Dinosaur Jr. at Maxwell's (09-17-1988)

On September 17th, 1988, Dinosaur Jr. played at Maxwell’s! This power-trio from Amherst, Massachusetts was still a relatively young band, just on the cusp of releasing one their most well-known records, “Bug.” Their set included several songs from this yet to be released album, such as “Budge,” “Freak Scene,” and “Yeah We Know.” The group also played several favorites from 1987’s “You’re Living All Over Me,” such as “The Lung.” A really fantastic early set by Dinosaur Jr.!!

Grifters at Tramps (09-17-1997)

On September 17th, 1997, Grifters played at Tramps! The band originally formed in the late 1980s as A Band Called Bud, with vocalist/guitarist Scott Taylor, bassist Tripp Lamkins, and drummer Dave Shouse. After being renamed the Grifters by 1990, Shouse joined Taylor on guitar, with Stanley Gallimore taking over on the drums. Songwriting duties were shared between Shouse, Taylor and Lamkins.

The band released its last record Full Blown Possession, about a week before this gig. Thereafter, the band disbanded to pursue other projects.

Royal Trux at The Cooler (09-12-1998)

On September 12th, 1998, Royal Trux played the second of two nights at The Cooler in New York City. In April 1998, the band released their seventh studio album on Drag City, “Accelerator.” In October 1998, Stephen Garnett penned a nice review of the gig in Ink Magazine:

Veterans of disorder may apply to Royal Trux, but Jennifer Herrema and Neil Hagerty seemed at-ease, well-adjusted, charming, focused and relatively healthy performing before a packed Cooler in NYC. Spillout into the bar was inevitable, where thankfully, the somewhat muddy sound mix in the main room was given space to dissipate, and so the bass/percussion-heavy rock songs were revived by clearer fuzzy guitar and the dual vocal stylings of Jennifer and Neil.

Opening with the two and three-minute songs that make up much of their latest Drag City release, Royal Trux kept rocking with minimal chatter, maximum time spent playing. “Waterpark” could have been louder, sure, but the tribute to splashing around seemed a fitting opener as summer fades. “Witch’s Tit” features the penultimate Trux riff, “The Exception” was likewise slight of guitar, and “Yo Se!” was mantric. Do they make Spanish language typewriters? I know.

The Cooler was located in the Meatpacking Distrct and the club was well-known for it’s eclectic bills. Specifically, in addition to Royal Trux performing on September 11th and September 12th, the final months of 1998 say several, Beck and Thurston Moore performed on September 21st, and Michael Karoli and Damo Suzuki of Can played the following weekend. 

Redd Kross at Maxwell's (09-10-1989)

On September 10th, 1989, Redd Kross played at Maxwell’s. At this point in their career, the band completed the transition from playing hardcore punk to power-pop. Case in point, their 1987 album, Neurotica was inspired mostly by breakfast cereal.  The band was about a year removed from releasing Third Eye, which was considered by many to be their power-pop masterpiece. Redd Kross played with The Embarassment (from Kansas) and The Pussy Willows (from New Jersey) on September 10th at the Rapp Arts Center in the East Village. Both groups also played this gig at Maxwell’s!

Claw Hammer and Helmet at Coney Island High (09-06-1996)

On September 6th, 1996, Claw Hammer and Helmet played at Coney Island High! In 1995, Claw Hammer released their first major label LP, "Thank The Holder Uppers," on Interscope Records. The band would release their final LP in 1997, "Hold Your Tongue (And Say Apple)." For this show, Claw Hammer was joined by their Interscope label mates Helmet. Helmet was in the midst of recording their 1997 album, "Aftertaste." Originally, this record was scheduled for release in the Fall of 1996, but the band aborted the release, and reassigned final mixing duties from Dave Sardy to Terry Date. The album was eventually released in March of 1997.

Alex Chilton at Folk City (09-04-1985)

On September 4th, 1985, Alex Chilton played at the legendary Folk City in the West Village.  Alex had just released a six track EP entitled "Feudalist Tarts."  1985 was a pivotal year in Chilton's career, as while spending time in New York,  Chilton was connected through a journalist with Patrick Mathé, founder of the Paris-based record label New Rose.  New Rose released "Feudalist Tarts," along with two other EPs and an LP in the 1980s

Helmet at Maxwell's (08-29-1991)

On August 29th, 1991 Helmet played at Maxwell's! The group was about a year removed from releasing their debut album, "Strap It On."  Jawbox opened the show, but unfortunately their set isn't on this tape.

Jodie Foster's Army at Maxwell's (08-29-1986)

On August 29th, 1986, Jodie Foster's Army played at Maxwell's! The group was formed in 1981 and their name alludes to John Hinckley, Jr., who attempted to assassinate Ronald Reagan in order to impress actress Jodie Foster. The original members include Brian Brannon on lead vocals, Don "Redondo" Pendleton on guitar, Michael Cornelius on bass, and Mike "Bam-Bam" Sversvold on drums. The band was pivotal in the development of the Southern California skate punk scene, receiving significant coverage throughout the 1980s in Thrasher magazine. Brannon appeared on the April 1987 cover of Thrasher riding backside at the Love Bowl in Phoenix, Arizona.

