Matt Hopper, The Devil Whale, Cameron McGill & What Army:  Live @ Kryptonite, Rockford, IL  |  08.25.2010

by Andrew Whorehall

Matt Hopper & The Devil Whale | Kryptonite, Rockford, IL 08.25.2010 | Photo provided by Chris Wachowiak at Krypto

Matt Hopper (& The Roman Candles) is a singer-songwriter from Hatcher Pass, Alaska (at least that’s what he’ll tell ya).  He’s lived everywhere it seems in the last 10 years, documenting his tales, characters from places he’s been to, places he’s from and places he’s going to next.  He’s released a few records on his own, as well as under the band name, The Roman Candles earlier in the last 10 years.

Brinton Jones is the lead singer songwriter of The Devil Whale; home base, Salt Lake City, Utah.  The band has self released a full length and their newest e.p. while opening for the likes of respectable artists like;  Cold War Kids, the Autumn Defense, Glen Phillips, Richard Buckner, Damien Jurado, the Band of Annuals, Mike Doughty, Rocky Votolato, Richard Swift, David Dondero and many more.

They recently passed through Rockford, IL, on, August 25th, a Wednesday night.  Usually a ‘staying in night’ for most, they arrived opening for a few of their midwestern friends;  Chicago’s, Cameron McGill & What Army.  3 great bands from all over the U.S. on one night, in Rockford, IL.  The amount of talent in the room may have been the most overwhelming aspect of the night for an informed witness/listener.

"Young Wives" E.P. – The Devil Whale

The Devil Whale opened first, convincing a small crowd unaware of their music to turn to their friends and ask, “Who are these guys?  They’re great.”  The Devil Whale played songs off their newest e.p. “Young Wives” and a few selections off their full length, “Like Paraders.” Rock, folk, harmonies slippin’ in and under classic pop arrangements with the right amount of feedback when needed, Kryptonite via Salt Lake City.  Jones’ songs, the band, on record are subdued, well crafted and produced- live, they explode.  The band supports Jones’ lead like a rock machine should.  There’s something going on in Utah;  there would be no surprise to see the ‘Whale’ sign with a respective indie label in the near future and accidentally open for the likes of indie giants while forging their own path to headline.  Catch them now;  an amazing, live band, great players in control of beautiful pop-folk arrangements that explode with color.

Hopper joined the Whale for the 2nd set performing his own set of tunes rooted in ‘Crazy Horse’ delivery and Americana stories of the road, people.  The first thing you’ll notice is Hopper’s voice, a commanding wail from a tiny frame that can hit some bar room falsettos and yelps from deep below.  A great story teller / band leader took control of the room with his own catalogue of songs, many from his recently released beauty of a record, “Jersey Finger.”  The  Devil Whale served as his, ‘Roman Candles,’  following Hopper’s emotional delivery and dressing up standard rock songs with Americana inflections and punk instincts.

Cameron McGill & What Army | Kryptonite, Rockford, IL 08.25.2010 | Photo provided by Chris Wachowiak at Krypto

Cameron McGill & What Army had to close the night after all that;  and they did mightily.  The Army this time around featured Adam Plamann (The Wandering Sons / Miles Nielsen) on keys and sax, and newly hired touring bassist / songwriter, Miles Nielsen (Harmony Riley / The Wandering Sons / Miles Nielsen & The Rusted Hearts).

What’s most ironic about this night of  great talent is that it could have been billed as “Cameron McGill & The Wandering Sons.”  Luckily the midwest irony only went as deep as the eye would allow incestuous, midwest, musical thoughts & connections.  Cam’s songs are musically monstrous regardless of presentation, trampling such thoughts.  The Army and their Rookies took the bar that Hopper and the Whale raised and dismantled it, playing songs from their newest, e.p., “Deserters” and previewing songs from their  finished full-length, record, “Is A Beast” (Due in 2011).

"Deserters." E.P. - Cameron McGill & What Army

Older cuts from “Hold on Beauty” and “Warm Songs for Cold Shoulders” fleshed out a majority, electric set.  Cameron’s voice was in majestic, vicious form and the Army with their newbies in toll proved why they are one of the midwest’s finest going right now;  giving character and weight to McGill’s fragile, honest, emotional songs while playing their own hearts out.  The band is oiling up for a fall tour with Margot & The Nuclear So & So’s where McGill will be doing double duties, keys and what nots for Margot’s gang and then leading his own mates through the east coast and back.  Do what you can to catch this band.

The amount of talent in that room that night has left a mark on me for days. Each band brought their A+ game to an F+ city in the middle of nowhere.  Just another night in Rockford, IL, that I, and many others who were lucky enough to be there to listen, won’t forget soon.

Thank you to Chris & Kryptonite for another great, irregular night of music by 3 of  America’s great bands in one spot.

aw  |  andywhorehall.com

Singer and songwriter Kelly Steward joins us for a night on the town! Not really- we’re just in the studio doing our thang! We also introduce our first girly co-host and Gaga lover, Stephanie! Kelly will be performing on Saturday August 14th with Sophie B. Hawkins and Emily Hurd at Green Light Nights. For tickets go to www.greenlightrockford.com.

myspace.com/kellystewardmusic

Donkey Boy (USA) performing live for Sock Monkey Sound.

