The question is do you spend $20 of your hard-earned money to see a band that is mostly known because Nirvana covered a bunch of their songs, a band that hasn’t released a new album in 20 years, and a band that no one you know has ever seen live? If the band is the Vaselines, then the answer is yes.
However, don’t go expecting a blistering live act like Nirvana – you’ll only be disappointed. The Vaselines aren’t and never were ‘grunge’ (or whatever the socially acceptable term is currently for that genre). Instead they write (yes, present tense – the have a new album out this fall) bright, but darkly quirky pop songs. Pretty much everything about them is a contradiction. Kind of twee pop, but with a lewd and lascivious streak.
None of this, however, describes how they are as a live act. Well, they’re good. Not earth-shatteringly or legendarily good, but good. Singers/guitarists Eugene Kelly and Frances McKee (the original Vaselines) brought with them a solid rhythm section and a talented additional guitarist (though I failed miserably at getting their names).
Musically they don’t depart much from their recorded material, yet the between song patter is the most entertaining part of the show. McKee and Kelly bait, taunt and tease each other, their band and a mysterious Radio K personality who surprisingly had too much homework (according to Ms. McKee) to attend the show.
The Varsity Theater was the perfect venue for this show. The bar balances a quaint homey feeling and intimate setting without feeling like you’re watching a band play your folk’s basement. More like you’re seeing a band play a friend’s slightly over-the-top Victorian ballroom, but with good lighting and sound. The small but honestly appreciative audience only aided with that feeling.
Frances McKee said from the stage they haven’t played Minneapolis in over 20 years and that they’d likely never be back. Here’s hoping she’s wrong.
Set List:
Oliver Twisted
Monster Pussy
I Hate the 80’s
The Day I Was A Horse
Sex With An X
Jesus Don’t Want Me For A Sunbeam
Molly’s Lips
Overweight But Over You
Slushy
Son of a Gun
No Hope
Rory Ride Me Raw
Ruined
Bitch
Mouth to Mouth
Dying for It
