Pardon Me If My Jacket Smells Funny....

Feb. 3- Denver, Colo- It's taken me almost eight years, but I finally made it to the Ogden Theatre. Since absolutely nobody I've ever met in my entire life knows WHO the Bad Brains are, I was stuck going by myself. The Ogden is on Colfax, and "Colfax" has always been synonmous with "hookers". I figured I'm approaching 27, and have to yet to spend a Saturday night on Colfax... so I hopped in the truck and shot downtown. After thirty minutes of searching for a parking spot, I made it to the line and realized I was about the only person over 25. Even more unique, I was the only person who wasn't stoned or had intentions of getting stoned. Heh, it's like eating lunch downtown, you go for the extra atmosphere. Everybody I talked to had no idea what the whole "Soul Brains" thing was. I didn't either, as it's toughto find ANY current info on Bad Brains, nowadays.

The Ogden was an old movie theatre. Somewhere in the late 70's it made the jump to a porn house. It closed in the early 90's and re-opened in September 1993, and it's been flourishing as a smaller concert venue since then. You may know the type: old theatre tapestries and fixtures above the stage, converted balcony and band pit.

I wander in a good ten minutes into the opening band's set. A band called "The Volts", who reminded me of Supersuckers, only they were alot worse. What the hell, it's loud... so I take a spot in front of the soundboard and relax for a bit. Bad Brains guitarist Dr. Know could be seen checking the band out, from behind the dum kit. After about two songs, I get ambushed by Julie the Stoner Witch. No, I've never met this girl, and had no intention to meet her. Just my luck, this hosebag decides to talk with me. I'm allright at first... it never hurts to meet new freaks, it's great entertainment. We talk about the current band, Bad Brains (who she's never seen and knows nothing about) and old school metal bands. I'm allright with talking to anyone about Iron Maiden and Judas Priest. I mention "Priest" and there went the air raid siren. I lose 20 minutes of my life listening to this skank ramble on about how "awesome" Ripper Owens is.. yeah, Ripper Owens, the guy who Judas Priest pulled from a cover band in Ohio. Oh shit... I don't know how, but this led into her opinions on life, religion, job security, society, relationships and several other topics that I never want to discuss with a female mullet. Thus, I didn't get an accurate read on the Volts... but they went over horrribly with the rest of the crowd. After several subtle hints, the Stoner Witch finally quit rubbing her potbelly against me and went to a get a drink. Thankfully she never came back, but I kept on guard the rest of the night, always looking over my shoulder to make sure she wasn't in the vicinity.

King Rat was next, and a bit more polished. They reminded me of Hagfish or Face to Face. Highlights (if you can call em that) included "Don't Fuck With the Fucked With", with it's staccato start/stop chorus and their version of Kenny Roger's "The Gambler". These guys were allright, but again the crowd was NOT into them. One guy in the front row (with a mullet, no less)screamed "play some PUNK". The singer replied, "okay..you want some punk.. what should we play for you?!" To which the mullet replied "FEAR FACTORY!" Ooookay... mullets aren't known for their cerebral prowess. "Give it up for the Fear Factory Mullet", the singer announced.

These guys were too sold on trying to get themselves over with the crowd. They kept referring to themselves as "real punk rockers". I don't know, but I remember a skit from Mystery Science Theatre 3000. "If you have to announce that yer a beatnik...then yer NOT a beatnik!" . I never understood this whole crap about "how PUNK are you?" I don't really care, either.

Finally, after almost two and a half hours, Bad Brains hit the stage. (sorry, but I don't care for TWO opening acts, anymore... just stick with one. It wears me out). Dr. Know, Darryl Jenifer and Earl Hudson made their way out. After the typical "tune up song", or as it's officially billed on a few Brains albums: "Intro", they launched into "Right Brigade". I was stoked, as that's one of my favorite Brains tunes. Lead throat H.R. then walked out in some type of white leisure suit/parka thing.... and smiles and waves!! Right on.

For those who don't know, Bad Brains started around 1979, out of Washington DC. They're an amazing punk/hardcore band, but have always been an underground phenom and never received mainstream attention. They're primarily know for their "rasta-core" songs and appearance. Guitarist Dr. Know, bassist Darryl Jenifer, drummer Earl Hudson and lead throat HR are perhaps the "coolest band you've never heard of". And if you have heard of them,...well, thank you, and read on.

"Attitude" was next and eventually they slowed things down with their first reggae tune of the night. Daryl's bass starts to thunder out the familiar notes of "Daytripper" and they cruise into that cut. It's such a great dichotomy to hear these blazing hardcore tunes, immediately followed by some beautiful reaggae beats. The Brains are truly unique in this respect.

Along the way, H.R tells us that they used to be called "Bad Brains", but are known as "Soul Brains" now. However, the marquee out front and all the promotional flyers read "Bad Brains". Probably a good promotional move as the old name is definitely more recognized by fans. In fact, if I had seen "Soul Brains" advertised, I probably would have been confused and skipped the show.

Other classic Bad/Soul Brains staples emerged. "Pay to Cum", "Sailin On", "Soulcraft", "Tongue Tee Tied", "Sacred Heart" and others supplied the nasty stuff. While "Youth are Getting Restless" and "I and I Survive" provided more reggae hooks. "I and I" even had HR working in a little reference to "my Colorado Dreeeeeeam girl". Vintage Brains material. "On Like Popcorn", which is supposedly on their new album, was fantastic. Catchy harmony to the chorus. (I think I may have heard the one song that you can't find on Napster, the new Scour, CuteMX, Gnute, or anywhere!). I originally misidentified this tune as "Round and Round". At one point HR congratulated the ladies and said to one dude "oooh, brother if she ain't your wife... she'd better be!"

The show ended with "I Against I". No encore, but I was satisfied. A few fans up front were screaming for "Banned in DC". HR politely invited them to Sunday's show up in Fort Collins. HR went on for a few minutes, telling everyone to take care of themselves, spread the love, etc. What a breath of fresh air HR is! Dude seemed genuinely happy to be up there. After seeing other bitter metal idiots (see: Maiden) out there saying "fuck you all" with a chip on their shoulder... or dorks like Fred Durst or Korn trying to prove how "bad ass" they think their music is... there's HR, smiling, giving the peace sign and WAVING!! Dude is about as scary and threatening as Papa Smurf. The irony is that Bad Brains' music is probably some of the heaviest stuff out there!

As the lights came on, I wandered down to the front row and got to thank Dr. Know. We even did the "fist-slap" or "Wonder Twin Powers...Activate" thing. I was simply overjoyed and feeling great, and just wanted to thank Doc and his crew for coming out and making my week. Doc was cool and said "Thank YOU, brother".

Maybe I'm reading too much into this, but I really felt like I got the positive vibe the band was tallking about. This was the second time I saw the Brains. The first was in April 1993, when they opened for Living Colour on their "Rise" tour, sans HR and Earl. Seeing the original lineup like this really restored my faith in the music scene.

I'd rate this concert at an A-. My only complaint was that I wanted to hear "With the Quickness", but that's an obscure Brains tune. I really wish more people had been there. For the past eight years, I've been trying to spread the "gospel" of Bad Brains. Of course, a lame suburban white boy isn't exactly an ideal choice for a "missionary", but it's a start. It's a shame that this band hasn't received the acclaim and exposure that they deserve. But, they have my respect and appreciation ... somehow, I think Dr. Know and the boys are enjoying that fact.

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