Notes from the Underground: (Brilliant) Weekend in Review

We knew it was here somewhere -- a lineup that finally backs up the small group of us who believe in the local indie music scene … and we’re teetering between being glad and sad you didn’t show up.

Glad, so that we can tell you all about what you missed and when these bands come up in other conversations, we can say, with a passive-aggressive pity, “Oh, that’s right -- you didn’t see their show at Yuyintang.” And we will act like that makes us cool.

Sad, in that we really, really wanted to prove you wrong about your opinion of good, local, underground rock (that is doesn't exist here) ... and really sad to actually find out where you were on Saturday.

With a price tag of less than $1 a band, here’s everything that went on at this weekend’s garage show:

Xuxuan -- (OK, despite our elitist tone, we got there late … and missed them. But what show actually starts when it says it does? That's so not rock and roll -- but, then again, we wore our Crocs.)

Mortal Fools -- Were awarded the “Ron Jeremy Award” of the night, in that they showed up, pounded away, got paid and left. Even covered their asses by finishing the set with a Ramone’s tribute (not that their entire playlist and CBGB attire didn’t do that), despite not being able to pronounce “Blitzkrieg”.

Banana Monkey -- Now, we heard they were good … in fact, we heard they were very good. But had no idea how good they were. So, we’ll simply pass it on -- so we can be as cool Monday morning as the people who told us are today -- they are good ... really, really good. And in the name of “tribute”, we’d pay top dollar for a translator to ask the lead where he got those Jim Morrison boots.

Sonnet -- Call it a Napoleonic complex, call it words of wisdom that ascend us mortals' capability to comprehend (“This is a garage party, but it’s not about cars. But if it was about cars, that would be good. Because more people in China have cars -- and that’s good development”). Will they continued to be compared to a heavier Radiohead? Yes, they will. Is that bad? Only if you don’t like Radiohead (go ahead, put your hand up …w e dare you). With their three-minute, well written and fucking brilliantly played songs, they left no question why they are leading the movement to finally put Shanghai on the map for live shows. God bless 'em -- and may He forgive you for being elsewhere.

Now, we’ll continue to tell you, and people like yourself, about the show, but know that deep down, we feel bad for you … and if it weren’t for us still sweating from YYT, we’d hug it out.

Photo by Aric.