Donkey Boy (USA) performing live in studio for Sock Monkey Sound

{A conversation between Andy & Josh about family, music, good eats, why the Beatles are overrated & just maybe… tittays.  To Josh Watson’s dad, happy father’s day 2010, this is your son, a hard worker, great guitarist & fine performer.}

By Andrew Whorehall & Josh Watson
(Intro / Outro by dD for Sock Monkey Sound dot com.}

Josh Watson invades Chuck E. Cheese

I was approached by friend & musician, Daniel McMahon, to interview Mr. Josh Watson.  The idea was propositioned by Dan after Josh and he had traded off nasty guitar licks at an after hours party that the future local chain restaurant, Brio, was throwing for people who love After-Hours Potato Martini Drinking Contests. The winner took home the empty Potato Martini glass.  Neither musician won.  Bottom line is this, I’m not sure who won and I’m not sure I care, because;  these two guys are two of the finest guitarists & musicians the midwest has to offer.   Both possessing a large luggage of performance skills, experience, youth, character and punk rock attitude.

I don’t know Josh outside of seeing him in 4-5 different bands the past decade.  He loves cover bands and rightfully so, they’re bread butter winners around these forgotten zips.  His character speaks loud and to the point.  Every time I run into to him he looks me square in the face and says, “Gimme Nickleback, gimme fake tits brah” while raising his index and pinky fingers, others folded, and walking away.  It looks like this, imagine this is someone else’s hand in your face:

\m/

Josh lives rock n roll… so much so he scares me. I firmly believe he goes to the places in his mind that I & others go to alone to find. He doesn’t fool me though. We’ll get to that.

Out of creative fear I sent in my agent, Mr. Andrew Whorehall, to cover me with a list of questions and thoughts for Josh, to figure out Joshua Watson, hang with him for a bit and discuss some stuff… stuff n’ thangs. It was not something I could do without Mr. Whorehall. I believe Josh is fooling everyone around Rockford, IL, superior guitar skills while playing the cover band make a buck game to a T and knowing that at any moment if offered- he’s outta here for something better.

________________

On Tue, 6/8/10, Mr. Andrew Whorehall wrote:

From: Andrew Whorehall
Subject: Wattamess Watson: 21 Loaded Questions for Josh Watson.
To: imjoshwatson@yahoo.com
Date: Tuesday, June 8, 2010, 7:58 PM

Joshua,
it’s a pleasure, you’re the first local musician interview/conversation attempted for Sock Monkey I’ve been asked to partake in.  Let me put it to you like this;  You’re my virgin, I am your car, whatever happens here will not stay here, I will tell everyone about it, good and bad. Anything you say in return will not be edited to cover up the truth, use your words wisely- especially if you just got dumped or drunk.  Anything I say will be edited. With that being said, I will correct some of your written grammar if needed without changing your voice, your slang, your acronyms, your spirit.  Let it rip, Josh, here we go.

Andrew Whorehall {AW}: I’ve seen you play in many bands and you always stick out.  Be it on the guitar, the mic or casually prowling behind and in front of others- tell me a bit about your background, where you grew up, your parents influence, did they push you or stray you from music?  Did you ever tell them something you regret but never had a chance to apologize for, this is the place, tell me and I’ll share it with everyone so we forgive you for them publicly.

Joshua Watson {Josh}: I grew up on the west side of Rockford, IL and I still live on the west side today. As long as I live in this town I’ll never leave the west side. I did live in Princeton, IL for one year of my life in 1987.  My dad took a job down there and I f*cking hated it. I was so glad to come back to my friends here.  I wouldn’t say my parents pushed music on me. They bought me a sh*itty little muppets “drumset” when I was 2. Then the following 2 years they upgraded me to something better each Christmas.  So, yeah, I started out as a drummer.  Actually, I didn’t even start playing guitar til I was about 9 and it happened to be that year I lived in Princeton so I guess something good came from living in that town for a year.

Naw, I’ve never told my parents anything I’ve regretted. My parents are amazing.

AW: Funny how the Muppets marked your musical life somehow as it marked mine when the Ps bought me the “The Muppet Movie Soundtrack” record.  This is loaded, one thing I’ve noticed from a distance (facebook stalking) is that you have a great work ethic.  Many people around these sh*tty zip codes assume you party hard all the time, a man about town– you don’t fool me though, you work hard and I know it, a hunch.  How many jobs are you currently holding down and are you finding it a bit more difficult to balance all the responsibilities it takes to pay bills and commit to playing in so many bands?

Josh: I don’t party all the time.  I know that’s difficult to believe. I save that for Friday and Saturday.  I may, once in a while, do a bottle of wine or a 6 pack of Bud Heavys after UPS one night, but not so often.  The 2 jobs I work are actually fairly easy.  Guzzardo’s I love. Its great to sit around and talk about music and gear with people all day. UPS on the other hand, it’s run its course.  The pay and free benefits are a bonus though.  There is just so much bullsh*t you hafta deal with there.  I actually play in all these bands to help with the bills and drinking money.  My work schedule is Sunday thru Thursday so I never have a difficult time playing a gig– unless of course Stu Johnson decides the Sons of Many Bitches (the country-punk rock alter-ego of veteran midwesterners, The Pimps) needs to do a Wednesday night at Krypto.

