Election year - I vote for Chris Ballew

I have to. Even though the show was a week ago, it rawked and I can't deny my readers (however few :) an update on the best show of '08: the presidents of the united states.

I'm not sure how I stumbled upon hearing about tix; the show was hardly advertised for here. Being poor-ish, the tickets were a bit much. Then 'Ding'...neckbeard reminded me of my one and only rock star connection, the lovely Julia Finn. A few myspace messages and we were set, first ever guest list appearance.

Then things headed south. I had a bad feeling about getting in; I was such a nervous newbie to my groupie status. Then Kirsten's never ending paper, well.... However, Nikoli Wilson came through, sick and all, to be my plus one. But then, the last major hurdle, NOT ON THE LIST. So much for being a groupie; Jason Finn you are lucky the set was incredible and you are officially the second coolest J. Finn in the family.

But Nick and I hung tough and picked up some tix after watching Mauer break up a Chi-Sox no-no and the Celtics hang tough in game one at Runyons (great spot; classy bartender). We missed the opening act, and the open song. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised that the Presidents, balding and khakis, started early in order to get to bed on time. But boy can they rock. For guys who look like Microsoft VPs, it was a very energetic performance.

I've always wanted to see them. And I don't think I waited too long; they've still got it. Although I wish I could have heard a live rendition of SuperSonics back in the Kemp/Payton era. If you are wondering about getting tix when they visit your 'hood, two words: DO IT! A great mix of old and new. I have a hard time getting into their newer albums now; they are just not easily listening for the cubical. But live, totally different story. They are built for the live stuff.

This is a great link for all about the show. My pix and possible video are coming. But if you just want the set list here it is:

(?L.I.P./Little Indian Princess)
1 Tiki God
2 Kitty
3 Rot in the Sun
4 Some Postman
5 Boll Weevil
6 Ladybug
7 Love Everybody
8 Flame is Love
9 Dune Buggy
10 Mixed Up SOB
11 Back Porch
12 Lump
13 Bad Times
14 Lunatic
15 Ghosts Are Everywhere
16 Mach 5
17 Peaches
18 Kick Out The Jams

Encore:
19 Video Killed The Radio Star
20 Zero Friction
21 Body
22 We're Not Gonna Make It

One final note, if you think the presidents are just Peaches, Lump, maybe the radiostar cover and the drew carey show credits, pick up some of their old discs (e.g. II, Freaked Out and Small). My jury is still out on the latest two discs, but the old ones are very enjoyable.