July 13, 2004 proved to be a star-studded day for Houston, TX. While people were enjoying their hot dogs and watching the All-Star baseball game and others were watching Fall Out Boy and Name Taken (great bands, by the way…) this guy….that’s me…was standing around waiting for a fantastic show to begin. The show consisted of Suburban Legends, Lucky Boys Confusion, Catch 22, Rx Bandits, and Reel Big Fish. Whew. That’s a lot of ska, which means it’s also a lot of fun.

So eventually the lights dimmed, the crowd got all riled up, and Suburban Legends entered the stage. Within a matter of seconds the place was jumping like a boy with a bee in his pants! This was something I was not expecting. But luckily for me and the crowd, this eight piece ska band really knows how to put on a highly entertaining show. Plus their music’s ultimatum is nothing other than dancing. It’s just that catchy and good. To give you an idea of their fantastic live show (sorry ladies and gents, if you’re a negative Nelly then you will not enjoy this review, because I only have good things to say about this show) here’s my favorite part: Imagine standing in the crowd watching a ska band perform… Several different guys in the band are capable of singing so they’re running around tossing the microphone at one another and running up to the mic stands. The horn section is prancing around the stage (thanks to wireless technology). As their set progresses, they break out into a choreographed dance. Backstreet Boys style all the way. They were simply fantastic; then again that’s just me.

Next up to bat was Lucky Boys Confusion. This is a band that I’ve had the pleasure of listening to for the past four years. So naturally I was thrilled to be able to see them again. The vibrant sound and energy that they own blended in beautifully with the show. Yet they still managed to stand apart enough so that any virgin to Lucky Boys Confusion would be drawn in by their music. For those whom have no idea who this band is, I’ll try and give you an idea of their music. Take the reggae vibe of Sublime, the poppy, catchiness of Less Than Jake (minus all the horns), throw in a unique voice and a few of their own touches and you’ll have Lucky Boys Confusion. By the end of their set I was very satisfied with their performance but slightly disappointed that they did not play some of my favorite songs. But that’s just how the cookie crumbles.

Due to the fact that the brilliance of whoever coordinated the show decided to start it at 6:00 P.M., there were not that many people in the place until Catch 22 came on. If I had to list the bands on best to worst in terms of performance, Catch 22 would’ve been in the bottom of the ranks. However, this does not necessarily mean they were bad. But when the competition is this thick, you look not as good by comparison. So they went through with their something-short-of-jaw-dropping performance and wrapped the set up with Keasby Nights.

Cue the stage lights, and enter Rx Bandits. Not just a band playing music; an experience. A band filled to the brim with a passion for what they do and the crowd can’t help but absorb every bit they can. Veterans to Drive-Thru records, I’m amazed that this band hasn’t been pushed out into the spotlight. Raw talent, amazing live shows, and tons of heart poured into what they do…I just don’t get the music industry. But that’s me rambling. The pertinence that holds to the show is…wow. They’re great live. Pardon my lack of extensive vocabulary to give you a visual and better understanding. All I know to tell you is to make sure you go see this band whenever they come through your town, and if you don’t like their live show you can come punch me in the face.

If you’re in a ska band then you better know how to have a lot of fun. Well, Reel Big Fish most certainly does. Running jokes, dancing, prancing, making faces, and singing like girls, these guys bring it all. Having seen them once before at Warped Tour 2002, I halfway knew what to expect. However, I didn’t realize that having a longer set list would draw me more into the band. With each song you get wound up tighter around the warm fuzzy ball of energy they create in the venue. This is a band that makes it okay to be a “dateless loser” and more fun than angry if your girlfriend dumps you because she’s a lesbian. If you go to a show, then you know how enthusiastic people are about Reel Big Fish. Having been around long enough to get four albums out there and soon to be a fifth, they’ve really learned how to perform. With so much charm and wit they effortlessly bring the crowd in to make them feel like a part of the show. Again, they’re another band that if you really want to fully know what the live show is like, then I strongly suggest you go and check them out. So for now I’m going to sit back and wait for their new album to come out and them to return to my CD, because this band is something that the music industry needs. End of story.