AW: Jobs with benefits are rarities around here, at least you know that’s why you’re still doing it.   It’s a hard trade off man, I get  it, your time for benefits and how much is your time really worth when it’s run it’s course and you have so many other positive skills to offer given the right time and opportunity?  I believe it’s all about demographics, Josh, we’ll come back to that later.  Movin on- how many of your Facebook friends are really your friends? Do you ever feel the need to delete them for kicks?  What are your thoughts on using a scrabble bag of letters to randomly delete people from your facebook profile?

Josh: I can actually say a lot of them are my friends. I can’t give you a specific number.  There are many people on my friends list I have lotsa love for. I never delete people.  I usually will just hide them, but the scrabble thing is kinda a good idea so maybe I’ll start deleting some folks just to try it.

AW: You should, I do it all the time and more often than not it’s just good to remind yourself that Facebook means nothing outside of being a marketing tool that destroys our own lives along with many others if you know how to tag people properly in uncomfortable pictures.  I use it to destroy anything good about my other personality.  The internet is just one big free advertising orgy. Use your firewalls and change your name because Big Brother is using all of your personal data to monopolize ad dollars.  They’ll tell you it’s for national security but that’s a lie too.  Your friends will understand if you accidently delete them regardless.

Do you ever feel the urge to quit playing music altogether? Moments of frustration you know?  Some musicians say it hits when they show up 3 hours away for a gig and 4 people are there, then it happens again, and the frustration grows.   How do you, as a musician and a tax-paying American, balance the dream and reality?

Josh: I’ll never stop playing music, it’s the one thing I’m some what good at. It’s my life.  Even now that I’m in cover bands, I’m not ruling out never doing an original thing again.  I think the Sons should start writing more and doing more of our own material. I would love to write with Stu and Tony. I would love to quit my jobs and do the damn thing.   I could.  I don’t really have any bills, a wife or kids.  If someone had the life to make the dream into a reality it would be me.  It’s just a lot easier said than done.  The only moments of frustration I’ve had playing was when i was in an original band and the above things you mention would happen more often than not.  It gets old.  Also when you have band members whose hearts aren’t into as much as yours?  That’s also frustrating.

AW: Wives and babies change everything, Josh.  I’ve been married 8 times, there’s so little time for one wife.  No kids luckily, my demon seed is fine, fortunately.  I just don’t see the benefit of having children in these tough times, especially because of personal demographics, until it’s legal to sell them on Ebay. Have you ever considered being a scientist or mayor of Rockford? Do you feel the latter is a bit more achievable than the former job career I mentioned if you stay in Rockford, IL?

Sons of Many Bitches (The Pimps)

Josh: When I’m drunk I like to believe I’m a scientist. I would like to run for mayor, but people would just think I was trying to rip Jesus off.  So I’ll prolly never run.  Maybe Alderman or County Board though.  My grandparents have been on both of those. “My Grandma is on the County Board!” is another one of my favorite quotes.  If I ever do run for county board I’d run on the promise that I’d change this ‘stupid strip club law.’   Really?   I gotta drive 45 minutes to see some g*d damn titties?  That’s bullsh*t!   My Grandma is on the board right now. I tell her all the time to do something about it.   Don’t think she’s gonna make it work for me.

AW: One of the most ridiculous problems holding back our local economy is the fact we, as law abiding hard working citizens, have to drive so far to see some beautiful skin.  It makes no sense.  I could not agree more because this is why I’ve been divorced 8 times.  Wives #5&6 were strippers, cousins, can you believe that luck, Josh?  Only in Rockford, IL.  Is there anywhere else in this world you want to play music and possibly feel less stress about making a living or having to drive farther to see what man & woman has earned the right to enjoy?

Josh: Austin, or in the Dallas area.  There’s a station down there called the Range outta Fort Worth. Great station all Americana type music. The guitar players all wanna be Keith and Ronnie.  I’d love it.  They play all a bunch of local cats and the station is all about them.

AW: Ahhhh, Ronnies…. they stole him from Rod and Ian, one of my favorite band, The Faces.  You know they had 2 great Ronnies?  Ronnie Wood and Ronnie Lane.  Check out Rod’s, “Never a Dull Moment.“ His finest post-Faces work because of Ronnie Wood, he co-wrote and played on many of those great British, folk-rock tunes.  Do you have any pets like, say a gold fish, dog, anything?  If you have a cat, skip the details, I don’t want to talk about cats.  If not why not?

Josh: I hate cats.  I think cats are only good for punting.  It’s probably because I tormented my Aunt’s cat as a child.  ‘Sugar’ was the cats name.  That thing fucking hated me.  I have a dog named ‘Otto.’  He’s one of my hero’s. He’s a husky/shepherd mix.  That f*cker has got it made too.

AW: Man, all dogs have it made.  I really believe dogs are more honorable than humans.   Have you ever asked fellow musicians for girl advice? Do you find their opinions to be bloated and hedonistic?   Since we’re on the subject, what do you think of squirrels and chefs?

Josh: One of my best friends of 25 years is a musician, so of course I’ve asked him for advice.  His opinions are NOT too bloated or hedionstic, there are plenty of musicians opinions whose are though– prolly including myself, ha.

