Pat Todd and the RankOutsiders, The Dogs, Neverland Ranch Davidians, Tramp For the Lord - Double Down Saloon, Saturday Aug 6, 2022

 

This is one that we had been anxiously awaiting for quite a while. Heavy Medication Records, out of Warsaw Poland of all places, is run by Derrick and Vanessa, a wonderful rock'n'roll couple who happened to get married on this day and wanted to have a rock'n'roll party for their reception. They brought in four of their favorite LA bands to perform at this fantastically free show at Vegas' punk rock clubhouse, the Double Down Saloon. For us, it was almost also a way to get together with old and new friends, as we knew - or at least have played with - people from every band.

Starting the night off at the civilized hour of 10:00 was Tramp For the Lord, a band that was unfamiliar to us, but is led by ex-Hangmen bassist Doug Cox on lead vocals and guitar, accompanied by our old friend Barry on stand-up bass, along with a highly talented lead guitarist and a brand, spankin' new drummer, who seemed to truly enjoy laying down the back beat. The sound was sorta/kinda Dylan-esque folk/ alt-country/singer/songwriter/storyteller, with some terrific tunes and fine playing by all. Doug and his guitarist sometimes travel as an acoustic duo, but this evening with the rhythm section gave the proceedings a bit more of an edge, without losing its intimacy. Excellent start for the eve!

While we had yet to see the Neverland Ranch Davidians, I have known and respected Tex Mosley since his days as lead guitarist in the Hangmen (my memories are a bit waverly from that long ago, but apparently Tex and Doug were in the band at the same time back in the day) where he created many of the band's iconic riffs which are still played to this day. In this incarnation, he continues his melodic, individualistic yet rippin' guitar style, aided by a second super guitarist (Will) and a hard-hittin', hotshot drummer. They reminded me a bit of the Blues Explosion's fuzziness, a bit of the Hangmen's swagger, maybe a touch of the Gun Club, and plenty of plain ol' fashioned rock'n'roll. Great guitar interplay and good combination of tones, kinda alternating bass'n'lead lines (since they do not have a bassist), clean'n'Big Muff Fuzzed, with superior playing by all. Unfortunately, the don't have anything recorded yet but are working on it - looking forward to hearing more from them!

Originally hailing from Detroit before moving to LA in the 70's, the Dogs are a true combination of Detroit High Energy and Punk Rock, in the original sense of the word. Songs about John Sinclair and the White Panther Party, moves taken from Wayne Kramer (singer/guitarist Loren used to watch'n'worship at the feet of the MC5'n'Stooges, the Amboy Dukes'n'the Frost, among others), plenty of interplay between all three players (Mary was a smokingly impressive bassist and their drummer was tight as can be, as well), hip tempo changes and simultaneous/harmonic licks throughout all combined with some serious r'n'r volume to impress the roomful of folks gathered for the occasion. 

Of course, we've both know Pat Todd damn near as long as we can remember from his fantastic Lazy Cowgirls, which probably every one of each of our bands have played shows with countless times. The RankOutsiders generally is a bit slower and a little more acoustic-y/country based, but this eve they proved that they could burn with the intensity of the Cowgirls, as well. Pat has always been a human blender for all the good musical styles from old school country to Detroit mania to soul to punk rock and everything else that is good about r'n'r and puts it all together for his own style of storytellin' songwritin'. After a few blazin' punk rock tunes, Pat turned the mic over to each of the guitarists for first Jeff Beck's "Hi Ho Silver Lining"(which I must admit I never really cared for, but they did a rockin' take on it) and then "Ring, Bottle and a Gun", as well as covering the likes of El Pauling and the Royalton's hip, smoldering, descending blues "I'm a Cool Teenager",  Louisiana Red's "Ride On, Red, Ride On", and a high speed ride on  "Route 66", along with a hip selection of original numbers that concentrated on clever, well-written arrangements and vocal harmonies, with plenty of nods at the likes of the Heartbreakers (Thunders, not Petty) and the Flamin' Groovies. Pat even pulled out his classic acoustic Gibson for a couple of tunes, giving an extra flavor'n'texture. The crowd had thinned a bit by the end of their set, but they shouted'n'cheered for, and received, a stompin' encore. Always a rock'n'roll celebration to see any of Pat's combos and they did not disappoint anyone this eve!

Man, what a night of great music, the likes that Vegas doesn't often see. Thank you again and congrats again to Derrick and Vanessa for this show and their marriage! And, of course, thanks to the Double Down and their fine crew for hosting the night!

(As always, sorry for the poor quality of my blurry photos - my phone's camera leaves a lot to be desired! Melanie took plenty of pix so hopefully she will post some soon!)