Oooh, I was ever so excited when these shows were announced! The timing made them kind of my very own personal VH1's Top 40 Videos of 2008 wrap party. Except that I had to pay for booze and Ha Ha the Moose were playing. Ha Ha hail from the vast nether-regions of your mind and feature the unenviable talents of:
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| From ha ha the moose, 12/5 & 12/6/08, sullivan hall, nyc |
Jeff Von Kickass
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| From ha ha the moose, 12/5 & 12/6/08, sullivan hall, nyc |
and Sludge
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| From ha ha the moose, 12/5 & 12/6/08, sullivan hall, nyc |
Their sound can best be described as head-trauma-drooling-lunacy, inspired by bands like GWAR, Zappa, & the Holiday Ramblers.
That said, I met up with the hernsottos and we had some stellar dinner and cocktails at TONG in Union Sq. (I had curry puffs, the salmon confit, and a Dulce Fresca- muddled strawberry & mango martini *that's how I roll* - everything was sublime, I will definitely be going back for more) before busting our fucking guts open laughing at a great movie: Role Models. I don't typically endorse films, but this David Wain joint was a masterpiece. Sometimes it wasn't even the dialogue but just the look on the actors face that delivered the brilliance. Top notch performances by the main cast (Paul Rudd can do no wrong, but all 4 were great) and supporting cast like Matt Walsh (I couldn't even look at him without laughing), Jane Lynch (another superb performance), Kerri Kenney, Ken Marino, Joe Lo Truglio, and of course Seth Herzog in a tree (spectacular). Go see it.
We collected ourselves, met up with Jay and Gullo before hitting Kenny's Castaways for a pregame drink but wanted to make sure we got good spots for Ha Ha-- so off we went to Sullivan Hall where the doors weren't even open yet... and we stood there close to the front of the line and waited while they soundchecked some Simple Minds (our first taste of the Geighties theme).... MOOOOOOOOOOOOSE! Finally inside, we scored some top notch spots at the very front, Dr. Guano side and were visited by the best waitress in NYC, she's always so good to us- Amelia.
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| From ha ha the moose, 12/5 & 12/6/08, sullivan hall, nyc |
I also ran into Salvo who was setting up his mics for some taping action (ah, how long since we've actually used "tapes" for this?). Werdup. Jon Merin set up a cybercast of the shows and the mics were set up right in front of us... So, we may or may not have had some fun with the people listening on their computers and that's all I'll say about that.
There's something about a late night show that peaks the experience over the edge. Especially when it's at the end of a long week. Especially when it's Ha Ha the Moose. Those motherfuckers didn't hit the stage til almost 1am. They play better when the crowd is angry! We have no choice but to take it! MOOOOOOOOOSE!
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| From ha ha the moose, 12/5 & 12/6/08, sullivan hall, nyc |
I had seen the setlist from the night before in Boston, so I knew what some of the surprises were, but since I wasn't in Boston, nothing was spoiled. They made their way to the stage via flashlight security escort and BLAMMO- the Magnum PI Theme- but a rockin' out extended version of it. Couldn't NOT laugh but they totally rocked it! Awesome Gary, old skool and loud, love it. 10 Things, BRAIN TUBA. A Ha Ha standard, Tijuana Donkey Show. A little Nena with 99 Luftballoons, deftly handled by Jeff VK. Thirsty Carbuncle and the Ha Ha the Moose Theme, complete with Dr. Guano scolding the audience for premature participation. I gotta say-
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| From ha ha the moose, 12/5 & 12/6/08, sullivan hall, nyc |
I also picked up a copy of the Ha Ha EP, "alce en vivo de los muertos" (translated: moose live from the dead) like a good little indie rock fan (I'm the best). "Bailout the Moose!" - El Herno
I got to sleep at 6am... and then I got to wake back up at 3pm and do the whole thing all over again***. That's right. Can't get enough of the Moose. Did I mention that Thursday night was the New World Holiday Party? My liver thinks it's college again! MOOOOOOSE!
We did a pregame drink at the Pinch and crossed the street to meet our fate. Rocked the same spot as Friday night taboot. Can't get enough of that Dr. Guano- there's just something so mysterious about him and I can't quite put my finger on it (ha ha it). I'd be lying if I said I remembered the whole night because I don't. MOOOOOOSE! Highlights: Long Island Girls Rule, Don't Fuck w/ Flo, 10 Things Vin's Most Likely to Say- they absolutely nailed this one, it created the late night nyc gig "space" that kind of fills the room with a warm glowy happiness, I miss that space. I applaud 10 Things Vin's Most Likely to Say. Sadly, the show was over shortly thereafter. Oh yeah, and an awesome Magnum PI to club sandwich the run. MOOOOOOOOSE!
Ha Ha the Moose, double the pleasure is twice as nice: 9.5 HUZZAHS! -.5 because those fuckers SUCK! MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSE!
12/5/08
Setlist:
Magnum PI
Awesome Gary
10 Things Vin's Most Likely To Say
Down Under
Brain Tuba
Tijuana Donkey Show
99 Luftballons
Thirsty Carbuncle
Ha Ha The Moose Theme
Money For Nothing
Mr. Her
20 lbs. of Shit in a 2 lb. Bag
Don't You Forget About Me
Christmas in Mooseville
Devil Toad
Our House
Magnum PI
Encore:
88 Lines About 44 Women
Rednecks Are Everywhere>
Fishing With Dynamite>
In The Name Of Freedom
DOWNLOAD THE SHOW TAPED BY THE INFAMOUS SALVO!
or LISTEN RIGHT NOW!
12/6/08
Setlist:
Magnum PI
Don't You Forget About Me
Land Down Under
88 Lines About 44 Women
Long Island Girls Rule
Thirsty Carbuncle
Don't Fuck With Flo
Mr. Her
20 lbs. of Shit In a 2 lb. Bag
99 Luftballons
Christmas Time In Mooseville
Redneck Trilogy
In The Name Of Freedom
Our House
Awesome Gary
Encore:
Money For Nothing
10 Things Vin's Likely To Say
Magnum PI
DOWNLOAD THE SHOW (taped by TJ Samulus)
or
LISTEN RIGHT NOW!
* Who's Chuck?
** I totally would.
*** Allow me to take a distracted moment and say: I love the Venture Bros.
3 comments:
Awesome show and awesome review.
Your pictures are way better than mine!
"I gotta say- Jim really went to town on 20 lbs of Shit in a 2 lbs Bag. He was truly hardcore, singing and drumming-- totally metal."
who the F is Jim?
great review, i didnt remember a few of the tunes until i read it, thanks.
good call, shawn! fresh set of eyes! thanks much!
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