July 08, 2005
Weird War
When I was 8 years old, I received a football uniform for my birthday. It consisted of a green jersey, shoulder pads, and a helmet with an elaborate 3 bar face protector. I was very excited by this present. I was just getting into football at the time and at that age, sports are all about the uniform. Therefore, I couldn't wait to try mine out. After eating a lot of birthday cake, my father agreed to take me to the neighborhood field to run some plays. Proudly sporting my new uniform, I walked with him.
When we got to the field, my Dad proposed that our first play be a long pass. I got in the ready position. He called out "hut" and I ran for the far end of the field. My temples were trobbing, sweat was pouring down my face, and before I could turn to catch the lobbed pigskin, I doubled over and vomitted. Brown bile dripped through my face guard as the ball bounced to the ground in the distance. It was the excitement, it was the heat, it was my nerves. Post-egestion, I remember my father patting me on the shoulder saying, "Son, we'll try again some other time."
Historically I do not perform well in a uniform. Therefore I respect those who can. Take Ian Sevonious. Here is an individual made for a uniform. I know because I have seen him perform in many. Once in a yellow, tennis ball fuzz-ish three button suit, once in maroon leisure wear, and last night in a military issue olive jacket.
Ian's new band, Weird War, is an abbrasive yet loveable psychedelic groove machine that made its Little Rock debut in the Downtown Music Hall around midnight. Ian struted onstage like James Brown or Iggy Pop. Throughout the set he struck furious funk poses while screaming like a banshee into the microphone. The show held 2 worlds together, it was punk rock aggression over flower power expression. It was both primal and soulful. And at its center, a man in a uniform.
Check it out.
Posted by Red Chuck at July 8, 2005 09:50 AM