May 1968

Nothing says Birmingham like than an art show in a burnt out building in Avondale. Chris Bearly's shrine was definately the highlight of the show for me, but I also enjoyed celebrity portraits by someone (Lea?) that were of Kid and Play, Alf, and Spuds McKenzie. This art show's proximity to the Munchie's Wall of Respect, which also features a potpourri of celebrity portraiture, seemed fitting.

The Hot-El warehouse was more crowded than I had ever seen it. Maybe it was the weather. Maybe it was the lack of air-conditioning in Hot-El. Maybe it was the keg. Somehow I felt like I saw more public displays of nudity at this show than at any show I have been to since I've been in the Ham.

GNP (Birmingham): Still rocking after all these years. I saw GNP when I was fifteen years old and was ruined for good. And isn't that what punk rock is supposed to do?

YAKUZA DANCE MOB (Magic City, AL): This time featuring original members of YDM: Jon Ezell and Natalie Elliot. Teddy Bear Picnic was honestly the first record I ever owned. I played it on a Fisher Price Record player when I was a kid. Who knew that sixteen years later, YDM would blow my mind with a noise cover of the same song?

NECRONOMIKIDS (Druid City, AL): Surf thrash assasins. Really original multi-genre stuff. Made me want to move my feet--and my arms and hips and head.

Happy birthday May 1968!