But all my slowly (and sadly) fading affection instantly snapped back into action on October 17. The ASUW Arts & Entertainment staff at the UW had booked a solo acoustic show with Mr. Sharp, and you bet I was there (along with many other Weezer/Rentals/Matt Sharp fans).
Last year, the UW booked great bands like Ozma, the Long Winters, Alien Crime Syndicate, and Maktub (taking good care to avoid holding big shows during midterms or finals). This year, Matt's show was the first of the fall series, and if the rest of the season's schedule is anything like that night, it'll be amazing.
The crowd gathered in the basement of the Husky Union Building (HUB) was enthusiastic. And the large room was surprisingly intimate--I worried it'd be disappointing to watch a show in a cafeteria-like dungeon. Such was not the case, however; the room setup had mood-setting lighting and floor pillows.
Matt was everything I expected. He was funny and charming, and all his new solo material was impressive. He told stories of moving out to a house in the middle of nowhere to record music, sit around in a bathrobe, and avoid bathing. He substituted lyrics in Rentals tunes with impressions of Morrissey, Frank Black, and Willie Nelson. Swoon. I really could go on forever, but I shouldn't. It was wonderful, and we'll leave it at that.
Let's switch over to other important information. If you're in a band where all the members are under Washington's legal drinking age, then get off yer ass and send a demo to this year's Sound Off! contest at EMP. Like last time, nine finalists will be chosen for a battle-of-the-bands-style competition, and all genres are welcome. Last year's winners (Aaron Richner and the Blues Drivers) walked away with free studio time, a bunch of equipment, and an opening slot at a Sky Church show. The deadline for Sound Off! has recently been extended to November 30, so hurry up and get on it. Details can be found at www.emplive.com or by calling 770-2744. MEGAN SELING
