Blonde Redhead Anecdote + Review :: Blonde Redhead 'Melody of Certain Damaged Lemons'

I've written more than one Blonde Redhead review in my time. I know this because one of the reviews (not this one) is integral to a favourite true tale (that might sound like a-shaggy dog story) of my secret rock n' roll glory... 

I was in NY. Blonde Redhead, The Make-Up and Modest Mouse were on the bill for a gig at a New York university. I wanted to go. It was sold out. Early afternoon on gig-day: I was checking the venue on the off-chance, or I happened to be passing, or something... Either way, I saw the Blonde Redhead trio (no crew) on the chilly (or was it freezing?) pavement sidewalk clutching their instruments (in soft cases). 

I said hello and gave them a present I'd brought along with me (just in case): a copy of BigO Magazine containing my review of their 'Fake Can Be Just As Good' album. 

Turns out they were unable to get into the venue, or were stuck waiting to meet their appointed liaison. A large uniformed chap was being difficult about letting them into the building. I suggested it'd be easier to plead their case now they could show the bloke a Singaporean magazine with them, and point out that the name in the magazine corresponded with the gig poster. 

How about I try? I thought it was worth a shot because I'd seen that an English accent could sometimes have a handy effect in this USA place...

Sure enough... within minutes we were in a tiny school dressing room backstage. And stranded there too (something to do with no passes). Hey, but there are worse places to be than stuck with smart and polite musicians tuning up their unusual-looking guitars (to a pitch pipe too - not an electronic tuner)... 

And then -never mind my review helping them to get in the building- came the bit where maybe I really did help save the day...

TO BE CONTINUED