Squirrels are just rats with a bushy tails. Have you’ve ever been to Canada?  The Squirrels are black up there.I love chefs. I’m fat, I love food.

AW: No, I’ve never been to Canada, I’m afraid I’ll love it.  I need to be somewhere I loathe to create.  You’ve perfected the art of playin’ in a cover band, the Stones, the Crowes coming up, have you ever considered your own band? I ask because you’re too good of a performer and guitarist to continue playing in bands with local indie has-beens– like Mark Muraski of Golden Rocket and Stu Johnson of Sarkoma. ; )

Josh: I’ve been writing my own stuff since 5th grade, I still do.  I was in an original band with the same guys for many years. We eventually became the Buddha Nuggs then the Van Dammits.  We recorded 2 cd’s and played a lot shows. It was fun but a lot of hard work.  Even more hard work when only half the band is really into it.  I’d love to do an original thing again, if I can find the right guys.  Actually Stu and Mark would prolly be 2 guys I’d wouldn’t mind being involved in an original project with.

Tony Crisman (The Pimps / Sons of Many Bitches) performs with Josh, right.

AW: Stu & Mark are great musicians, collaborators, much to learn from both those guys as well.  It’s too bad about The Van Dammits, Josh, good band.  Seems like a lotta good bands split when the work starts to pay off a  bit and larger opening slots get booked, etc.   I’ve never understood it from my perspective around these parts.  It’s as if we all want to secretly quit at everything that starts to go good to prove some sort of self-destructive point because at the end of the day when the work is done, we’re still living in Rockford, IL.  I’m under the assumption you’ve played with everyone.  Anyone locally you want to play in a band with you haven’t had a chance to yet? (NOTE:  You can’t say “Cheap Trick.”  I will not allow it because Geo Braun, journalist, from the Rockford Register Star has that band covered quite well.  She’s a groupie is my theory.)

Josh: Man I have played with a lot great musicians in this town. I haven’t really thought about it..  I’d really like to play with Steve Van Horn. He’s the man on Drums. We always talk about it when I’m drunk. lol, but it just has never happened yet.

AW: Steve’s a name I keep hearing in different circles as well, great drummer who hides that fact- thanks for blowing his cover. You own many things, on your Facebook page you state, “I pretty much own the tri-state area” I agree with reservation and it’s dependent on this next question:  Have you ever wanted to own a sitar? Prove me wrong, seems like a pretty pointless instrument, right? Snobs use it, dare to be different pop stars, would you agree? The Beatles were praised for using it, George Harrison with his foo foo beliefs and middle eastern flavors tried to ruin late 60s rock n’ roll wouldn’t you say?  Is this why you prefer the Stones over the Beatles?

Josh: I haven’t owned a sitar.  I wouldn’t say its a pointless instrument. We actually used to have an electric one at Guzzardo’s that I was gonna use to record a part on a Van Dammit’s song. It would have fit perfectly.  It never happened though.  I couldn’t tell you what the first song the Beatles used a sitar on but Brian Jones played one on Paint It Black and that came out in ’66.  I prefer the Stones to the Beatles because I love my rock n roll Loud, Live, sloppy, sexy, dirty; in your face, 3 chords, guitar weaving, driven– and the fab four just don’t do that for me. Great songwriters, musicians, huge influence.  Just not my cup of tea.

AW: Not my cup of tea either, too many songs about love and loving and feeling the love and needing the love, what a songwriting cop out for these ears.  I’m happy you mentioned Brian Jones, subconsciously I knew he was tied to the Sitar movement too but was blanketed by rock n’ roll tragedy.

I’ll take the Kinks over the Beatles and Stones, Stones easily trump Beatles in a runners up race.   Songs about common men, relationships damaged, not so perfect vocals but honest intentions, rock n’ roll for me is the Kinks.  Ray & Dave Davies’ smarmy songs never get old.  I want to meet the characters in their tunes, but the Beatles?  Yawn.  Eleanor Rigby?  She sounds like a log.  Fr. Mackenzie?  Who cares, the Fr. in McCartney’s tune doesn’t.  Rita, the meter maid?  Sounds like a girl trying to be a dude dressed in military clothes serving tea- cmon, that’s crazy.

Take McCartney, you can’t trust him as a writer, why?  The guy left his 2nd wife who has one leg- you don’t leave a wife with one leg, period. The Beatles?  Never rock n’ rolled after “Beatles For Sale.”   They lost the plot personally, roof top performances don’t count either, a marketing gimmick. That’s all the Beatles were in the end.  Positively speaking, they found it ‘artistically’ after 1965 on record, but that doesn’t mean they rock n’ rolled. (George Martin found it for them, artistically.)  Bottom line, there’s no great Beatles record without George Martin. The record they did with Phil Spector, “Let It Be” is trying, boring, a power battle between too many egos.  When it comes to their live reputation?  The Beatles are a spotty, British, bar band with nice mod clothes tailor made to put on for shows at their thespian best.

Soap box over, man, sorry.  Speaking of classic rock gods and performing,  as a child, did you ever say out loud to your parents about the other kids your age, “f*ck their He-Man dolls, I wanna shred some faces off brah”?

