Image of the Day-"Heavy Eyes"

The Depreciation Guild

New American Music Union College Bands Stage
Saturday August 9, 2008
Southside Works

In honor of the band returning tonight to play on a bill with The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart (Kurt is a member of both bands), I am digging in the vaults to display these 'lost' images. Having soooo many bands play at rapid succession was kind of mind-numbing by hour two but I would gladly welcome the opportunity again. Hopefully, the tanking economy and American Eagles sour earnings report doesn't affect a sophomore outing for this fantastic fest. We'll see.

Image of the Day-"Heatstroke"

Magic Bullets

New American Music Union College Bands Stage

Saturday August 9, 2008

Southside Works

During this band's set I couldn't shake the image of Morrissey out of my mind. Frontman Philip Benson's charismatic mannerisms were a dead on ringer for the gloomy crooner from England.

Image of the Day-"Coming Home"

Nothing Unexpected

New American Music Union College Bands Stage

Saturday August 9, 2008

Southside Works

The only local act on the festival bill. I wouldn't have minded seeing more local flavor represent (including the main stage!) these guys ended up playing in front of the biggest crowd of the competition. I am sure it was no accident that their set ended as the gates of the fest proper opened. They delivered a highly energetic set. I'll have more from them tomorrow.

Image of the Day-"Bad Blood"

The Black Fortys

New American Music Union College Bands Stage
Saturday August 9, 2008
Southside Works

So it's about three bands into the day and I'm getting thirsty for a beer. The Black Fortys take the stage and not being blown away...or even the slightest impressed with their song I beeline to the nearest indoor bar. Go figure, they won the contest. That's how much I know. Listening to some songs on their myspace I realize I could've held off on the suds. They sound decent.

Image of the Day-"My Algebra Teacher"

Math The Band

New American Music Union College Bands Stage

Saturday August 9, 2008

Southside Works

Hailing from Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Math he Band were a spastic, energetic shot of fun that left the crowd fired up. I would describe their sound as 'angular' and 'geeky', which fit their moniker to a "T". They were a tad over the top in their stage presence but I think that added to their charm. More from them in the next couple days.

Image of the Day-"Another Tiger Romance"

Bears

New American Music Union College Bands Stage
Saturday August 9, 2008
Southside Works

Second band to play in the competition and to tell you the truth, they weren't bad...they were kinda forgettable, especially after the onslaught from Gospel Gossip minutes before.

My man Greg from Lohio was pimping them before they came on so I if I do get the chance I'll definately listen again.

Image of the Day-"Nashville"

Gospel Gossip

New American Music Union College Bands Stage

Saturday August 9, 2008

Southside Works

This Minnesota trio had the unenviable task of opening up the college band competition at the fest. There wasn't that much of a crowd, save for a few spectators and some of the other bands to appreciate the feedback laden cacophony they laid on the crowd at 11 a.m. I thought they were great. In fact, I wish they won the the studio time promised to the best band. They were the best band IMO.

More of them tomorrow.

N.A.M.U. Fest College Bands Stage

New American Music Union

College Band Stages

Saturday August 9, 2008

Southside Works

I really wasn't all that interested in the main stage line-up to this remarkably well put on fest. Seriously, Bob Dylan? Everybody and their mother was going all crazy that he was playing and after seeing him over a dozen times in the past, I'll refrain from standing in the sun all day to catch him. I was more interested in the unknown bands that were showcased early in the day for a chance to win studio-time. I was not disappointed at all. They started at 11:00 a.m. on two alternating stages and had 25 minutes to show their stuff. It was remarkable how they stayed on schedule throughout the day. When I got there there was me, the judges, security, festival staff, and ONE other person. At the peak of the day (during Robert Morris' own Nothing Expected) there might have been a couple hundred people. What a shame, these bands deserved more attention IMO. I will be showcasing them throughout the week.