The Automatik

Attack Records, 2004

Morrissey is as anachronistic as a quill pen in an Internet cafe. Who else would have the guts to include the line “and spit upon the name Oliver Cromwell” in his latest album’s first single? Who else would sing the line with a vocal flourish normally reserved for sentiments heralding Oscar Wilde? It’s catchy all right, but nothing compared to “The First of the Gang to Die,” which has that trademark Moz chorus, ridiculously loveable guitar, lyrics about smooth criminals, and falsetto ad libbing. It’s like “The Last of the Famous International Playboys” updated for his male Latino fan base.
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An Evening with Siouxsie
House of Blues
September 12, 2004

Last night I saw Siouxsie perform, nearly 20 years after the first time I saw her perform. Then, it was 1985, and it was Siouxsie and the Banshees. This time, the show was billed as “An Evening with Siouxsie” and was promoted as a mix of Banshees and Creatures favorites. I’ll admit that I was never a Creatures fan, not from lack of their talent, but just from my lack of interest. Either the balance of songs last night was off, or my memory is finally failing me, because I only recognized a handful of tunes. John McGeoch was sorely missed (may he rest in peace), as was Steve Severin, who was “replaced” by a young lad playing keyboards and tapes who looked like he was moonlighting from Interpol. Still, it was a thoroughly enjoyable show.
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