TWO ART FORMS
While I have been enjoying OffBeat for many a hoodoo moon, your October issue was particularly satisfying. Featuring people who are both artists and musicians was fascinating. Bunny Matthews and Michael Hurtt did a wonderful job exploring the relationship between the two art forms and how they complement and enhance one another. Keep stirring the gumbo.
—Jim Wolf, Willits, CA
TO ROCK OR NOT TO ROCK
November OffBeat was the best issue of the year as far as I’m concerned! It was great to see a local rock band on the cover. Let’s not forget to do a cover story on Rock City Morgue and Dr. À Go-Go (who just put out my favorite CD of the moment: Hot Girlie Action). New Orleans should be the L.A. or New York City of the South (over Atlanta and Austin, Texas) with music and other media events, but it isn’t. Sarah Caciappo’s letter was dead on right…“why be content with being broke and second rate?” I’m old enough to have seen local band the Normals blow a band called the Police (with Mr. Sting) off the stage back in 1979 at Ole Man River’s. I know the wrong band that night went on to major fame! You think the Police was lucky to have a little bit of media attention behind them? Don’t avoid helping out the local New Orleans rock bands. The next stadium Police-type band could come from even New Orleans, dare I say. Oh…and Jody Smith, keep us updated on your N.O. rock bands documentary. The Normals released a CD called Your Punk Heritage a few years back (better late than never) for those of you who never heard of the Normals. Best alternative rock band from New Orleans (so far)! It’s worth looking for and checking out. Iggy Pop was even a fan of them!
—Mark Anderson, New Orleans, LA
The latest issue of OffBeat was absolutely terrible. I lived in New Orleans for 12 years and I know that there are decent rock musicians living and playing there. But the best you could do (a cover story, no less) was an article on Supagroup? Haven’t we matured enough that we no longer idolize slovenly looking punks who guzzle cheap tequila, get stoned, play video games, hang out with bimbos, and get into fist fights? There was nothing in that article that made me ever want to hear this band. I feel sorry for the real musicians in New Orleans who are struggling to be recognized. You did a great disservice with this article. Grow up!
Another thing: get over the fact that you need the tourists and non-natives who come into the city and pour money into the economy. Several of your writers need a reality check. I am sick of their smug, self-satisfied opinions about how hopelessly uncool everyone else is, as if no decent music or culture exists outside the Parish. They coast on the laurels of the musicians who have stayed in the city, such as the Neville Brothers, or those who are too disadvantaged or unable to relocate without acknowledging the stultifying atmosphere of arrogant individuals who have effectively made the city toxic to outsiders—for example, Daniel Lanois. New Orleans needs people like Lanois. New life, new talent, new ideas, are concepts that should be valued and not denigrated. Unless people start recognizing that eventually you need some new DNA, the gene pool will self-destruct.
—Holly Wright, Wilmington, DE
I think Voodoo Fest shows you rock and alternative rock is popular even here in New Orleans! Keeping with the tradition of your (cool) November issue. Do you know why the Shim Sham club closed down? I heard Emo’s of Austin, Texas wanted to open an alternative rock club in old Shim Sham location. Do you have any info or opinion on that? Howlin’ Wolf needs to book more out of town alternative rock acts. Forget the Cowboy Mouth and Zebra shows…two of the most over-rated bands ever!
P.S. How about a story on Rock City Morgue and Hazard County Girls!!!
—Brenda Randall, New Orleans, LA
How can you say that Louisiana has “never produced a great rock band?” The styles of Fats Domino and the Meters (who toured with the Rolling Stones in ’75) were milestones in the evolution of rock ‘n’ roll music, regardless of being classified as R&B. Also, what about Phillip Anselmo of Pantera, who grew up in Metairie? He is considered by many a legend in rock music.
—Mary Richardson, New Orleans, LA
GREATEST ROCK CONCERTS
In your November [2003] issue a great article was “Greatest Rock Concerts.” My vote for the best list goes to Joseph Irrera (I mean the Who with Cream—unbeatable!) The greatest rock concerts I ever saw in New Orleans were always at the Warehouse (on Tchoupitoulas Street). Best ones were the Who (1971), Roxy Music (1976), Talking Heads / the Normals (1979), the Clash (1982). Hey OffBeat!—how about a story on the Warehouse and list all the bands that played there though the years. I always wanted to know that. The Warehouse played a large part in New Orleans music history. Let’s put more rock ‘n’ roll in OffBeat monthly. The younger New Orleans bands do need the press!
—John Godeaux, New Orleans, LA
BLOWN AWAY
I recently experienced Mr. Q show [Quintron and Miss Pussycat], and I was blown away. It was Halloween night in Denton, Texas. The atmosphere of the club (40 people or so in attendance) was energy packed and running over with excitement. I have to know when and where they will be playing in the future, for I am hooked. I drove 60 miles to see them for the first time, and I will go much further than that if I have to. Can you please fix me up with a link or anything to find out where they will be and where they are going so that I can attend more of their shows. I would be very grateful. I also need to know where I can buy their music. Thank you for your time.
—James Klutts, Weatherford, TX
For all the latest info on the Ninth Ward’s most dynamic couple, check out quintronandmisspussycat.com. Upcoming recitals include the Spellcaster Caverns Xmas Rave at the Spellcaster Lodge on December 20 and a New Years’ Eve show at the Empty Bottle in Chicago with Har Mar Superstar.—Ed.
EXISTENCE
I have found that I can exist without food or drink, but not without my OffBeat Magazine.
—Dr. Tony Green, Lakeland, FL