October 9, 2009 : Hi-Tone : Memphis, TN
A long eight hour drive felt a lot longer due to the fact that we were followed by a storm the entire day – from our 10 AM van call until our 7:30 load-in it was dark and rainy, and then it just got a tad darker and colder, signifying that it was now nighttime. We stopped at a gas station in Arkansas where there was a folding table for the cops to sit at and gossip while they enjoyed their pecan pie. I hate Arkansas, and like every time, I can only hope this will be my last visit (no offense, Arkansans.)
Why do you have to talk so much Memphis? Why would you pay twelve dollars to stand in a music venue and talk during both bands? It’s an age old dilemma, and it’s one I’ll never fully grasp, but about half of the (around) 200 Memphistites, or…Memphins, or….Memphis-dwelling-people sure seemed to be into it. Also, there was a drunk couple who was trying to haggle with me on merch. I’ll break it down for you like this: no, you can’t haggle on merch prices. ten bucks for a CD and fifteen for a t-shirt is more than reasonable. Do you go to the American Apparel store and tell them $17 is too much for a t-shirt because you spent 5 of your last 20 on lunch (or a mojito, dude in Denton who got in the meet and greet line to ask Dave if you could have an LP for $10 after I denied the request).
I should say it wasn’t all bad apples, there were plenty of nice, friendly folks who came out and listened and enjoyed themselves, but sometimes the bad outweighs the good, or out-talks as it were.
Tomorrow is an in-store in Nashville followed by a college show at Murray State in Kentucky. I get to sleep in my bed, see my girlfriend, wash my clothes, and be in my apartment for a few hours. I’m looking forward to it.