Around the time of this gig, the band released "Nowhere Blossoms."

Tom Waits Interview on 'Snap' KCRW - Santa Monica (08-24-1987)

On August 24th, 1987, Tom Waits was interviewed on the ‘Snap’ program on KCRW-Santa Monica shortly after the release of Waits' ninth studio album, “Frank’s Wild Years.” The interview primarily focuses on the recording of the songs on the record - including Waits’ use of instruments he found in pawn shops and the record’s stage play adaptation. This record features several memorable songs from Waits' catalog, including “Way Down In The Hole,” which was used as the theme song for the hit HBO show, “The Wire.” The majority of the songs played on the show were recordings from the album, but Waits did perform a few songs live on the air, including “Cold Cold Ground” and "Way Down In The Hole."

Notably, before the year before this album was released, it was adapted for a play at the Steppenwolf Theater Company in Chicago.

Naked Raygun at Maxwell's (08-20-1988)

On August 20th, 1988, Naked Raygun continued their tour with a stop at Maxwell's!

Naked Raygun at Pyramid Club (08-18-1988)

On August 18th, 1988, Chicago's Naked Raygun played at The Pyramid Club in Manhattan.  The Chicago punk pioneers had just released their third studio album, "Jettison" in May 1988.  The group would disband in 1992, before reuniting permanently in 2006.  

The Replacements at City Gardens (08-17-1985)

On August 17th, 1985, The Replacements played an early show at City Gardens in Trenton.  The band played several songs from their fifth LP, "Tim," which would be released in October of that year.  Most notably, Bob Stitson arrived late to the gig.  He showed up during the band's fourth song, "I Will Dare."  If you listen closely, you can hear a fan asking Paul Westerberg for his money back, to which Paul replied, "I don't blame ya!" 

Set list:

1. Love You Till Friday
2. Kiss Me on the Bus
3. Unsatisfied
4. I Will Dare
5. Bastards of Young
6. I'm in Trouble
7. God Damn Job
8. Color Me Impressed
9. Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out
10. Takin a Ride
11. Dose of Thunder
12. If Only You Were Lonely
13. I'll Buy
14. Favorite Thing
15. Can't Hardly Wait
16. Lay It Down Clown
17. Left of the Dial
18. Answering Machine
19. Black Diamond (Kiss cover)
20. Take Me Down to the Hospital
21. Go
22. Johnny's Gonna Die
23. Kids Don't Follow

Foo Fighters at The Academy (08-13-1995)

On August 13th, 1995, Foo Fighters played at The Academy in New York City. Although the band currently enjoys worldwide recognition and tremendous success, Foo Fighters originated as Dave Grohl's side project while touring with Nirvana.  In 1994, Grohl recorded 15 songs, 12 of which appear on the band's debut self-title album, which was released in July 1995. Foo Fighters embarked on their first major tour in the spring of 1995, opening for Mike Watt.  At this stop on the tour, the band played tons of classics from their first record, including "I'll Stick Around," "For All The Cows," "This Is A Call," and "Alone + Easy Target." Plus, a few covers!

1. Set list:
2. Winnebago (Late! Cover)
3. I'll Stick Around
4. Butterflies
5. Wattershed
6. Big Me
7. This Is a Call
8. Weenie Beenie
9. For All the Cows
10. X-Static
11. Oh, George
12. Podunk
13. Alone + Easy Target
14. Exhausted
15. Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin' (Journey Cover)
16. Good Grief
17. Down in the Park (Gary Numan)

Big Black at Cat Club (08-06-1987)

On August 6th, 1987, Big Black played their second to last show ever at Cat Club in Manhattan.  The group announced their disbandment in advance of a final tour that started in June 1987 and ended with their final performance in Seattle on August 9th, 1987.  Subsequent to these performance, the band released their final album, and most successful album, "Songs About Fucking." 

Albini would go on to form Shellac and pursue a fruitful career as a recording engineer.  He worked with notable artists such as Slint, the Pixies, the Breeders, Pegboy, Urge Overkill, the Jesus Lizard, the Wedding Present, Superchunk, PJ Harvey, Nirvana, and Page and Plant.  In June 2017, Albini won $106,000 in a World Series of Poker event.  

Smashing Pumpkins at Maxwell's (08-03-1991)

On August 3rd, 1991 the Smashing Pumpkins played at Maxwell's for the second time!  Unlike their first appearance at the Hoboken venue, the Pumpkins had one album under their belt, as they released "Gish" in May 1991.  Though the group had just released this record, they played a fewm songs that would eventually appear on 1993's "Siamese Dream," including "Silverfuck," and "Rocket."

