GOSSIP @ 9:30 Club 10/7/09

You never know what kind of audience will show up at a late show at the 9:30 Club, especially on a weeknight. But to kick-off Gossip’s first US tour in three years, last Wednesday’s crowd brought their A-game: their dancing, singing, and overall loss of control turned the 9:30 into a queer revival meeting. And it rocked.

Apache Beat, a five-piece band from Brooklyn, began the night with their brand off spaced-out indie rock, but suffered from a muddy mix and the usual early-night ambivalence that plagues openers (especially in DC). I’ll reserve judgment, but they could stand to tighten their sound, as the instruments seemed to be competing with each other behind lead singer Ilirjana Alushaj’s vocals (I’ll admit, I couldn’t resist working such an exotic name into this review).

MEN fared a bit better, with a pop-disco sound more in-tune with what the crowd was ready for. The Le Tigre side project features JD Samson on vocals and samplers, with the dual-guitar riffage of Michael O'Neill and Ginger Brooks Takahashi. Samson has abandoned the political electro-clash of Le Tigre for this jaunt into electro-pop revivalism, but the lyrics (and possibly the entire project) are very tongue-in-cheek. Lead single “Off Our Backs” is appropriately catchy and a good sing-a-long, although the band would be better served if Samson sang directly into the mic, with the vocals higher in the mix.

At just after 12:30, Gossip (formerly The Gossip) took the stage, where Hannah Billie’s pounding, insistent drumming and a swaggering bass line from tour bassist Chris Sutton on “Dime Store Diamond” kicked off the set. The angular, bluesy riffs of guitarist Brace Paine joined the mix, and from somewhere offstage came the soulful voice of Beth Ditto. The crowd erupted with excitement, even without seeing the singer, so the energy is that much more frenetic when see saunters onto stage in a tight, bright dress and a neon pink dye job.

For all intents and purposes, Gossip is Beth Ditto. The front-woman is a singular force on-stage and off, and a genuine superstar in the UK, where the band’s following far surpasses its stateside one. No point in beating around the bush: much has been made about Ditto’s weight, and we don’t live in the perfect world where it wouldn’t be an issue. Suffice to say, she carries it well and doesn’t let it affect her performance: Ditto struts across the stage, reaches out to adoring fans, and oscillates between belting and shrieking out tunes like a disco-punk Janis Joplin.

The night’s set list is heavily loaded with tunes from the new album “Music for Men,” with enough old favorites to please long-time fans. Older songs that fit the new album’s dance-orientated style are included, but the set eschews the garage blues of songs like “Sweet Chariot.” The result is a set list that does one thing, but does it well: this is a show to dance at.

In between songs, Ditto seems genuinely grateful for the turn out (about 800-1000, short of a sellout) and the support, revealing an understated personality behind the confidence she wields while performing. Still, she’s not afraid to let out a burp or have Brace adjust her spandex. It’s evident why this crowd of outsiders feels a connection with this charismatic for honest singer.

As the night continues, Brace stabs a few synth lines, and the bass continues grooving to the four-on-the-floor beats. For Gossip, it may be their first US tour in three years, but this is just another party. The songs melt into one high-tempo jam; while this would be repetitive on a record, it works perfectly in a live setting. Highlights of the show include Ditto’s interactions with fans, including a stroll through the audience and a particularly impressive crowd surfing jag.

From “Love Long Distance,” with verses that could be part of Rihanna’s “Don’t Stop the Music,” to anthems like single “Heavy Cross” and an encore cover of “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” Gossip do dance-punk right. With a renewed interest in the type of music they’ve perfected on their latest album, here’s hoping their European success finally crosses the pond.

DC Killin': Bridging the Gaps of the District's Subcultures

(photographs courtesy of Sexy Fitsum and Lady Glock Photography, all rights reserved)

When I first moved to Washington, I heard plenty about “the two DCs:” two disparate cultures, ostensibly with transient denizens of the Capitol Hill-K Street-Georgetown axis on one hand and native Washingtonians on the other. The separation was cultural and economic, with racial undertones. The reality, as with all generalizations, is much more complicated.

DC is a creative class city. Even the Wall Street Journal knows that. With residents of every national and international origin, DC has developed a multitude of cultures. As a whole, the District rejects homogeneity and is all the better for it (the same can’t be said for some of its parts, i.e. the aforementioned Capitol Hill-K Street-Georgetown axis, but I digress). And while this fragmentation has let scenes develop for every individual taste, pigeonholing not seen since high school lunch tables keeps apart people who should be socializing, communicating, and most importantly, partying.


