I like watching live videos of bands. Doesn’t really matter what band it is, I like watching it. I like to have a few friends over, crack open some beers, set up the lap top on coffee table, plug some tiny little speakers in and just check out live videos. Here are a few of my favorites.
Guided By Voices, “Teenage FBI”
Filmed during the period when Bob Pollard was dying his hair, we’ve got Jim from the Breeders on drums and Doug from Cobra Verde on guitar. This is the only version of this song that matters. It disappeared off of You Tube for a while which was a shame because it really is proof that they’re “one of the greatest bands that ever lived.”
Kelly Family, “Ain’t Gonna Pee Pee My Bed Tonight”
I have no idea what to say about this except that it’s one of the most captivating performances I’ve ever seen. This kid totally loses himself in the song and transforms into a demon hell bent on not wetting the bed. Hilarious, sad, creepy, and great.
Ween, “Freedom of 76”
Love how nice they are to this lady who totally doesn’t get it. I can’t believe he hits all those super high notes. Shout out to that super mean looking dude with the backwards hat and glasses. Very trippy and cool video.
Billy Joel freaking out
I’ve seen a lot of hardcore bands throw their gear around and flip out and all that shit, but it’s something totally different and actually scary when Billy Joel does it here. I’m not sure what he is even mad about. Is it that keytar guy? Why does he say “stop lighting the audience?” What does that mean?
Yo La Tengo, “Today Is The Day”
I think it’s so cool how mad the drummer looks while she is singing this totally beautiful song. I watched this video about 2o times in a row the first time I saw it. Completely mesmerizing.
Joyce Manor’s Never Hungover Again is out now on Epitaph. Read our review here.
