Melvins @ Emo's Austin, TX 5.20.09 (25th Anniversary Tour)

[sinuendo]

With no merch other than the standard Houdini shirt and a really cool poster/sticker (http://mypict.me/show.php?id=1jNE), the Melvins made it pretty clear from the beginning they weren't in it for the money.  Not even one album for sale.  Very strange, in retrospect it seems that everyone spent the extra money on booze and weed.  After I got my Zoltron poster back to my hotel room, I got back to the show ready to drink and soak it all in.
The first thing Buzz said when he came on stage, "You know that stuff is illegal in California.  You guys are way ahead of the game."    The clouds were pretty thick and skunky by now.   This show was like a religious experience.  The crowd was cool, the staff was cool, even the HEAT added to the ordeal.  Did I mention how fucking hot it was?  Swapping sweat with that many people can't be hygienic, I'm glad there were enough women who smelt good peppered throughout the pit to help me breath a bit easier.  Nevertheless, the darkness cooked throughout the show.
The set list was the same as the other shows....Hag Me was like getting hit by a semi-truck.
I don't think I've ever seen Buzz in a better mood, or talk that much to the crowd, he even showed a bit of affection.  At the end of the last song, he asked everyone to drive safely, and not to drink and drive but, "If you do, make sure to go out in a blaze of glory...".  He even told the crowd he loved them, and repeated something his wife told him recently, which he claims was the same thing his father has said to him before, "You've never liked a GODDAMN THING in your LIFE!".   We hate everything and love you too, buddy!

[Rene They Call Him]

I was there. 

Absolutely amazing show.  The best Melvins show I've seen in a long time, possibly the second best I've ever seen.  (The best is still one at the House of Blues back in New Orleans, where they played 2 sets.  I think it as during the Stag tour.)

I noticed two things that people are saying, and agree with them 110%.

1) Buzz seemed a lot more into it than he has recently.  He seemed like he actually wanted to be there, which was a definate change from the last two times.  It showed.  There was a lot more energy in the performance than I have seen recently, and, personally, I think it had a lot to do with the lack of Jared.  (see below). 

2) Trevor Dunn is freakin' amazing.  It is an utter shame that he can't be a full-time Melvin.  If/When Jared joins the bassist morgue, I hope they can kidnap Trevor Dunn, drag him to California, and chain him to the bass.  Can't be that hard, Buzz is twice his size.

3) Dale was *on*.  I was worried the last few times that he was slowing down, losing some speed or impact.  I was wrong.  I was buying into the theory that Cody was there because Dale was getting too old for some of the drumwork.  I was wrong.  And what is that harsh "clack" cymbal that he uses?  I always thought it was that big round thing that was above his kit, but the round thing wasn't there, and the "clack" was.  (You know what I'm talking about.)  When I get my band back together, I'm getting one of those things, and attaching it to the drummer's kit while they're asleep.)

also:

4) Mike Dillard was a pleasant surprise. 

Which brings me to the main thing it had me thinking about:

      The very first time I saw the four-piece Melvins, I immediately determined Jared to be the "Angry Melvin."  The first time, he was yelling at the crowd, insulting people, and threatening to leave the stage on his own, which seemed to visibly irritate Buzz.  Buzz is a musical and lyrical genius, but it's also quite obvious that the Melvins are *his* band, (or, at least, his and Dale's) and he's not going to allow the newbie bassist to run the show, not matter what the situation.  The second time I saw the fourpiece, the crowed was grabbing at Buzz's mic and Jared's bass, and they basically had to stop in the middle of two songs, so that one was a pass.  Granted, this time, the audience (surprisingly, because of the late start) was better, so granted it may just not have been applicable.  Still everyone on the stage and off still seemed to be having a good time.

     If Jared goes, Cody probably, and understandable, goes with him, which is unfortunate, but what I've always worried about since they went to a fourpiece. They would be stuck with 2 drummers for the new songs. 

    So, in other words, is there any chance the next lineup of the Melvins will be:

Buzz Osbourne: lead vocals, guitar
Dale Crover: drums, vocals
Trevor Dunn: bass, vocals
Mike Dillard: drums

?

Probably not, but it would be fucking sweet.

[Idlehanz]

I can't see Mike being a permanent addition.  He's got the family and is rooted back in Montesano.  I wouldn't discount future shows though.  And I'd still love to see them record some new stuff.

[Smellis]

Yeah Dillard recording new stuff with Melvins is a GREAT IDEA. And Dunn is just such a good fit he was so fun to watch and I am so glad I got to see that. The headstock buried in the stage and the intro to The Bit was sick sick sick.

[FartLips]

I can't see Mike being a permanent addition.  He's got the family and is rooted back in Montesano.  I wouldn't discount future shows though.  And I'd still love to see them record some new stuff.

does he play with anybody else?  got great chops!

[Idlehanz]

He's been in various bands through the years.  He never got rusty.

[black stallion]

3) Dale was *on*.  I was worried the last few times that he was slowing down, losing some speed or impact.  I was wrong.

totally wrong!jokes apart,i can see what you mean,that's the problem with two drummers playing in synch,i think Dale plays to his full potential without Coady.and about what you said with Jared,i think Buzz&Dale are totally "into" the new line up with BB and we're going to see them for a long time

[brontesaurus88]

hey i'm new to the forum! just wanted to drop my emos review!

The venue was packed with sweaty austinites and testosterone driven egg-heads ready to nudge and knock their way to the top of the lame-chain or to the front of the stage. Tim Moss was solo in his job as everything-tech, making sure the set-up was sound and secure. Buzz had his silver guitars on the rack as opposed to his normal black and sunburst les paul guitars. Dale

[Idlehanz]

Nice review!

FYI Lukin lives in Seattle.

[brontesaurus88]

  cool! is he up to anything interesting lately?

[brontesaurus88]

btw i have some awesome melvins footage that i shot in 2007 from the october show at emos that i'm willing to share in the near future!

[Idlehanz]

cool! is he up to anything interesting lately?

Carpentry

[GrimReaper]

btw i have some awesome melvins footage that i shot in 2007 from the october show at emos that i'm willing to share in the near future!

We will be waiting!

[bUTTHOLEmAN]

I seem to remember Matt Lukin playing a show in 2001 with mudhoney, but I'll have to check to be sure.  He was funny/a "wise guy"..lots of smart ass comments.

[FartLips]

I seem to remember Matt Lukin playing a show in 2001 with mudhoney, but I'll have to check to be sure.  He was funny/a "wise guy"..lots of smart ass comments.

i got to see lukin with mudhoney but can't remember when. oh now i know how glen feels.