Josh: No way man.  I loved He-Man, GI Joes, Lego’s, Hot Wheels.  Actually when I was that young I was all about baseball. I thought for sure one day I was going to play for the Cubs.

AW: Thank god you never played for them! Lovably losing is not cool.  For many years I pretended I was Ryne Sandberg against Bruce Sutter of the Cardinals, 1984, when he hit those homers in the extra inning game.  That still marks my childhood memories.  Then I grew up  and realized the Cardinals represent winners, not lovable losers.  The Cubs are the picture perfect example of a business that takes from the poor to feed the rich.

Do you consider Oasis a classic rock band or not?  What are your thoughts on the brothers’ Gallgher? Choose your words wisely, they did tour with the Robinson brothers (Black Crowes) which I hear you consider the inheritors to the Stones’ mantle.

Josh: I like Oasis especially their first 2 albums.  I saw them opening night at the then Rosemont Horizon right after ‘Whats the Story’ came out.  Noel was singing.  They wrote some good catchy tunes.  The Gallagher Bros are a bunch of wankers though. A Bunch of f*cking sods.  I did catch them on the ‘Brotherly Love’ tour too with the Crowes with Liam singing, I thought they sounded much better. I consider Guns n Roses inheritors of the Stones mantle too. I’m talking Appetite GnR. To too bad Axl is such a stupid f*ck face. They probably coulda went on to do great things.

AW: Isn’t “Champagne Supernova” the ultimate show closer for any cover band though?  Would you ever name a band or your child, “Champagne Supernova”?  Please offer us some baby names to consider because many people in Rockford love making babies- do you?

Josh: If and when I ever have babies they will be named:
Trays On, Shots On and of course Drinks On.

AW: Triplets?! Loads! On your facebook info page you state you are a “Conservative” but you’ve also been caught many times saying, “Sit on My Face,” and “I own this God Damn town.” Many conservatives may not like your opinions or ability to ride the fence, how do you feel about Al Gore winning the election in 2000, getting robbed by the conservative movement with help from the Supreme Court?  Don’t you think 2000-2008 may have been a bit different without crazy conservatives in office?

Josh: I actually voted for Gore. I’m a moderate conservative. More fiscal conservative. I don’t give a flying f*ck what hardcore right-wingers think.  Same goes for the far left.  I tend to lean right.  Everyone I know is more liberal.  Used to make for some fun drunk debates.  Who knows if those 8 years woulda been different. Probably not.  Gore’s a f*cking douchebag.  All politicians are. I bet his wife left him because he lost though. Poor chap.  There’s something else the left can blame Bush about– haha, Gore’s marriage ending! I’ve lost interest in politics.  All they care about is money and getting re-elected.  F*ck em. I used to watch the cable news shows and get all fired up.  Now I just watch ESPN and Billy the Exterminator on A & E.

AW: Caring for American politics has become trivial.  I realized my vote really didn’t matter in 2000 after Gore was instructed to give up the argument, I adopted the notion that the wrestling sport I enjoyed as a child was just as real as politics and elections. On Saturday at 5:57am on Facebook you said:   “actually.. I dont even GIVE a F*CK!!!! I need to hang out on the east side! Im wasting my f*cking time” I occasionally go to Buffalo Wild Wings to escape my side of town or to the always amazing Old Chicago for Italian Nachos.  It’s so different than, say, hanging out with a potato martini and hot chicks in high heels at Brio, correct?  Occasionally I hit the Lung Fung for a Banana Pineapple Smoothie too, have you tried it yet?  Mossy Vaughn (The Heavils, Lizard Skynard) recently sent me to Chen’s for some delicious eats- have you tried them yet?  What’s your favorite local eats?  Which nationality makes the best food for Josh?  Please explain where you were wasting your time as well.

Josh: Haha thats just another great “I’m feeling sorry for myself moment.” I felt down on my luck because I was unable find any random chick to take home and spoon.  It happens sometimes.  I meant the east side, just to try and find some new chicks to hang out with.  In the words of Keith Richards “Sometimes you just need to change the backdrop!“ It might be easier over there. Haha, Chens is the jam man, I haven’t eaten there in a while. Lung Fung is amazing too haven’t tried the smoothie tho.  Asian Cuisine is hands down my favorite for good eats even tho i’ll just about eat anything you put in front of me.  Except fish, unless of course its between a chicks legs.

AW: Speaking of chicks and fish sticks sandwiches, you’ve played everywhere in Rockford, imagine you’re a tour guide now. Where are the hottest waitresses and bartenders with no personalities to meet if you’re a stranger passing through the Rock River Valley?

Josh: Who gives a shit about personality?  Show yo fawkin tits!

AW: Tshirt in production now, you get copyright.   Where are the nicest, maybe not so pretty ones with great personalities and good conversations? Nevermind, no one cares.  Back to really hot gals;  On June 3rd at 10:17pm you said, “hmm I dunno what it is but in the past few weeks I’ve seen more hot moms at guzzardos than the whole past 7 years Ive worked there.. word must be out that I know Ryan Moore.” WHO is Ryan Moore and why should every man know this man to know hot moms?  Have you ever tried Target? They have hot moms there too.

Josh: Ryan Moore is one of my best friends who prefers cougars.  He’s on the prowl for cougars– anywhere.

