‘Bon’ according to The Cowpat Kickers’ fans
Well it was the Bon Accord again for more alt.country shenanigans from The Cowpat Kickers on Saturday. Usual quirky behaviour was on show from the lead guitarist who seems to, love it, yet hate it (he leaves the stage from time-to-time as if to cleanse himself of having to playing modern country standards i.e. Folsom Prison Blues). Nothing wrong with those songs but I reckon, from his between song noodles, that he is happier with some of the Jonathan Richman type rougher-edged songs that Steve’s band purvey. Jo got up to sing some harmonies on a few songs and actually the song of the night in terms of sonic balance was You Ain’t Going Nowhere – a song I admit to having tired of over the last decade. However, with all 5 of them adding some vocals and the sound being just right (more of that later) it was quite a joy. I came in during the sound check and was immediately consulted from the back of the room. Actually it was a bit quiet but I ”thumbs that up” – a bugbear of mine is the 12% or so that gigs tend to go over the comfy listening level. To my ears it was great but it did get louder as the beer began to flow. Funnily enough, the PA cut out in the last song -timely – and some were suggesting a cynical move on Steve’s behalf. The pause meant he could really ”work-up” his encore. Eventually, with the nobs twiddled and the dials cast we were treated to a 12″ version of Roadrunner by said Richman complete with band introductions and transatlantic references. This is the band everyone wants to be in. Chaotic at times (in the spirit of punky-country), part of the appeal is that it only just holds together, but there is talent to burn in that group and it is never far away from being knocked into shape. Our eyes and ears are peeled to see how ”sat-nav” Steve will navigate them out onto a tarmac road. So, a riveting ride all-round and then we drifted to The Drake for a comedown drink. A fun night after the understandably reserved mood at the Clutha Bar charity night I had attended earlier. I was soon in good spirits at Bon Accord. I met two brothers whom I was sure were both called Ian. Funnily enough they weren’t. Two decent fellas, though. One produced an interesting quote: ‘Anyone with a steel-stringed guitar is worth listening to once’. I like the tautology of ‘steel’ – the adjective makes the whole thing sound more exotic. Now that’s a word you don’t hear much in the context of alt.country and the Cowpats. However, in the spirit of the Cowpat’s ramshackle brilliance see the subjects of the great Bon Accord bar photo. Bremner & Baxter – probably post match after the famous Wembley wizards win of ’67.
