Detroit bassist that’s not Chad Stocker or my brother. Deastro covered Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U.” Let me just repeat that: Deastro covered Prince’s “I Would Die 4 U!” I’m going to try really hard to miss this show so that I can go out and discover new bands I haven’t heard yet, but it’s not going to be easy.

Millions of Brazilians at New Dodge – 10:00
I heard that this show will be particularly ridiculous. Like, dangerously ridiculous.

The Juliets at Jean’s – 11:20
Jeremy Freer goes Chamber Pop. The demos on their MySpace page sound really great. I look forward to hearing more.

Darling Imperial at Baker’s Streetcar – 8:40
Detroit Gorilla and Matt mentioned this band in their Blowoutcast, and for good reason. The tracks sound great. I’ll likely be heading the Baker’s once Blase Splee finish their set.

Friday

Jason Croff Family Band at Carbon – 12:20

If you’re a regular follower of this blog, you’ll know that I’m a regular follower of Jason Croff Band. I love their loungy sounds and Croff is a great songwriter and, if he plays with Four-Hour Friends at 11:20 at Atlas Bar, the hardest working man at Blowout on Friday night. [UPDATE: Croff will not be playing with Four-Hour Friends on Friday night. It should be noted that this does not reflect upon my previous characterization of his work ethic in anyway.]

Blackreign & Ohkang at Trowbridge – 1:00

How can you even think of ending Friday at Blowout with anything but soulful hip-hop? Blackreign & Okhang played early at the Wednesday night party last year, where 25 other people and I had a much better time than you did. Don’t make the same mistake this year by missing them.

Other Friday Night Picks:

I, Crime at The Belmont – 11:20
The last time I saw this band was at Russell Industrial and they were amazing. I’m guessing not much has changed.

Noman at The Belmont – 9:20
Detroit’s best kept secret from itself. These guys were on tour during last year’s Blowout, and will probably be on tour for next year’s Blowout. Better catch them now.

Friends of The Post-Rockist Hadituptoheres, Stare Into the Sun, and Elle and the Fonts at Kelly’s – 12:40, 11:40, and 9:40 respectively.
The Hadituptoheres includes my favorite Detroit bassist who isn’t the bassist from Deastro or Chad Stocker.

The High Strung at Small’s – 11:40.
Includes my favorite Detroit bassist who isn’t my brother or the bassist from Deastro. New album out soon.

Saturday

Jennie Knaggs & The Sure Shots at New Dodge – 11:00

I like some eclecticism in my Blowout, and Jennie Knaggs & The Sure Shots will provide that. I think Greenfield Village should hire Jennie Knaggs to walk around all day and sing. Twangy, old-timey bluegrass on a Saturday night? Count me in and watch me mosey on to the New Dodge around 11 in the pm.

Old Empire at Baker’s – 9:40

My interest in this group is a result of trying to find a band to bank on that I’ve never heard of. Old Empire is the winner based on the first song on their Myspace page, which is a great little tune. First, it’s called “Sweaterdress,” which is something I recommend more girls start wearing. I will probably find you very attractive as a result. Second, handclaps. If you’re a girl in a sweaterdress and you also like handclaps, I will find you more attractive. Third, their other songs sound good too, a kind of pop-country hybrid a la Old 97s.

Other Saturday night picks:

Friendly Foes at The Belmont – 1:00
I regret not making it to The Painted Lady last year to catch Thunderbirds Are Now close The Blowout. Apparently, it was awesome. This time around, I should probably bank on Rallen and band closing it down with great show.

Lightning Love at The Belmont – 11:00
Have you heard their new album, November Birthday?! I know, it’s great! My first introduction to Lightning Love was a Blowout last year, and that performance alone kept drawing me back to their shows. If you haven’t heard them or seen them live yet, you should now.

Oscillating Fan Club at Paychecks – 11:20
Every time I catch OFC, I have a good time. Good enough reason to recommend them.

You know, I actually was feeling kind of blase about Blowout this year until writing this preview. Now, I’m excited as hell.

See you there!

Also, czech out what these folks recommend:

Deep Cutz one two three four

Eat This City

Detroit Gorilla podcast uno

If you have any recommendation not mentioned here, please do so in the comments. I could use some help too, you know.