Gimme Shelter

At around 4PM we arrived at the steps leading to the underground "live-house" known as Shelter. Located in the basement of a modern office building, its really easy to miss. In fact, when I first was here a couple of years ago, I must have walked past it about three times before I realized the basement steps were NOT for maintenance but for people entering the club.

Amusingly, the sign for the club is just a little larger than the size of a blackboard you might have on your fridge. Drawn by hand for each show, and lit by a small bulb its not really meant for promoting its location. But, then again, thats part of the charm of it. You sort of have to know something is happening here. Not the type of place to get stragglers. A real throwback to the once-upon-a-time when clubs in Manhattan operated on similar low-key principles.

Shelter itself is a great place. Its an intimate room (sort of the size of Maxwells, except sideways) has an outstanding sound system, and has a real fantastic vibe. About the biggest downsides are the odd layout (once the place is filled you're there to stay) and the fact that Japanese bars/clubs still allow smoking indoors.

Inside we all exchanged greetings and I reunited again with Daddy-O-Nov who along with Erostica boutique owner Junichi, arranged both Paul's tour and the A-Bones previous jaunt a couple of years ago. Both guys are huge longtime fans and supporters of pop punk and garage music in Tokyo....and swell fellows to boot.

As this was Paul's premiere in Japan, there was a larger group than usual hanging out prior to soundcheck. As soon as the guys stepped onto the unlit stage, a quick look around revealed various members of The Tweezers (ex-Teengenerate), The Playmates and The Cokes chatting amongst themselves. Yet, as soon as Paul & co. launched into a tune, all socializing quickly stopped and gazes were fixed intently on the stage.

After soundcheck, dinner was at local Chinese restaurant that was near the venue. It truly was a funny pick by our guests, given that we were in Japan. But, it was cheap, nearby, and delicious...so who could argue with that? It reminded me of Nagoya a couple of years ago with the A-Bones, where after the gig, a Chinese restaurant was the only place we could find that was open. Which in turn led to an indelible memory of A-Bones' guitarist Bruce Bennett and Rockin' Jelly Bean (from Jackie and the Cedrics) singing the Gigantor theme to the puzzlement of the restaurant staff.

Heading back, the gig had already started with the openers, The Cokes, taking the stage. Like much of Japan's young bands, this one was well-rehearsed with a very competent set of tunes. While they were certainly good, what created the most curious anticipation for me were the following two groups, The Tweezers and The Playmates.

The Tweezers were one of the power pop bands that were formed from the ashes of Teengenerate. The other being The Raydios. The only constant in both, guitar player Fifi, also owns a local rock bar/hangout in Shimokitazawa called Poor Cow that has an amazing collection of rock and punk posters and ephemera lining the walls. To say he's a busy guy is to put it mildly. The band put on a powerful show and it was obvious they do have a strong following. As one of my Tokyo pals put it, "they're the band most of the young kids are into." All-in-all a very enjoyable set.

The Playmates. What can I say about them? A incredibly melodic group that straddles the line between killer guitar-driven power pop and quiet, yet still hummable melodies. Having heard a few disks by these guys I was more than eager to hear if they could pull off their complex mix of melodies and backing vocals in a live setting. Which, despite the fact that are a three-piece, they were able to do with what seemed like little effort. Truly an amazing, amazing band.

By this time the crowd was starting to get a little fiesty up front and soon after I got my Playmates shots I headed to the backstage area and got the one photo perk that traveling overseas affords one....stage access. A boon when things start getting a little too intense up front.

Paul and band hit the stage shorty after and kicked off the set with the Nerves' "Paper Dolls". Seeing them play with an intense determination, it was amazing to compare them to the fellows I saw before at the restaurant. A little jet-lagged but nevertheless still in good spirits. The band ran through Nerves, Beat and solo Collins material one after one until literally everything you expected to hear was covered. Compared to the sets played locally, Japan got what seemed like a little longer set. And rightfully so. I mean, when will they around these parts again? Next month?

After most of the crowd left, a small welcoming party was set up with free beer, but having a heavy schedule ahead, I split early and caught a ride back to Enockys pad. Hangovers and shooting in a crowded club are NOT a good combination. Apparently we weren't the only ones to feel that way as we passed a tired, but content Paul waiting for his ride as we exited the club.

Onto night two!