Captured! By Robots – live at the Jackpot

Ever think you’d be rewarded for smoking? Not me, but evidently that happens at a Camel-sponsored show. Not only did I get free smokes, but I also snagged a free Captured! By Robots cd. Niceness.

The show was, of course, the most awesome thing which mine eyes have ever had the pleasure of feasting upon. Wild Chipmunk & the Cuddly Poos? Hilarity and talent- a fine mix. It’s a rare band that can use Wurlitzer and cover both Cher UK and Motorhead. The capes, tuxedos, and afro wigs only enhance the experience to the point of open, near-tears laughter.

The Spores… hot bass player, but they needed more puppets.

And, of course… C!BR. Fantastic. As soon as the show got going, I wandered in from outside. I stood there in full jaw-dropping awe at a stage full of robots, all playing music. Well, and JBOT. Photos of the show could not possibly do it justice. Buy their new cd and watch the videos that come with it. Or buy the DVD from the Bottom of the Hill performance. It will still be absolutely nothing like standing in a crowded room watching a stage packed with robotic musicians and a crazy man on keytar.

It was their wedding show, thus every song was a wedding song. Journey, Rick James, the Village People, Billy Idol– all were represented. When “Don’t Stop Believin'” got going, there was a full Jackpot singing along, completely without irony. Several people got married, and being the wedding would not be complete without it, there was cake. Much was smeared across my face and the faces of others. I think there’s still some stuck in my right nostril.

Fun night. Fucking fantastic night that now has me rarin’ to go see C!BR any time they ever come through our Midwestern neck of the woods. Highlights of the evening included my friend Rodney sniffing the shirt of one of our friend’s friend… while it was in her purse; Scott Born demanding of one of the Camel guys “What ordinance states that?” when he was told he couldn’t bring his son Alex in to see the Cuddly Poos; and the aforementioned cake fight.

Captured! By Robots – “Passover

It might not necessarily be easy but learning to read music can be very important for musicians.