2008 in the Hammer, so far.

So kiddies, how have you been? I apologise for not writing to you lately, but what has been happening to write about? With a few exceptions, it seems to me that music in this city is in neutral right now, like it's 1986 again. I hate to harp on the Corktown again, but the punk community has not yet recovered from the loss of our headquarters. We are re-organising for a new attack I think. Some of the yocals are still playing (ie. Vapids, Trash Gallery, Punk Rods, Squids, Burnin' Ethyl, etc.), but due to my work schedule I have not been able to witness any of these shows. Many of the other bands have either broke up, or are creating splinter groups (ie. The Harbour Rats, Cannibal Girls,  Garburators, and my personal fave; The Hamilton Kid and the Steeltown Spoilers).
The clubs aren't as good as a year and half ago. No Cork, the Underground seems to have been relegated to high school bands (who have to give 1/2 the door to the club, don't do it kids), The Absinthe is ok, but needs to move that staircase out of the way.  I happen to know that that kind of renovation would run approximately $10,000 so I suppose that's why they don't. The Casbah seems to be the best, of what's left, but the building is too new and I can't shake the feeling of sterility it gives off.
Ok ok, enough negativity. 
One hangover from the good ole days, that has not gone away (yet), is the 6th annual Joe Strummer tribute night. Yes, I've been talked into putting on one more before possibly putting it to bed. Year after year the city's local musicians have helped me out in paying homage to our fallen hero Joe Strummer. I could be biased, but I think that the feeling that accompanies this show is unique. Everyone is there to have a good time, and to relive the times when the Clash affected their lives. Another thing that is an unexpected burst of creativity attached to the show is the creation of FUCT bands. Now, my terminology or history might be a bit off here (and I'm not talking about any line of clothing), but I believe I read in Joey Shithead's autobiography that a FUCT band is a group that is started from members of other bands, to sort of pass the time in between gigs or tours, etc.. They are never meant to amount to much but sometimes do (I'm thinking of Rude Norton, which was a band featuring members of DOA and the Subhumans). There have been several "pick up" bands like this involved with Strummer night in the past, and the tradition seems to be growing. These bands play Strummer night and Strummer night only. So if you want to see some of your local musicians put into situations they wouldn't normally be in, possibly playing with people you've never seen on stage before, this is the night that you should break out of your cocoon and witness a great night of music.
Joe Strummer was awesome, Strummer night is awesome, and this city can be awesome.
Don't miss out.

The Hamilton Kid