Transistor 66 Knows How to Throw a Party

The Transistor 66 anniversary show at The Handsome Daughter was a riot. Seriously, so much fun. It makes me wonder; when did rock ‘n’ roll start taking itself so seriously?

The Unbelievable Bargains have always generated good wholesome fun. Their universal themes say what everyone is thinking in a way that everyone can enjoy. Their songs remind us about the simple pleasures in life, like “Aquatic Mammals,” “Dogs,” & “Tomato Clam.” These are love songs about everyday life, even the one about the “Awful Cat.” “Are You Ready for Spaghetti?” made even the crustiest punks gently sway side-to-side & nod their heads in agreement. Who could dislike the Unbelievable Bargains?!

The Lonely Vulcans were a comeback treat for the senses. Haze, psychedelic, & surf species of rock were woven into an instrumental tapestry. Dank bluesy-synthy melodies compounded their performance, with a hint of a circus lilt behind some of the rhythms. They sounded tight as if they were still doing regular shows. A welcome chaser before things got off the rails.

These are the standards we have come to expect from T66 in their 20 years on the calendar. Quality musicians teaming up to appease the hooligans of our local scene, giving us something to sharpen our senses and rekindle that feeling of why we started coming to live shows in the first place. Art Transistor stood to the side, enjoying the ride of the evening but never took the spotlight himself. Simply enjoying the evening for what it was, a rock n roll show.

Scott Nolan made a short appearance to wish his best to the label that gave him his footing in the recording industry – an early investment that has paid off ten-fold. He did a capella ode, “Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead,” before slipping out the backdoor as quickly as he came in.

BA Johnston is up to his old tricks, and the audience lapped it up. When his snot rockets were flying, I had an epiphany. His performance made me realize that deep down, there is a part of me that enjoys cringe. He was born from the creation of meme culture. He’s played at every iteration of this bar that has existed and knows just which jokes land. He can shit-talk the Bombers, but it’s okay because he’s a TiCat fan (described in detail when Jesus helps them win the Grey Cup in “Jesus is from Hamilton”).

His Discman is not the cutting-edge piece of technology it once was, but his songs are just as relevant as ever. “How Many T-Bone Steaks Can I Fit into the Waistband of my Pants?” - who doesn’t need to save a dime these days? “I Wanna Drink Alley Beers” - saving money at the bar (with a shout-out to the Lo Pub)! “Gimme Some Treats (GST cheque)” - okay, there might be a theme...

BA’s shows are a force that cannot be accurately portrayed in spite of my attempts. You’ve got to see it to believe it and then see it again so you can sing along. Don’t bring your kids – they won’t get the references. Or your good clothes. Everyone went home with BO by proxy.