Many moons ago, I went to a hard rock/metal show out in San Bernardino; the
Rubinoos were the opening band. For the life of me, I can't remember who the
headliner was (Rush - Permanent Waves tour?), but they were NOTHING like the
exuberant, upbeat power pop of the Rubinoos. I remember being vaguely amused
at their unabashed love of all things pop; most of the crowd were definitely
NOT into their set -- many boo's and catcalls could be heard echoing about
the wonderful Orange Pavilion (a WWII-era Quonset hut masquerading as an
auditorium).

I caught them again a couple of years ago at IPO and they still had that
wonderful, total *belief* and earnestness about them. Hella band, and as
nice off-stage as they are on.

Mike Simmons wrote:

> Tommy Dunbar... I've never seen anything as good as him, ever.

Then come with me on Saturday, February 8th to the Baked Potato and catch
Mike Keneally. I guarantee you will have your mind blown and your ass handed
to you (nicely, of course). Unfuckingreal guitarist and overall melodic
madman.

You know, I don't remember being especially blown away by Tommy Dunbar; I
mean, he had excellent taste and tone, but I don't recall anything out of
the stratospheric norm. Can you recommend a Rubinoos' tune where he gets all
guitarded and stuff?

I'd love to hear more lead guitar histrionics in power pop in general.

Laughing, madly, in sagebrush,

kErrY kOMpOsT

www.mp3.com/kompost

NP: Adventures of Jet - Muscle (oh god, I'm coming....)