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I really get excited about watching the trailers before a movie starts...
mainly it is because it allows me to see what movies are coming up,
and also helps set the tone for the movie I am about to see. This
is the same for most live shows. The opening bands normally are selected
because they somewhat sound like the headlining band. Sometimes the
band is great and gives you a reason to go to the record store. And
sometimes you get blown away and they are even better than the headliner.
The latter is what happened when Denver-based Slim Cessna's Auto
Club opened for the Reverend Horton Heat at the Ogden Theater
on January 30, 2008.
Reno Divorce
The first band to play was another Denver-based band, Reno Divorce.
The band started off really strong and I liked their mix of rockabilly,
punk and metal. However after a couple of songs, their performance
seemed to dwindle down and the majority of the crowd was left standing
around. And I couldn't help but realize that I was more engaged in
a conversation with my friend instead of listening to them. I am not
quite ready to write this band off since their music was pretty good,
but I'm not sure when I will be willing to see them again.
Slim Cessna's Auto Club
The next band to play was Slim Cessna's Auto Club. Before the other
night I think I was probably the only person in Denver who hasn't
heard of them. They have been together since 1993 and played with
well-known acts and yet this was my first time seeing them. The band
came out to a semi-full venue, but by the time that their set had
ended, the floor was packed. Wearing mostly polyester suits and huge
cowboy hats, lead singers Slim Cessna and Munly moved
around the stage while interacting with band members, the audience
and each other. I love it when the audience and band members can interact
on a more personal level... however, I could have done without Munly
interacting with my face.
Throughout the set, Slim Cessna's Auto Club played a mix of bluegrass
and gospel music - of which the majority of their songs were about
drinking, fighting and bad relationships. Even though this type of
music is nothing new, Slim Cessna's Auto Club brings a twist to the
American country with their dark, sultry sound that rings right through
you.
The Reverend Horton Heat
The Reverend Horton Heat came on last and took a couple songs to
really get warmed up. But this didn't stop the crowd from jumping
around and getting excited. Throughout the band's almost 2-hour
set, the band played popular songs like "400 Bucks," "Honky
Tonk Girl," "It's Martini Time," "Psychobilly
Freakout," "Bad Reputation, "Jimbo Song," and
"Big Sky."
Unfortunately, this wasn't one of my favorite performances from the
Reverend Horton Heat. Lead singer/guitarist Jim Heath and upright
bass player/back-up vocalist Jimbo Wallance performed their
usual antics; like playing each others' instrument while holding their
own, and Jimbo standing on his bass while playing, but it just seemed
that they were either tired or not that into it.
Don't get me wrong. I am truly happy that I got to see The Reverend
Horton Heat again, but after seeing Slim Cessna's Auto Club, I am
definitely a big fan. It is refreshing to see a local band play some
classic American music, but with their own influences. And if you
are one of the few that hasn't seen them yet, I highly recommend you
going. You will have a good time for sure.
-Melissa Skrbic-Huss
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