AW: Ryan sounds like a hero to all men and women too.   Ok Josh, I’ve gotten off track, I knew you were gonna be good game for this but I’m gonna get serious for the last two questions.  Your dad is a major inspiration, on May 29th at 2:29am you said on Facebook, “theres nothing better than drinking beer and listening to the stones at 2 am than with my old man.. greatest f*cking times ever!!” You do know how lucky you are, correct?  Not many of us men get to drink a beer and listen to the Stones til 2am with dad- that’s a pretty rare feat and I want to talk about your dad a bit being that Father’s Day is approaching. It seems he may have the greatest influence on you as a musician?  Yes?  No?  You guys ever punch each other in the arm for kicks? Seems like he’s a cool dad, how did he approach you about the birds and the bees as a kid? All my dad said to me was,  ”keep your zipper up.”  He was being very wise and I love him for that but you and I know hot ladies like BBQ fish sticks sandwiches, orange juice and loose zippers, correct?

Josh: Yeah man I’ve been dealt a great hand in life.  Great family, friends. Lotsa luck.  My pops is a big influence on me.  He plays guitar.  He taught me some of the basic things for playing guitar and I just kinda went from there.  He’s a huge Stones fan also.  Thats where I get it.  I’ll put money on it that there isn’t another Father/Son duo that has seen the Stones 40 times together across the Country. Matter of fact he drunk dialed me lastnite, he was watching some Stones on blu-ray and was like, “Man next time you come down here we’re gonna put this motherf*cker on!  Keith is on fire!”  He gave me “Exile On Main Street” on casette for Christmas in 1987 every since then I’ve played guitar. I knew right then and there, “ok I’m a guitar player now.”  I don’t think we’ve ever punched eachother in the arm, ha. F*ck, I think all he ever told me was to ‘wrap it up.’  We never really sat down and had “the” talk. Hot ladies do LOVE fish sandwiches and loose zippers!

AW: YES, they do!  And orange juice!  OJ and ribs too!   Alright Josh, name off 10 songs you can’t live without for one reason or another….. then name off 10 songs you play with all of your bands you can’t wait to play again and again.  Also, if you’d like to ask me a question, your turn, do it here and I’ll give ya what I got to conclude this piece.

Josh: Well you know the Stones have recorded over 400 songs so this might be hard to narrow down..
Wild Horses
Tumblin’ Dice
Beast Of Burden
Gimme Shelter
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Memory Motel
Before They Make Me Run
Love In Vain
Moonlight Mile
Far Away Eyes — this will change tomorrow I’m sure

AW: Man, I love, love, love Far Away Eyes, for me– the finest Stones moment.

Josh: I love to play these songs:
Jumpin’ Jack Flash
Midnight Rambler
Wild Horses
Good Hearted Woman
Amos Moses
Sometimes Salvation
Thorn In My Pride
Descending
and if the Van Dammits ever do a reunion show.. Titties N Fiddies and No Shame
And now for you Mr. Whorehall.. Would you agree that “gimme Nickleback, gimme fake tits” is the greatest line Donkey Boy (USA), has ever written?

AW: dBUSA is one of my clients… I argued that line by the way, it’s too ironic.  Let’s be honest, Josh, it’s a… physically handicapped line.  It’s no different than the band it mocks, Nickelback, or the fake fun bags it pokes at.  Mainly it pokes at the people that support these items.  Americans love sh*tty music and hot chicks with fake tits.  Some days I consider myself an a’Merican male too, not today.  I’ve been feeling British of late.  I know it brings smiles for us but in some regards many people believe Nickleback and fake tits are good things.  They’re not.  They’re poison.  Planet Earth would be so much healthier minus those two.  It’s a part of America that scares the sh*t out of some of us.  Stu Johnson and the Pimps found something punk in it dBUSA didn’t find yet in the studio.   The song was a bit more political in nature with many references to Georgie Jr. and Oil fields before Stu and dBUSA rewrote half of via text messaging to be a touch more sexist, a’Merican- rather than political.   A smart move for rock n’ roll and entertainment’s sake.  Just a little middle finger is all it is.

The greatest line though? Hasn’t happened yet.  When it does, I’m writing a check in your name for that nasty country-rock guitar solo you knocked out for dBUSA’s/Pimps version of, “I.M. a’Merica.”  Cheers man, you got a drink on me next time we run into each other.

Best of luck and safe travels,
Mr. Andrew Whorehall

Josh recording during the Sons of Many Bitches debut record.

__________________________________________________________

So concludes Andrew Whorehall and Josh Watson’s email exhange.
Thanks for your time guys, especially Josh– I know you got two jobs and a gig somewhere to get to.
For Sock Monkey Sound and Dan McMahon,
I leave you, Josh, with ownership rights on this piece.

dD  |  andywhorehall.com

A many months later monologue-critique-intro to Chicago, IL’s, finest, Cameron McGill & What Army. Inspired by a performance @ Kryptonite, Rockford, IL, 11.25.2009, Thanksgiving Eve. {by Dave DeCastris, 05.14.2010}

Part I
This is a bit late.  You know the saying? Better late than never or as I like to say, patience & a glass of water are a sniper’s most treasured weapons.  Cameron McGill has been making records for the better part of the last decade via Chicago, IL.  The past couple of years with an experienced traveling band , What Army.  Cameron’s got all the goods with this shotgun model band and all the bullets needed ready to fire, his songs.

