If you read last week’s 5ive, you’ll know that I’ve seen a ton of live bands over the years… it was practically compulsive in the 90s. In any case, let’s jump right the heck in and delve into the five greatest live acts I’ve ever seen. I have this sinking feeling I’ve forgotten something, but let’s roll with this. Go!

Pegboy – Strong Reaction. I saw this band in crappy warehouse/teen club (?) called the Grape Garage sometime in the mid-90s. Obviously they sounded great live and Larry Damore has an awesome on-stage presence, often flailing out into the crowd or singing face to face with the audience. Here’s a clip of the same tune, live in 1995.

Fishbone – Ma & Pa. Punk/funk/ska. I discovered the Red Hot Chili Peppers in about 1988 and with frequent mentions of Fishbone, I had to check out that band as well. Sometime in the early 90s I caught Fishbone at First Avenue in Minneapolis. I’ve seen plenty of animated singers, but none could compare to Fishbone’s Angelo more. The guy literally scaled the walls at First Avenue, leaping, jumping and diving like no one I’d ever seen before. No one. They’ve never been my favorite band per se, but their live show’s energy is unmatchable.

Fugazi – Shut the Door. I caught Fugazi a time or two in the mid-90s at First Avenue. Live, they’re on fire… tight & composed, but not so overly-rehearsed that it seems contrived. I wish they’d tour again. This video is from Instrument, which itself is a great live dvd & album. Totally worth checking out if you dig Fugazi.

Propagandhi – A Speculative Fiction. I first caught Winnipeg’s Propagandhi in a sweaty basement on College Street in Fargo, ND (across the street from the current location of Fargo Brewing Co.) in about 1994. I had heard a few songs from the band, their live show in cramped quarters was a blast until it ended with the cops coming… There was something very cool about the mix of thrash and melody and the dueling vocals from Chris Hanna and former member John Sampson (Weakerthans). So good.

And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead. I’ve only caught Trail of Dead live once, but that evening at the Triple Rock Social Club was pretty awesome. If you’ve watched the previous four videos, no doubt you’ve got a bit of a feel for my musical tastes. Not surprisingly, Trail of Dead fit that descriptor with a serious dose of guitar and a nice interplay between precision and music with a raw edge. Live the band is amazing. I think this video captures that…

Friday is here! How about some music? Today’s 5ive was inspired by the news that Wilco, The Black Keys, Spoon and a bunch of others have donated to an auction as well as a sale to benefit the family of Minneapolis musician Andy Richardson, who died last month. Andy’s death resonated with me – he was close to my age, I’d seen a few of his bands live and he was a parent of a little kid. So if you’re feeling charitable and want to help out a family of a Twin Cities’ musician who everyone seemed to love, please follow those links above.

Let’s start with The Crush, shall we? Fitting as Andy was in the band. Early 00s catchy-as-shit pop-punk.

The Replacements – Bastards of Young. This is from the album “Tim” – Bob Stinson’s last studio album with the Replacements. Stinson was booted from the band and later died at the age of 35 in 1995. As a kid, my uncle (six years my elder) introduced me to a lot of Minneapolis music thanks to dozens of Maxxell cassette tapes. The Replacements, Soul Asylum and Husker Du were all required listening.

Soul Asylum – P9… a song supporting striking Hormel workers. Soul Asylum’s Karl Mueller died in 2005 after being diagnosed with throat cancer. A 2004 benefit for Mueller saw Husker Du’s Grant Hart and Bob Mould awkwardly reunite on stage for the first time in forever. I’m sorry I missed that one.

Eyedea & Abilities – Spin Cycle. Mike (Eyedea) Larsen’s death was yet another one that came far too soon. The St. Paul rapper/freestler’s delivery was said to be ahead of its time and I’m apt to agree with that.

Janitor Joe – Boys in Blue. Though Janitor Joe is hardly a household name, former bassist Kristin Pfaff later joined Courtney Love’s band, Hole, and played on “Live through This.” Pfaff died of a heroin overdose in 1994 – only a couple of months after the death of Love’s husband, Curt Cobain.

Let’s give this a whirl… Long before I was a fan of great local beer, I loved music. From the very first item in my collection (Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” cassette) to the last, I’ve had a deep connection with music. Throughout the 90s I found myself at various venues in Fargo, ND and the Twin Cities catching live acts, typically of the punk/indie persuasion. From my very first show in Fargo, ND (probably godheadSilo) to some of the more memorable ones (Propagandhi at The Whole, Fugazi & Green Day ($4 tickets!) at First Avenue, Trail of Dead at the Triple Rock) I’ve always had a blast. Long before I was writing about beer releases and my favorite sour beer, I was a zine publisher – first print and later online.

In a lot of ways, the beer scene (right now, anyway) is a lot like the independent music scene. So why not take a little time each week and share some of my new and old favorites. I’m not quite sure how this will shape up, but let’s give it a tray, shall we? This week I’m going to curate some random favorites from Minnesota. Check it out!

Class of 86. These guys originally hail from my hometown of Fergus Falls. Punk rock with nice chops. I happen to know that none of these guys graduated in 86.

Hammerhead, Tuffskins… from their first album, “Ethereal Killer.” In the early 90s I caught this band no less than a million times, so it was refreshing to see them pop back onto the scene as of late. Crank it & lock your doors.

Sean Na Na, Princess and Pony. (Live version here.) Shall we slow it down a bit? Previous to playing as Har Mar Superstar, Sean Tillman played as Sean Na Na. Suffice to say the dude can pen a song. I interviewed him for Yahtzeen back in the day. At the time, the Har Mar act was just getting started, and Tillman lovingly referred to Har Mar as his brother (cousin?), Harold.

Cleveland Bound Death Sentence – Mpls. Transit Song #2. Three Minnesota and a long-time traveling zinester, Aaron Cometbus. If it sounds a bit like Dillinger 4, it’s because your favorite bartender grabbed the microphone. Enjoy!

Husker Du, Something I Learned Today. Do I even need to say anything?