Set list:

1. STP
2. Rocket
3. Tristessa
4. Rhinoceros
5. Bury Me
6. Siva
7. Silverfuck
8. Window Paine
9. I Am One
10. Snail
11. I Am My End

Boss Hog at Mercury Lounge (07-31-1998)

On July 31, 1998, Boss Hog played at Mercury Lounge! This gig occurred during a bit of an extended hiatus for the band, as after the release of their 2nd LP in 1995, the group did not put out another album until 2000's "Whiteout."  The band reunited in 2017, releasing their long awaited fourth album "Brood X," and playing some gigs, including this past June in Brooklyn as part of Northside Festival!

The Replacements Interview WKDU Philadelphia (07-28-1987)

July 1987 was a big month for the Replacements! They had just released their fifth studio album, the very different sounding, more radio-friendly "Pleased To Meet Me" and blew the lid off of several venues along the eastern seaboard.  Prior to their gig at the Chestnut Cabaret in Philadelphia on July 28th, the band sat down for an interview with local station WKDU.  This is a short, but candid interview where the band talks about signing to a major label and their Twin Cities brethren, Soul Asylum and Hüsker Dü.  

The Replacements at Chestnut Cabaret on July 28th, 1987

The Replacements at The Ritz (07-27-1987)

On July 27th 1987, The Replacements continued their tour of the states with a stop at The Ritz in NYC!  The group had just released "Pleased To Meet Me" in June of 1987 and their setlist featured a lot of fun songs from that record.  There's also a great Youtube video of the band's performance of "I.O.U."

Set list:

1. I.O.U.
2. Nevermind
3. Hold My Life 
4. I Will Dare 
5. Lovelines 
6. Can’t Hardly Wait
7. Little Mascra 
8. Swingin’ Party 
9. Bastards Of Young 
10. Within’ Your Reach 
11. The Ledge 
12. Waitress In The Sky 
13. Sweet Home Chicago (Robert Johnson) 
14. Favorite Thing 
15. Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out
16. Unsatisfied
17. Go
18. Nightclub Jitters
19. California Sun (Rivieras) 
20. Another Girl, Another Planet (Only Ones) 
21. Kiss Me On The Bus 
22. Skyway
23. If Only You Were Lonely
24. Color Me Impressed
25. Takin’ A Ride
     

The Replacements at The Stone Pony + Interview (07-25-1987)

On July 25th, 1987, The Replacements played at The Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ.  As noted in the previous post, The Replacements played a handful of NYC area gigs in July 1987, including this memorable show at this New Jersey staple.  Notably, an accompanying tape includes the "Pleased To Meet Me" album interspersed with an interview with the band.  That very same tape also includes an exclusive interview with The Replacements conducted by Dave McKenzie and his girlfriend at The Stone Pony on the night of the show! You literally can't hear that anywhere else, so check it out!!

Set list:

1. Bastards of Young

2. Left of the Dial

3. Little Mascara

4. Kiss Me on the Bus

5. Sweet Home Chicago (Robert Johnson cover)

6. Shooting Dirty Pool

7. Never Mind

8. I Will Dare

9. Can't Hardly Wait

10. Nightclub Jitters

11. Take Me Down to the Hospital

12. Within Your Reach

13. The Ledge

14. instrumental

15. Black Diamond (Kiss Cover)

16. Hold My Life

17. Unsatisfied

18. Waitress in the Sky

19. Alex Chilton

The Replacements at Beacon Theater (07-23-1987)

On July 23, 1987, The Replacements played at the Beacon Theater on the Upper West Side of Manhattan.  The Mats played a marathon 28 song set that included favorites from across their discography and a whole bunch of covers.  The band played multiple shows in the NYC area in July 1987, including The Chance in Poughkeepsie on July 18th and The Stone Pony in Asbury Park on July 25th.  The band had also just released the fifth studio album, "Pleased To Meet Me," in June 1987.  Their set included some great songs from that record, including "Alex Chilton," "Nightclub Jitters," and "Can't Hardly Wait!"

Set list:

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Full ad for the show courtesy of Darren Viola

1. Hold My Life
2. Sweet Home Chicago (Robert Johnson cover) 
3. Bastards Of Young 
4. Nightclub Jitters 
5. The Ledge 
6. Waitress In The Sky 
7. Kiss Me On The Bus
8. Another Girl, Another Planet (The Only Ones) 
9. I Will Dare 
10. Within Your Reach
11. Can’t Hardly Wait 
12. Never Mind 
13. Born in The USA (Bruce Springsteen)
14. Little Mascara
15. Honky Tonk Woman (Rolling Sones) 
16. California Sun (The Rivieras) 
17. September Gurls (Big Star) 
18. Tommy Gets His Tonsils Out
19. I Can Help (Elvis Presley/Billy Swan) 
20. Black Diamond (Kiss) 
21. Gary’s Got A Boner 
22. Fuckin’ around 
23. If Only You Were Lonely
24. Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes) (Edison Lighthouse) 
25. Rebel Rebel (David Bowie)
26. Whipping Post (Allman Brothers)
27. Left Of The Dial 
28. Alex Chilton