It may be ambitious, but the new monthly getdown All Killer No Filler aims to end this, at least partially, by bridging the gap between the urban and alternative dance scenes, whose aesthetic and musical tastes have more in common than not.



Joint Chiefs, the cultural Voltron of Winston Ford of The Couch Sessions, Sonya Collins of The Glass House and Marcus Dowling of True Genius Requires Insanity, three of DC’s leading tastemakers and trend-spotters, planned, executed and hosted the inaugural All Killer No Filler on Thursday, October 1 at Liv Nightclub (2001 11th Street NW).



The evening began with two of DCs finest DJs on the turntables, spinning tunes guaranteed to get the crowd of early-adopters ready for an exciting night. First up was DJ Cam Jus, whose inventive mixes and eclectic musical tastes make him a perfect fit for everyone in this crowd. This is a selector on the rise: check out his excellent edits of Nike Boots and Bang for a taste of his style. Next up, the ever-present DC DJ Trevor Martin (Sneakers in the Club /$weat$hop), spinning hip-hop hits from ’89 to ’09. These tunes are tried and true – who doesn’t sing along when “Juicy” comes on?




Just as Liv’s bar and dance floor started to fill up, it was time for the night’s featured performer: up-and-comer RAtheMC (Strange Music). Here’s an artist who truly embodies All Killer No Filler’s ideals: a rapper-slash-singer whose skills on the mic are undeniable, who still tries to push things forward with fashion and style. Ra, backed by live drums and keys, wasted no time, rapping over “Uptown” and “D.O.A” before performing her own songs.


Any female musician who brings a combination of rapping and singing will be unfairly compared to Lauryn Hill (see: Estelle, every article about). Luckily, this doesn’t discourage Ra, whose re-working of Ms. Hill’s “Lost Ones” is a highlight of her set (check out the brand new video for this track). Ra definitely takes the MC part of moniker seriously, engaging the crowd every second she’s on stage. And as someone who had braces, I can’t imagine rapping with that much metal in your mouth (okay, so it’s no “Through the Wire” accomplishment, but nothing to sneer at). Her new mixtape, the Twitter-inspired “Trending Topics,” drops on October 6 and features production by Mick Boogie and DC’s own Judah (on the beat).


Accompanying Ra was frequent collaborator Mz. Mimz, whose mixtape “Thoughts While Getting Dressed” introduced DC to its newest soul chanteuse. Her sound reminds me of another DC R&B singer, Wayna. Hopefully, All Killer introduced the audience to another Next Big Thing.


Closing out the night were two of DC’s most in-demand DJs, Steve Starks and Nacey, who wasted no time in dropping the hottest in club/electro/dance bangers guaranteed to keep the crowd’s energy up. From their own songs (“Lose Your Love”) to brand new tracks (Duck Sauce’s “aNYway”) to the classics (Ghost City DJs’ “My Boo”), these are songs that if you’re not dancing, you may be broken.


Anyone who’s spent some time in the District knows there are more than just “two DCs:” there are countless subcultures and scenes, with something for everyone. But between the promotion the Joint Chiefs are known for, and the word-of-mouth growth similar events have garnered, All Killer No Filler is sure to change that, for the better.


Upset you missed one hell of a party? See you on November 5 for an All Killer No Filler guaranteed to push the limits of what a DC party can be.

A Year Ago Today

I have serious attention deficit disorder when it comes to blogging. It's been over a year since my last post, and for some reason I've decided to start back up during the busiest part of my year (Labor Day to Election Day). Which reminds me of where I was one year ago today.

September 1, 2008. The annual Laborfest on the Milwaukee Summerfest grounds. Only a few days after his acceptance speech at the convention, the Democratic nominee for President spoke to thousands, extolling the value of organized labor with a speech that connected the history and importance of unions with our United States. It wasn't his stump speech, and it won't go down in history, but these were the days of Hope and Change, and it was hard not to be moved by the significance of the moment.

September 1, 2009. President Barack Obama's approval is at an anemic 52% as the health insurance "debate" continues to dampen Democratic intensity and calcify Republican dissent. Never mind that four of five Congressional committees have passed reform bills with public options. Continuing lies about death panels and socialism have left an easily duped electorate overwhelmingly confused. But as the President would admit, the buck stops with him.

