Rock Shows of Note LXXXIII

Tuesday night, Deb and I met up at Northsix in Williamsburg for a show featuring the John Stamos Project, Emanuel (from Louisville, Kentucky), Dirtbike Annie, and the Mr. T Experience. Of the four, the John Stamos Project was surprising fun. A threepiece playing your standard Ramones-Screeching Weasel-Queers pop punk, the band played a fun and snotty batch of songs. The bassist wore his instrument about as low as it could go, and the bruiser of a singer sported mirrored shades like Ponch. A solid set, and they just released an EP on Knock Knock Records.

Next up came Emanuel, a foursome that ambled between screamo hardcore and melodic choruses. Occasionally throwing in nice breakdowns with stabbing guitars, the band wasn't really my cup of tea. That said, the lead singer and guitarist wore his guitar as high as JSP's bassist held his low. It takes all kind. Dirtbike Annie put on their usual high-energy crowd pleaser of a show, with Adam and Jeanie working their customary jumps and jostles. I was a little disappointed that Mike of the Ergs is no longer sitting in with them, but to everything there is a season. And as much as I geek to DBA's rock 'n' roll shenanigans -- they are a true crowd pleaser -- I was struck by the lack of variation in their performance. They are tight, well choreographed (without seeming sketchy) -- but there are very few highs and lows, breakdowns, and other attempts to throw surprise into the mix. Nevertheless, if you've never seen DBA before, you should. No reason to wear a long face.

Finally, Dr. Frank and the Mr. T Experience. Deb and I had a chance to say hi to Frank just as he was heading up to the stage, and it's refreshing to be a long-time fan of a musician who also blogs actively. Because we were concerned about the L train running where we needed to go after 12, we headed out a little early, but the handful of songs we caught -- including several off their new record and a fave of mine, "Swallow Everything," did please. I'll stick around for the whole show next time they swing through, and it was fun to perch by the bar near Jym -- and try to palm off a request for "Dictionary Girl" to Ted while he was making the set list. No go, but Ted said I had a 60/230 chance. Good to know.

It's also good to know about Corn Mo, his band .357 Lover, and the little scene they're part of. Occasionally touring with They Might Be Giants, Corn Mo breaks out the accordion when performing solo, but in the full band getup, he rocks the mic and bangs on the keyboard. Blending Tenacious D-like stage antics with appreciative classic rock and metal stylings, Corn Mo's songs are by turns personal and comedic. My favorite had to be "Hava Na Gila Monster," which he reportedly performed at a bar mitzvah. The crowd was one of the most engaged and attentive I've seen in a while, and showgoers appeared to be in other bands loosely in Corn Mo's orbit. Supposedly, the band is playing again Sunday with an all-woman Black Sabbath cover band.