On records, the sniper occasionally takes a seat for the poet.  Cameron is a great writer, character studies on Old America transported through personal experiences. Detailed, dark explorations of the human soul, relationships and narratives delivered with bite, bitter and honest.  The players on record have changed over the years but Cam seems to have found a creative stride with the current ‘What Army’  lineup.  Daniel J. McMahon, the midwest’s own everyman any band becomes better with, punches nasty guitar tones up against Darren Garvey‘s Kotche-esque killer percussion patterns vs. Rodrigo Palma‘s grammy worthy bass lines balancing out Cameron’s captain of a fragile ship delivery.  What mood is the captain in?  Piano or guitar?  Either way, you’re in for a treat or a trainwreck when you catch the What Army live.  Even when Graham Burris (Matthew Santos/Lupe Fiasco) has to step in for Rod, you still get a grammy worthy bassist, seriously.  You get a great band regardless of the outcome despite what they tell you about their defeated performance afterwards. An honorable midwestern trait.

Cameron & the boys have been through Rockford, IL, a few times.  I often wonder why (and knowing why), they’re bigger than this town but the road travels where the road must go to pay the bills in any way possible.  They’re bigger in talent alone than the joints they play but for now, I’ll take it.  Lucky even, catch them while you can because you see, 2010 brings many changes to the What Army and Cameron McGill.  Their new record is done.  It will wait.   I will offer one phrase;  Van Gogh’s brown boots and the Chicago skyline has a soundtrack finally.

2010 brings many great shoestrings for the Army to dangle and skip through with a finished record on standby.  Cameron also plays keys in another great, midwestern indie band called, Margot and The Nuclear So and So’s.  They have their own record coming out later this year, “Buzzard.”  Rodrigo, tours with Saves the Day.  Darren, with the Andreas Kapsalis Trio/Cory Chisel/Ernie Hendrickson and many more. Plus he just released his own wonderful solo record, “Under a Common Ceiling.” Daniel plays with the entire states of Wisconsin and Illinois, furr real.  He deserves his own Constitutional scroll.

The amount of talent in this band is beyond heart failure levels.  For them to be overlooked any further would be an artistic tragedy on it’s own.  Something has to give in 2010.  This is a career band, this is a career artist.  Hint, hint, America, listen.

“You see, this is a little too wordy for me, he’s too wordy, I like my rock to rock, he’s too whiny.” A man, Don, said that to me at Swilligan’s Pub one night the Army came through to play Rockford in late 08/early 09.  Don likes his rock to rock, no wordy stuff, no thinking, to each their own. Cam & The boys played their hearts out that night to a majority of undeserving, typically drunk, annoying people. A standard Rockford audience for a bar band.  Like anywhere, maybe, but sorry Don, I respect your opinion, I like wordy.  Classic rock radio is always a car ride away.    Weapons are words too my friend.  They closed with “Human Revolution” that night which has yet to see the light of day on record.  The song encapsulates all that is good in rock n’ roll when modern influences meet within one song.  Those being Radiohead/Wilco/Smiths hangin out near a Rufus Wainwright sea side and then, dragged through the midwestern corn fields to settle somewhere in, near, outside an ugly, selfish, hipster hut.  A dare to be different or get me out of here monster, Chicago.  A perfect encore closer for this Army.  Their music deserves to be anywhere and everywhere else besides the midwest.  Keep in mind, the midwest with all respect, is practice grounds for the best.

Part II
11.25.2009  |  Kryptonite |  Rockford, IL
Kryptonite is a great little unknown rock bar in a deserted, downtown located in Rockford, IL.  It’s one of 2-3 reasons to go downtown in Rockford on the west side of the bridge.  Chris Wachowiak, the owner, is a good guy, cares about downtown, cares about it’s health and about music.  Grab a meal or a drink at Octane beforehand, always great.  Talk to Dan the owner if you can catch him- he has other jobs, like many of us do in Rockford to survive. After your meal, stand still in the middle of the newly constructed street that will lead you a half-block to Krypto. A walking mall was once there, the America I miss.  Grilled cheese and 45s, Woolworths with mom in the 70s is my downtown to hold onto. Times change, stand there, close your eyes in the middle of the street and wait for a bird to sh*t on you. Why?  There’s a greater chance of a bird taking a dump on your head  than a car passing through and hitting you.  I mean this, I did it with my thespian friend and we waited, she laughed at me, I didn’t.  No car, no birds, no sh*ts, just a few laughs.  Our generation’s America in a nutshell.  My grandparents, from where they sit and watch down from space, are not proud of the Rockford they built.

11.25.2009 was a special night however.  Many birthdays, Thanksgiving Eve and Cameron McGill & What Army at Krypto.  What you also need to know is that every college kid is home from school.  Every family member transplanted to better jobs elsewhere are here too.  All waiting to get their drink on while ruining a music lover’s main course.  Cameron McGill & What Army are the main course this night.  Those mother f*ckers home for the holidays had no idea, no respect, towards what was gonna hit them.  At some point, I politely told a friend to stop touching my sister & shut up or go to the back of the bar so I could listen to the band.  There are some things, rules, principals, one should practice to enjoy a band.  Gettin’ loaded and high is not one of them, that’s just retarded.   Hiding from the crowd and telling people out of line to shut the f*ck up is acceptable, yes.  It is.

