Guin's Concert Reviews

Guin's Concert Reviews

(All opinions are those of the reviewer & do not necessarily reflect the opinions of NYSP or its editor. )

The Toasters, Ruder Than You, the Articles, Derringers - December 28, 1997 - the Wetlands

This was my first Moon Ska show. It turned out everything I expected and a bag of chips. The crowd was incredibly nice. The bands rocked. The place was small. I went with my boyfriend, Remi, his friend, Declan, and my best friend Cindy. Declan and Remi have been to a few Moon Ska showcases already and told us that the shows were usually not so crowded...even for the Skatalites. But boy was that Toasters show crowded. Despite that, I still had a grand ol' time dancing in what little space I had.

We walked in late during the middle of the Derringers act. They were pretty cool. I've never heard of them before. They'll a ska/punk/swing band from NJ. Unfortunately I didn't get my hands on their demo which I'm sure I would have enjoyed. Next came the Articles (I think). They were pretty good. A mix of ska and jazz. Their act seemed so long though. Probably because I'm not too into the jazz thing but if you do, be sure to check 'em out. Ruder Than You were late due to rush hour traffic so to keep us entertained Coolie Ranx of Pilfers formed a little improv band called The Hanky Panky All Stars. We were real impressed by Coolie's talent and it was more than entertaining.

Ruder Than You got there about 30 minutes later and played an excellent set. I liked their music alot and I hope to get their cd if I have some extra cash to spare. After their most enjoyable act, my friends and I were about dead and walked over to the bar for something to drink. We chugged down a bottle of beer in like 10 seconds and returned to the floor to watch the band we all have been waiting for. The one and only Toasters. I only have one Toasters cd (Hard Band For Dead) and this was my first Toasters show. It left a great impression for me. They were extremely good and Coolie sang a few as well. They just about played all my favorite songs including one I did not expect at all, Thrill Me Up. Unfortunately they haven't played that song in like years and it didn't sound very good. However, better than nothing!

So in the middle of a Toasters song, in the hot and crowded pit, someone throws a shirt at me. I disgustedly yanked it off and threw it on the floor. At the end, I told Cindy about it and she told me to pick it up and see. Maybe it's cool. Just like always Cindy was right. it turns out to be a brand new articles shirt which I gratefully walked out with. At the door, the sax played from the Articles said good bye to everyone and I happily told him about getting a free Articles shirt. He smiled and said good for you. I returned from the show, tired, excited, and a very happy camper. If you ever get a chance to see the Toasters play or any Moon Ska show, take advantage of it. Definitely worth it!

-Guin

Go Back to The Review Page

This page was last updated on 06/21/98