The Obama administration has been driven by a desire to not repeat the mistakes of the Clinton administration (see "Don't Ask, Don't Tell"). I still believe that Obama is playing 3D chess while his opponents/enemies are still figuring out checkers. He's been fighting for bipartisanship while they've been bringing AR-15s to rallies. I think he's given them just enough rope to hang themselves with, as he often did during the campaign.

In general, the Senate is where good legislation goes to die, a product of small state domination and outdated rules. In this case, the process is being held up by "Democratic" senators that are bought and paid for by health care interests. The President can only twist the arms of his former colleagues from Montana and North Dakota so much (I knew we should have kept extraordinary rendition around for a little longer). The Senate Finance Committee will eventually have to produce something. So we wait. And wait. And wait some more. But when all five committees have passed laws, and it becomes clear that Republicans will not admit there is a problem, much less support a final bill, they can bring out the big gun of reconciliation. Obama is not one to back down from a fight, but he also doesn't draw first.

A lot can change in a year. And in the age of the 24-hour news cycle, a lot can change in days and weeks, as well. So I still have faith in the man that stood on the stage at Laborfest, whether the topic of the day is unions or health care.

Shock and awe

Just a few words about Senator Barack Obama's acceptance speech, because I won't be able to match the eloquence on display by both politician and pundit alike tonight.

The expectations for this speech seemed impossibly high. In front of a crowd of 84,000 (and millions at home), on the anniversary of arguably the most famous speech in American history, and in light of a speech four years earlier that launched him onto the national scene, Barack Obama did everything he had to do, and much, much more.

Outlining a specific, Democratic plan for America's future, Senator Obama answered the questions posed even by doubters in his own party, basing it on the core values shared by all Americans, chiefly responsibility for self and for each other.

Rhetorically brilliant and inspiring, it reinforced the themes that have propelled this historic campaign: change that you can believe in and change you must work for. The "rhetorical flourishes" did not weigh it down - they lifted it up.

It brought the fight to Republicans like most Democrats have not been able or willing to do. It was filled with charge after charge, not only against the Bush administration and its faithful sidekick John McCain, but also against the failure of a self-defeating conservative ideology. Obama is ready to lead, and ready to fight for what he believes in.

And we need to fight with him.

Reviewing the Convention - Half-time

Predictably, this morning's coverage is focused on the Clintons: did Hillary do enough to bring home her rational supporters? Will Bill's speech focus on the night's theme, and more importantly, on Barack Obama, rather than on 1993-2000? This myopic view of the convention misses a lot of good moments, but the storyline for this week has been clear.

Obviously, I have no love lost for HRC, and I was ready for a speech where Barack Obama was an afterthought. While the beginning of the speech confirmed my fears, the second half really brought the fight to McCain and demonstrated why electing Barack is every Democrat's imperative. And while I'm no fan of Hillary's non-style, she did have some compelling rhetoric (the Harriet Tubman quote). I think she did what she needed to do, and no more, because the stakes are so high.

However, as MSNBC talking head / McCain BFF Mike Murphy pointed out, she could have given the same speech if Dennis Kucinich won the nomination. Here's someone you've been in the Senate with for four years, and you campaigned with/against for a year and a half. No personal anecdote? Sure, that's what Michelle's speech was for, but can you have too much about personal values?

As President Clinton continues to undercut Obama whenever someone puts a microphone in his face, I don't have high hopes for tonight. What should be a night about introducing Joe Biden to the nation and demonstrating why Democrats are ready to secure America's future will be reduced to a reminder about what people loved and hated about the 90s. But what do I know.

This might come as a surprise to people who watch cable news, but there were other speeches last night. After Monday's offering was described as too nice, Democrats went on the offensive (see below). At first, I was disappointed. The people I liked for VP/President were uninspiring: Kathleen Sebelius gave another speech that proves she cannot modulate her voice, and Mark Warner delivered a keynote that will be quickly forgotten. Warner's theme and the theme of this campaign dovetail nicely, but he's not a great orator.

I'm also disappointed that Gov. Schweitzer had to speak on 'Hillary Night'. What a speech! I think the analogy is set: Obama : 2004 convention :: Schweitzer : 2008 convention. He proved you can be a technocrat, folksy, and authentic at the same time. The governor knows how to work a crowd, and there's definitely going to be buzz around his name, especially if Democrats continue to see a Western Renaissance. Schweitzer 2016?

