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Blue Meanies / MU330 / The Methadones

live in Chicago
2004
live show

Review by: TheOneTrueBill
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Published on December 24th 2004

I’ll preface this by explaining a little about myself. I remember seeing the Blue Meanies on the old cable access show Rail 3 TV, through music videos and the end credit music they provided, and was getting into them just as they broke up in 2001. When this show was announced, I went crazy. I got my tickets September 26th, the day they went on sale. I anticipated this show more than any in recent memory, and it still went far beyond all my expectations.

First up was New Black. The thing that came into my head immediately when I heard them was that they sound like a harder, funked up version of the Epoxies. That may seem a bit odd, but trust me, it works. New Black featured three vocalists: two female, one male, a keyboard, and a boatload of rhythm. I was a fan within minutes of their start. Trust me on this, you should listen to New Black.

The Methadones were next. The band was amazing as usual. They ignored the first album, taking the entirety of their set list from Career Objective and Not Economically Viable. They seemed a bit less energetic than their record release show last month, but even that did not stop them from putting in a hell of a show. Mike Byrne was in top form, spitting picks left and right and sticking them to his forehead with such gusto that it must be seen to be believed. Highlights from their set were the new songs "Bored of Television," "Annie," and the greatest song the Ramones never wrote, "TV World." To close the set, they played ‘Someday’ from Schafer’s old band Sludgeworth. Amazing.

Next up, MU330. I’m not really into MU330 so I don’t know much about them. Apparently this was the first show they’d played in quite a while. Another interesting thing was that the vocalist/guitarist came in on crutches and played the show sitting down and elevating his foot. This was a strange sight to say the least, but it didn’t detract from the performance. The place went nuts for MU330, so it’s safe to say they did a good job.

Two men then came out on to the stage, one in a priest costume and the other dressed as an elf. With their help, the audience summed up the spirit of the dearly departed Wesley Willis. The intro from Sonic Documentation… came on, and the Meanies took the stage. The time was finally here. I have never heard a louder roar come from the floor of the Metro than what I heard tonight. It was absolutely deafening. We missed the Blue Meanies. "Send Help" kicked off the night, and the band did not let down for the next hour and a half. They erased any doubts about how the reunion would go. Imagine an ideal set list, and the songs were there, sped up just a wee bit and jolted full of intensity. Every album was represented, even The Post Wave, which made me extremely happy.

About three quarters through the set, Billy made a joke about how they only practiced once in the last four years, and that the drummer Bob had even asked for the songs to be slowed down. There was a bet that Bob couldn’t do "The Great Peacemaker" in less than one minute. He then asked if anyone in the audience had a stopwatch so he could time the song. I was the kid with the watch, so therefore I was the kid on stage. We set the guidelines; I lead a countdown from ten, and then they ripped into the song. There I was, singing on stage with the Blue fucking Meanies, taking an integral part in the show. Words can’t accurately describe what it was like. Honestly. They played through the song in 1:15, so Bob lost his bet. My short time in the spotlight was up, so I went back into the audience, still in awe. They played a few more songs, ending on "Ace Of Spades" before a short break.

The encore was a designated cigarette break time, so everyone lit up. A toast was made to all in the room, and a special toast to Thick Records for hitting ten years in the business. "Pave The World" came next, and they ended with the craziest version of "Smash The Magnavox" that I have ever heard. The Blue Meanies left the stage, hopefully not for the last time. The band seemed to be having so much fun up there, and sounded incredibly tight. It would be such a shame if they parted ways again. This will go down as one of the most memorable nights in my life. Even if you take out getting on stage, it would still be unforgettable. I would like to personally thank the Blue Meanies for getting back together.

After the show, I was like a celebrity. All the way until and including when I got on the train, people were coming up and talking to me, shaking my hand, yelling about how they were jealous. It was surreal. And lastly, to anyone that couldn't make it, the show was filmed hopefully for future release.

Set list as best I can remember, not in order, possibly not complete.
Lay it Out
Chemicals
Mama Getting High on Chardonnay
Employee 00765
Camaro Man
The 4th of July
Send Help
Smash the Magnavox
Smother Me
The Great Peacemaker
The Noise of Democracy
I’m a Have Not
The Devil Came to the 9th Ward
Acceleration 5000
Vote No
Grandma Shampoo
Tread
The Shit Fuck Man
Ace of Spades
The Grinch
Pave the World

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Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, April 24, 2005 at 10:46 PM (EDT)

That was a completely awesome show. One of the best shows i've ever been to. The blue meanies are not just ska. They're a blend of many styles of music. Their way of writing songs remind me of the Dead Kennedys, especially pave the world. All the good bands these days have broken up. Its a damn tragedy, but i'm glad they could get back together, even if only for one great show.