The Army this night is on top of their game.  I do not have video from this night (see bottom), however, I shot horrid video in April of 2009 at Krypto, take a moment to listen to all the hillbillies  talking:

Cameron McGill & What Army
04.10.2009
Live @ Kryptonite, Rockford, IL

Ghosts of New York from Dave DeCastris on Vimeo.

Unacceptable. People, this is socially unforgivable when going to see, listen to a band. Shut up or head on over to the Chuck E. Cheese.  They have skiball there, I love it, and you can talk and laugh and hang out with the other kids making noises and sneezing, spreading their bacteria.  I hope you get sick too.  Chuck E. Cheese is a guaranteed flu blast everytime I have to attend a family’s child party there.  Bring some sanitizer, you’ll thank me later.

On Thanksgiving eve, 2009, Cameron McGill & What Army played their hearts out.  Rockford reunited under a punk-folk rock green lit glow.  The kids yelped and belched about that one time in high school they got high and the home team won as the ‘Army played “Low Ways”, “Madeline”, “She’s a Killer” and many more with a sniper’s slow, calculated attack.  The moment I remember the most watching this great band snip away at the crowd was during “Dead Rose”, a song to be released.  You see, Rockford’s finest, reunited, hillbillies tried to win all night but ultimately failed when Captain McGill and Corporal McMahon busted out the dirtiest double rhythm guitar solo I’ve heard this side of the womb, 1973.  Crazy horse, panthers, dead roses took over the distance between the crowd talking and the brain thinking.  Rod and Darren bringing up the rear with dirty canon ball sized rhythm and release.  This is all I’ve got leftover from that night, what a sh*tty live review right? Man, a birthday gift that solo was.  Happy Thanksgiving, yes.

Part III
Some final thoughts about the night, Rockford and when the saints came marching through to play Kryptonite.

From the piano, the captain declared:
“I wrote this song a long, long, long time ago.
About a girl, so mean.
She was a sssssssssssss- Snake.”

To that  I conclude.

“The Gardener”
cuts a flower from the weeds.
Poking the snakes with their pitchforks now.
In the field a saint’s heard singing,
“I wrote this song a long, long, long time ago–
about a girl so mean.  She was a sssssnake!”
Blinded bystanders called out,
“Man, stop being so subversive! You’re too wordy.”
Foiled by fools, it’s not their fault they can’t read cursive.
Taking cold comfort in the shadow of a tree,
he waits, laughs, sighs and thinks.
Snipers, bullets, shotgun, check;
there’s no urgent need or reasons to attack.
(Having said that, your apologies are due but after the facts.)
Boom, pop, hiss went their balloons.
The gard’ner breathes, the saint still swoons;
Don’t dare call me friend, nor enemy, nor man.
We’re not family, nor anything on deception’s behalf– or I will write you down.
With regards, whatevers and what nots, all of you have lost.
There’s nothing to win but this dead rose and a sniper’s grin.
The gardner.

(For Cameron McGill & What Army)
dD  | andywhorehall.com
_________________

Part IV
Buy CMWA @ iTunes.

Last year’s mellow, “Warm Songs for Cold Shoulders” and its tour e.p,, “Two Hits and a Miss.“ Also check out “Hold On Beauty“ and many more.  {Click here for the others, the  iTunes store is a mess but search around and treat yourself, please.}

ALSO, and finally, a treat.
The best performance that night took place in an alley across from Krypto.
Pablo Korona with Zach Staas, filmed this beauty in the rundown streets of Rockford, IL,
Thanksgiving Eve, 11.25.2009.

In the alleyway next to the Sullivan Center in Rockford, IL — November 2009

For me, the excitement happens at 2:30 after some stranger danger walks out the side door interrupting us. Sirens! Crank it up Danno says!

Ghost of New York — Cameron McGill from Pablo Korona on Vimeo.

We welcome Dave DeCastris and Zach Staas to Sock Monkey Sound. We talk about Daves music as Donkey Boy USA, his work as a designer and artist, John Madden, aging gracefully, Nirvana, and The Replacements. We end on a very compelling conversation with Dave about his view on our fine city. Donkey Boy USA performs live in studio featuring Dave, Zach, Mark Muraski, and Dan McMahon.

Featured music by

The Pixies
Backyard Tire Fire
The Dear Hunter
Brendan Benson
Julian Plenti
Donkey Boy USA

Intro by Pavement

To Download: Right Click and Save Link As

Dan McMahon, guitarist extraordinaire for Miles Neilson and Cameron McGill & What Army, joins us for a loose talk about his history in the Rockford and midwest music scene. We try a couple new things on for size this episode, including a yet to be named game where we disect the iTunes song of the week in real time.

Music for this episode by:
Death Cab For Cutie
The Klaus & Truitt Trust
3 Piston Asshammer
American Football
Cameron McGill & What Army
Hanalei

Intro by James Brown

This episode is sponsored by:
Kryptonite Bar & Cru

Visit Dan’s website at getmcmahon.com

Check out Miles and Dan at Daytrotter.com

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