CSS Suxxx

Even though they self-proclaim it, CSS obviously don't - they're quite the opposite, but certain members of their audience? That's a different matter entirely. . .

After waiting in the longest un-moving line I have ever seen in the history of Doug Fir's box office, we found out it was for people who were ticketless and waiting to see if people who had tickets wouldn't show so that they could get in. Even after confirming my plus one with Sub Pop that afternoon, when I stepped up to the booth it was only my name.
"This always happens with you," replied the agent who was also present last Saturday when Chris Funk left me off the guest list for Flash Hawk Parlour Ensemble.
Once we both successfully made our way in, Beyonda was just finishing up her set and soon Bus Driver strutted out for his set.

I hadn't seen him since Islands at Loveland as I missed him opening for Coco Rosie in May. Here is some of his "Black Magic(k)" that he treated the audience to:

Then came CSS. I think I was the only one who didn't have fun. Luciana had fun. On behalf of the audience, I was expecting fervent dancing. I wasn't expecting violence.
I got punched in the eye twice and due to constant hitting, I temporarily lost use of my right arm for the two days after. I couldn't hold open doors with it, it was difficult to put on my clothes, etc. At a house show this Saturday - the next night, I was able to hold a medium size milkshake with my right hand which I consider an accomplishment. At work on Sunday, Maria noticed how I was shaking while applying white-out with my right hand.
I enjoy how Doug Fir's security waited to start throwing people out until half-way through, and then it was only when they turned on the security - one girl who had been hitting me on the head socked one of the security guards in the face which resulted in her being removed for the rest of the night.
It was the most aggression fueled, brutal show I have ever been to and I used to go to a lot of punk shows when I was younger. To be honest I don't know if I'll ever see them again because while CSS were AMAZING and full of positivity, I really don't know if I'll ever be able to disassociate the audience and negativity of that night from them.

I have no idea why those drunken people would choose to come to a CSS show seemingly with the intention to hurt other people. I have no idea. I actually had a dream last night that one of the particularly violent audience members issued an apology. I think I'm scarred (only semi-kidding)
I also have psychological issues with the term "Everybody's Birthday Party," which you would know if you knew me when I moved to London in 2004 and promoted a party under the same theme.
For my quick recap of the show less about the hurt, more about the happy, head on over to Pitchfork.

'Alala' (Bonde de Role Remix) CSS MP3

So anyway, I had been beaming with excitement about the aftershow, but once the concert was through all my enthusiasm was gone, but I still felt the need to attend since I was on the list.
The atmosphere at Branx was great - the music, the people, but I was in no mood for it so I stood and watched others having the time of their lives. I conceded I'd dance only if Uffie was played, but I had no desire to request it. Then my fair Andrea put on 'Hot Chick' and instantly the night was much better for me!
The DJing alternated between Linoleum who had begun at 10pm and Beyonda who had opened the CSS show before Bus Driver.
After Uffie ushered me to the dance floor, I stayed on for some Yo Majesty, a Matt & Kim 'Yea Yeah' remix, a Yelle track, and Chicks on Speed, before leaving it on 'Young Folks'.
At the show I bumped into New Bloods' Adee. On first Thursday I had attempted to check out her art show at Valentines, but by the time I arrived at 11, I was told it was closed for the night as Beth Ditto watched on from the indoor balcony looking especially fierce. Luckily by bumping into her at the Doug Fir I found out her art will be on display through the end of June.
At the aftershow during a Crystal Castles track, I was introduced to a Candy Cane Shiv by Justin Kent and the CCS shared a funny, almost humiliating story, that wasn't actually so humiliating - just funny, about bumping into Adee at the mall and her not recognizing him.
Justin and I discussed the amazing-ness that is Ann-Marie the lady behind Cute Alert and who was responsible for the Branx party among many many others such as Purple Crush at Tube, and the last CSS aftershow. She's got two INSANE shows that are in the works. Both involve international duos that do original material and that are also highly regarded for their super sweet remixes. I don't know if I'm at liberty to divulge anything, but one secret show I knew about and the other Justin tipped me off about. Apparently there is a date already booked at Holocene for it. Fingers are crossed!
I didn't stick around for Luiza of CSS' set

(are you laughing at the expression on the guy's face behind her?)

or Nathan's set as I saw him DJ on Tuesday at Tube.

At Tube he played a lot of obscure-ish stuff and remixes. He played a 'Golden Skans' remix that I think was Erol's, which isn't a track most geared to the dance floor, but it seemed to have some additional beats. I got up to dance during New Young Pony Club's 'Icecream' and stood still during an Akon track much like everyone else who populated the floor at that point in time.
I'd also like to add I got carded for water at Tube this past Tuesday. That's right - I said carded for water. It wasn't enough that I was carded at the door like everyone else, but upon asking for water at the bar, it was insisted that I show ID again -- for water. I want that incident to be my legacy :D
I did stick around long enough for Nathan to bust out some pole-dancing of sorts :)
On my way out of Branx, up through Rotture, and down the staircase to meet the street, I bumped into Beth who was followed by Nathan who was carrying his records up. We talked for a moment about the dress I'm making her, but that's not going to happen until they return from touring at the end of summer.
An upset of the night was not running into Simon of the Klaxons. He had emailed me twice wondering if I'd be at the Portland and/or Seattle CSS shows as he's on tour with them for the week. We didn't exchange numbers so I kept my eye out for him, but alas we didn't meet up. I am still chugging away at designing the T-shirt for their fall US tour.

Comments

[Jamila Fucking Dance]

getting hit is never fun. i don't understand why anyone would want to go and see a band then spend most of their time pissing everyone around them off. what happened to just dancing?

[seasoned veteran]

"one girl who had been hitting me"

its been my observation that on a sold out show. that security can't watch every one. i think doug fir has some of the nicest security that i have encountered. i have been working/going to clubs for 20 years. i went to both the show and the after party. and i saw the girl in the striped shirt who was escorted out of the show. maybe you should of told security after the first time she hit you?
rather than blame them in a blog? it's called going out in public. if you cant deal. stay home. css is a high energy party band i think. and yes some times people have "to much fun" or drink to much. which ever comes first. every one else had fun as far as i know.

[Nilina]

Where did I blame security? I didn't place blame anywhere in this entry, but if I did, it'd be on the people themselves - they are "adults" seeing as they are over the age of 18 and are responsible for their own actions. But. . . if security is going to throw people out, they shouldn't wait until they themselves are attacked.
I do love how you are telling "it's called going out in public. if you cant deal. stay home" on the blog of someone who lived in and went out to shows in Glasgow for two years.
Whatevs - this is a blog. Let's dance!

[Cute Alert!]

Gurl, Simon a la Klaxons was backstage making out with la Lovefoxxx all night. They totally win the 'Cute Couple of the Year' award. XO

[butter team]

I saw CSS a few weeks ago in NYC and it was the same deal - too much of a riot on the dance floor to even pay attention to the band. a couple elbows flying early. not that i could complain, the thing I hate the most is when you go to see a good band and everyone acts bored after they paid good cabbage to be there. so it was great I guess.