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 22, 2005 at 11:51 PM (EST)
My Score:

A bunch of friends and I drove all the way to Chicago from Jersey just to see that show, it was totally worth the trip. It was so good that it was worth losing my job over. VIVA LA MEANIES!

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, January 22, 2005 at 7:08 PM (EST)
My Score:

go and see mu330 on the 29th of janurary with streetlight manifesto at metro. i designed the budda face buttons they will be selling and stickers too. - illinois

Posted by TheNightProwler on 2004-12-29 14:22:36
My Score:

Post Wave is an awesome record, so please go back and examine all the past moments in your life because at some point you were led astray.

Posted by Cos on 2004-12-29 03:16:02
My Score:

They played "Camero Man!!!!"

The only good song off that shit last album they recorded! God be praised!

--Cos

Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, December 28, 2004 at 6:33 PM (EST)
My Score:

that elf guy had a great ass ;)
xo

Posted by moldy on 2004-12-27 22:12:30
My Score:

Good review. I was in the front row of the balcony and when the blue meanies came on and started Send Help it looked like the entire floor of the metro became one huge pit. Even the back and the sides of the crowd were moving. My only complaint about the show was that mu330 didn't play hoosier love but other than that it was the best show that i've seen all year.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 27, 2004 at 4:00 PM (EST)
My Score:

OneTrueBill - you do need a haircut! ;)

Anways, your set list is correct, but they did NOT play "the Devil Came to the 9th Ward."

That is all I have to say, except to the dude who thinks the Meanies are ska: you are, like, kind of, maybe, a little bit stupid.

Posted by kevinskapunk on 2004-12-27 15:37:13
My Score:

"At first I thought this reivew might have accidently been re-posted from some time in 1998 when people actually cared about ska.

I can't believe more than 4 people actually went to this show."

I don't think you can characterize the Meanies as just "ska." Besides, who cares if some people haven't gone with the trends like everyone else? There's still a fan base for music that doesn't whine, so let people enjoy themselves.

And MU330 is a killer band. They've been at it for years and continuously put out fun albums.

Posted by Anonymous on Monday, December 27, 2004 at 8:44 AM (EST)
My Score:

"Blue Meanies are beyond amazing. I'd kill to see them live."

I fucking hate when people say this.

If you mean it, why didn't you kill someone on the street, take their wallet, fly to chicago, go to the venue, kill someone outside the venue, steal their ticket (since it was sold out) and then go to the show?

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 11:25 PM (EST)
My Score:

"She's not into that kind of music, so I don't think she would have enjoyed herself too much."

Well then, if she doesn't enjoy the work of the Blue Meanies then why would she be worth dating? You've made some poor choices sir.

Posted by opivykid on 2004-12-26 23:16:42
My Score:

Blue Meanies are beyond amazing. I'd kill to see them live.

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 5:53 PM (EST)
My Score:

"I love this fucking band so much, but opted not to go to the show, as I went on a date with an awesome girl I've liked for months instead. "

Should've taken the girl to the show.
--------------------------------------------------------
She's not into that kind of music, so I don't think she would have enjoyed herself too much.

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 2:35 PM (EST)
My Score:

"Iwas the kid with the watch, so therefore I was the kid on stage.... taking an integral part in the show."

No, you were the kid with the watch. The techs and sound guys were integral. You were the kid with the watch.

Still, though, just joshin' with ya. Cool review, and I'm glad you had a good time!

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 1:53 AM (EST)
My Score:

if this show wasn't at the metro i would have gone to it...
i do miss seeing this band play all the time.. but we all get older
these guys never really break up... they will playing thier "last show" when they all need walkers... and thats fine with me

Posted by Anonymous on Sunday, December 26, 2004 at 1:52 AM (EST)
My Score:

Posted by Anonymous on Saturday, December 25, 2004 at 3:11 PM (EST)
My Score:

If Chicago didn't suck so much I would have stole babies and sold them to see the Blue Meanies back together.

When the Blue Meanies put on a show with the now out of jail Ruder Than You, I'll be looking for anyone here at the '.org who is in need of some fresh newborns to enable me to attend what would be the best show ever.