Here's your red meat

For everyone who thought Monday night was "too nice..."

Pennsylvania Senator Bob Casey Jr.:

John McCain calls himself a maverick, but he votes with George Bush 90 percent of the time. That's not a maverick. That's a sidekick!

Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano:

Barry Goldwater ran for president, and he lost. Mo Udall ran for President, and he lost. Bruce Babbitt ran for president, and he lost. For this election cycle, that's one Arizona tradition I'd like to see continued.

Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius:

For John McCain , there's no place like home, or a home, or a home.

Ohio Governor Ted Strickland:

You know, it was once said of the first George Bush that he was born on third base and thought he’d hit a triple. Well, with the twenty two million new jobs and the budget surplus Bill Clinton left behind, George W. Bush came into office on third base. And then he stole second.

Virginia Governor/Senator Mark Warner:

In four months, we will have a president who actually believes in science.

Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer (ahem):

If you drill in all of John McCain's backyards, even the ones he doesn't know he has...that proposition is a dry well.

New York Senator Hillary Clinton:

It makes sense that George Bush and John McCain are going to be together next week in the twin cities because these days, it's hard to tell them apart.

I Like Joe Biden

The message from 62262 finally arrived at 2:16am on Saturday: "Barack has chosen Senator Joe Biden to be our VP nominee. Watch the first Obama-Biden rally live at 3pm ET on www.BarackObama.com. Spread the word!" The story had broken earlier, but not through the usual series of leaks to friendly reporters. Instead, they happened to catch Secret Service at Biden's home. Take that, old media.

I embarked on the four hour trip down to Springfield, IL at 4am, for what was sure to be another historic speech (or two) at the Old State Capitol. Having missed Obama at a 2006 campaign event, the Miami Book Fair later that year, and the Kennedy endorsement celebration at American University, I simply had to do it. I was not disappointed: about 20 yards from the podium, I had an excellent view of the event. And while I didn't think Obama or Biden delivered their best speeches, the excitement put it over the top.

So, why do I like Joe Biden? In my Vice Presidential Diatribe, I categorically eliminated him for being a Washington insider, antithetical to the change message. If I had been asked to elaborate, I would have said he's blowhard with foot-in-mouth disease, the senator known online as Joe Biden (D-MBNA). Plus, his foreign policy experience balances rather than reinforces Obama's strengths. Oh, and he voted for the war. But at the end of the day, he's a passionate fighter, an old-school liberal, has a compelling personal story, and he's just plain likable.

As with any of the choices, Biden has weaknesses. Obviously, the RNC was going to attack any pick, especially someone who was an Obama detractor during the primaries (doesn't McCain know the DNC can do the same thing with Romney?). Predictably, they also are throwing Hillary's words at Obama for passing her over. And who knows if Biden can be disciplined, even with the stakes this high.

Strategically, Biden also has numerous strengths. He delivers attacks with a smile and bit of sardonic humor. Examples abound: he had the best line of the day when he said McCain would have to choose which of his seven dinner tables to sit at. In 2004, he allegedly told Dick Cheney:
"Mr. Vice President, I wouldn't keep you if it weren't constitutionally required." And there's always this, the best line of the debates (that can easily be adapted for McCain):



Biden is going to eat the Republican VP alive in the debates, outperforming Lieberman and Edwards in his sleep. He wears the attack dog role well, unlike a Kaine/Sebelius/Bayh pick. His energy and attitude belies his 66 years. Plus, his age in 2016 precludes him from a presidential run, creating a real opportunity to nominate a new, progressive candidate. Can you imagine being 'stuck' with Evan Bayh in eight years? :shudder:

Obama/Biden is a formidable ticket, as Republican Senators Dick Lugar, Chuck Hagel, and Arlen Specter have acknowledged (good message discipline, GOP!). Despite any initial disappointment with such a safe choice, I'm reminded that most of the short-listers were safe. None were unacceptable to a majority of Democrats, in a way that Romney, Lieberman, Ridge, Huckabee, Jindal, and Crist are to Republicans. Each of those picks has the chance to fracture the Republican base and upset some of the -Cons (paleo-, neo-, corporate-, etc.) that make up their party.

So bring it on, Old Man McCain. Try to step on Obama's bounce by announcing your choice on Friday. It's your 72nd birthday, so don't pick someone too old or too young! It's also the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, so don't pick someone whose negligent deregulation put American citizens in danger. Oh, and try to beat this picture: