The Slack at Barley House April 11,2008

Like many bands I have seen recently, The Slack has been on my radar for a few months now. I have seen numerous shows of theirs and thought this one particularly gave rise for a new post. To top the evening off, it was Chris Holt's birthday, which added a dose of good fortune and plenty of shots. The other jewel about this performance was they would play all night. You can't really go wrong going to see an artist that has won numerous awards in the local band scene. He is joined by Eric Neal on bass, who has also been nominated for numerous awards, and dabbles into many other bands around Dallas; Tom Bridwell on drums, who also has the most amazing studio built in his house that many area talent record in; and Steven Luthye on the keyboard. Somehow the four members work so well together that even some of the SMU yuppies that tend to migrate to the Barley House, looked like they were enjoying the music (more on that later). So for a few hours those who attending heard everything from ballads, to rock riffs, to even a nice jam sessions that lasted about 20 minutes. The Slack is always bringing something different to the table. I had never doubted their extreme talent as musicians but the jam session was amazing. It pretty much mixed all types of music into it, and most of the people surrounding me couldn't help but dance along...even some SMU people felt the need to shake it a little. The Slack is always going to be a good show to check out in my book, they have yet to disappoint. Especially when I yell out for them to play my favorite of their songs of their Wishful Sinking album, and they play it.

To check out The Slack music and dates: http://www.myspace.com/theslack

Now I get to let people in on a really funny occurrence at the Barley House. Without sounding too much like a bitter outsider, I go to the Barley House to see bands, and I know some people just go there because it is their favorite hang out. You know they have every right to be there as I do. But what I have had happen at this specific place is that these people come in herds of dresses, heels, peroxide, Polo shirts and popped collars. They roar out most musicians that play, bombarding them with silly requests and make the experience a little frustrating. It kind of is a respect thing to me. These people up on stage are doing something they love to make their money, not just to be background music to your 90210 life. And please don't be rude to the people actually trying to enjoy it. I mean honestly I want to know who taught some of these people their manners...if anyone. It is just a frustrating experience to have to live with when you actually enjoy music, as opposed to just the sound of your own voice.

I have many friends that have gone to that school and I am really trying not to generalize the group as a whole by just a select few, but most that I have come into contact with at the Barley House specifically have shown this same mold. I hope one day to be up there and have someone come up to me to ask me the name of the band playing. It just really boils down to respect really, which some people have for others, and others don't. And also about the fact that I have seen way too many SMU girls leave the bathroom without washing their hands, and trust you don't want to get me started on that.