Posted by DavidChicago on 2004-12-25 01:23:55
My Score:

Saw them at the Double Door with COUGARS.

They were both incredible.

No Acceleration 5000 though, sadly.

Posted by Anchors on 2004-12-24 23:28:56
My Score:

Very thorough review.

Good job.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 24, 2004 at 9:52 PM (EST)
My Score:

"I love this fucking band so much, but opted not to go to the show, as I went on a date with an awesome girl I've liked for months instead. "

Should've taken the girl to the show.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 24, 2004 at 8:49 PM (EST)
My Score:

forget the blue meanies.

we need APOCALYPSE HOBOKEN !!

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 24, 2004 at 6:55 PM (EST)
My Score:

Double Door oversold and The Metro sold out. More then four people definately cared about the show. The guy in the Elf costume was Zak, the owner of Thick Records.

Posted by TheOneTrueBill on 2004-12-24 18:00:52
My Score:

It was? Wow, I didn't recognize him at all. I finally saw them for the first time with DOA and the Methadones last month.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 24, 2004 at 5:49 PM (EST)
My Score:

The Priest was Big Dave of The Arrivals, probably the best currently together Chicago band. I would praise the lord at his church is all I'm saying.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 24, 2004 at 4:31 PM (EST)
My Score:

At first I thought this reivew might have accidently been re-posted from some time in 1998 when people actually cared about ska.

I can't believe more than 4 people actually went to this show.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 24, 2004 at 4:18 PM (EST)
My Score:

This show ruled. Mu330 Rocks, And seeing the Meanies rock so hard after so long was amazing. Very sweet.

Chris Plunket
-----------------
www.plunketrock.com

Posted by niveK82 on 2004-12-24 15:22:48
My Score:

When they talked about "not breaking up" at the double door, it was more like they said "we never broke up." Also they had stated to the crowed that "we never signed to a major label."

I was at both shows, the double door one had the same setlist, but seemed more intimateand layed back (not all of them were in suits, Billy was sproting a canadian tux. w/ cowboy boots, Billy was noticably more drunk drinking half a bottle of Knob Creek, then sharing the rest of the bottle among the crown) than the metro where they sounded professional. They played a bit longer at the double door including some songs shouted out by the crown including "Blah blah blah" and billy sang a round of "I'm a Doper" which they last played at the Flogging Molly/Blue Meanies show that was their last show in Chicago until recently.

Posted by greg0rb on 2004-12-24 14:49:57
My Score:

I bet that show was fucking awesome, but I opted to go to the Double Door show with them the day before because the Cougars were on the bill. Such a great show. I'm so glad they're back at it. Hell yeah.
-Greg

Posted by Fuzzy on 2004-12-24 14:22:56
My Score:

anyone know if MU330 is any good? i think they are playing with Streetlight Manifesto for ska is dead.

Um. Yeah. They're fucking awesome. Streetlight Manifesto and all the other 3rd Wave bands owe their existance to them.

Posted by blinkrules on 2004-12-24 14:08:25
My Score:

anyone know if MU330 is any good? i think they are playing with Streetlight Manifesto for ska is dead.

Posted by TheOneTrueBill on 2004-12-24 13:56:00
My Score:

"So you were the guy on stage with the stopwatch? You need a haircut! "

Hahah, yeah I do. It's been a year since the last one.

Posted by maverick on 2004-12-24 13:49:35
My Score:

I was driving 7 hours home from Cleveland, passing through Chicago at the precise moment the show was getting out. That sucked.

Apparently the band said at the Double Door show the night before that they're not broken up. Can anyone confirm this?

-Scott

Posted by Crookedsuperhero on 2004-12-24 12:55:02
My Score:

Sounds amazing.

Posted by Fuzzy on 2004-12-24 12:51:43
My Score:

I saw the Meanies on tour with Flogging Molly on what must have been their last tour. God they were good. Hats off to all you Chicago folk.

Posted by TheNightProwler on 2004-12-24 12:47:06
My Score:

So you were the guy on stage with the stopwatch? You need a haircut!

Anyways, great show!

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 24, 2004 at 12:27 PM (EST)
My Score:

killer setlist.

Posted by Anonymous on Friday, December 24, 2004 at 12:25 PM (EST)
My Score:

I love this fucking band so much, but opted not to go to the show, as I went on a date with an awesome girl I've liked for months instead.

I hope this is released as a DVD, or they play more shows.

Posted by Jesse on 2004-12-24 12:23:16
My Score:

"Chemicals" is a sweet fucking song.