Gimme a T

So technically Tally Hall and Rooney (note the order) was Sunday. I was with siblings so I'm not really sure it counts. But I'll count it.

1) The place:
The Middle East Downstairs

2) The people:
It was all ages, but the short little high schoolers were pretty great. Lots of bounding up and down. Lots of screaming. Win.

3) The Performers
First were Crash Kings. We came late--about twenty minutes into their set. I'm mad we were that late. If we had come only a half hour later, we could've spared ourselves that whole set, and the night would've been that much better for it. For the most part, it waggled between radio-friendly pop jams and weirdly almost-Wolfmother pseudo-psychedelic shroom rock. The only track I remember not wincing at was the one from the Zombieland soundtrack, which I'm too lazy to find because frankly, it wasn't that good.

Second were Tally Hall, and honestly, it would seem most everyone was there for them. Five dudes in matching suits, each with a signature-colored tie. Dark blue (AKA Zubin, AKA the bassist) was my favorite, but let's face it; they're five endearing fellas that sing songs about working at the mall in matching suits and do four part harmonies stretched tight over very cute guitar/synth/uke. Everyone is your favorite. New material appeared to span some sort of concept album involving a medieval theme, but old stand outs blended in pretty seamlessly.

Third were Rooney. I felt kind of bad for them, tell you truth. Tally Hall owned the night, and once they finished, a pretty decent chunk of the audience fled for the hills. Following a literally overnight jump of 400% in sales following an appearance on The OC back in the day, Rooney have hit some hard times. Despite being a band for a decade now, they've managed two releases and an EP, with a third LP coming in the new year. Record label come, record label gone. New material...not so good. Every old track (The OC-era, 2003 self-titled release) was the heart breakingly cute pseudo British invasion I love. 2007-era Calling the World and beyond...less so.

They did a decent job. Not great. But alright. I always feel awkward when (Ash opening for the Bravery) the opener outshines the headliner. It's like a super hot bridesmaid and a tolerable bride. It's just weird.

So sorry, Rooney. Maybe next time stick with the crappy Crash Kings.

Until next time,
Stay chili (fries)
--WF
Or, write better.

Rooney - If it Were Up to Me
Tally Hall - Two Wuv