Agent Orange at the Jackpot

Saw Agent Orange at the Jackpot last night. Honestly, as much fun as I had and everything, I probably wouldn’t have paid the $10 to get in. Or, if I had, I’d probably have regretted it. The Klusterfux were great, and it was nice to get a chance to see John Cutler onstage again. Opening with the Cutler-penned Parlay tune “Bring It All the Way” was like a blast from the past. (Klusterfux pictures here)

Iron Guts Kelly… they’re always good, really. Boj is now pretty much off the stage and in front the entire set now, which is frickin’ awesome. It’s like watching a wild animal on a chain. He won’t go any further than the mic cord allows him to, but he’s in the everybody’s face and pushing the microphone in the face of anybody who might know the words. It’s hardcore. (Iron Guts Kelly pictures here)

Agent Orange was good, but I’ve never been a huge fan. “Bloodstains,” “Too Young To Die,” “Everything Turns Grey” (which was what they opened with) have always sounded all right me, as have their covers – “Pipeline,” et al. They’ve never been high on my list of ’80s punk acts, really. I’d’ve preferred to see Reagan Youth, the Zero Boys, or Naked Raygun. Still, the band is tight as hell, and it’s like the band never broke up. I could tell where various points of the set were canned, but it was still fun, and their setlist was immense. They play the majority of Living In Darkness, and damn near everything else besides. (Agent Orange pictures here)

It was a funny evening, however. It seemed like every band broke out a cover or two or three. The Klusterfux knocked out the Sonics, Johnny Thunders, and the Kinks. Iron Guts Kelly did Slapshot and S.O.D., while Agent Orange did an Eddie Cochran by-way-of the Who take on “Shakin’ All Over.” Also, while I was walking to get some batteries out of my backpack, I stopped a drunken midget stripper from accidentally taking off with my coat. Fun times, really.

Klusterfux – “Birthday in Hell
Iron Guts Kelly – “Strong Will Survive
Agent Orange – “Bloodstains