It's A Jambalaya Kind Of Week

Olivia Rosen
Kappa Kappa Gamma

Here's what's going on musically this week in Madison. 

Yellowcard, October 20, Majestic 

I am surprised to see that Yellowcard is performing at the Majestic, mostly because I am surprised Yellowcard still performs. I would rather swim with piranas than listen to Yellowcard, but that’s also because happy music is like, so overrated. I’m not sure what aggravates me more about the band: the painfully simple pop-punk songs or the tried-and-true unoriginal boy-band act that makes my body cringe. It’s not even like I am closed-minded to the whole boy band, pop culture sort of thing. I had, and still have, a ton of respect for drummer Travis Barker of Blink 182 who has collaborated with Wu Tang, has a unique, eclectic drum style, and experiments with different rhythmic styles. I also have an unhealthy obsession with Anthony Kiedis of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, despite the bands transition from funk to more pop-rock songs. The RHCPs have a tremendous stage presence, something that Yellowcard really lacks.

Drive- By Truckers, October 23, Majestic 

I actually didn’t know much about the Truckers until I listened to some of their work on Youtube. I love the mix of country and soul that resonates throughout their musical spectrum. I also really like Booker T. Jones, and the Drive- By Truckers collaborated with him a few years back, along with Neil Young. To compare a band of such stature with Yellowcard is laughable, which is why I am often harsh with bands that I don’t think demonstrate the same sort of respectable qualities that music should have. 

Rebirth Brass Band, October 26, Majestic 

I’m not sure if there’s a Cajun restaurant in Madison, but the Rebirth Brass Band is the closest we’ll get to jambalaya out in the midwest. This New Orleans jazz band is oozing with funk, sending chills down my spine with their pulsating rhythmic concoctions. The band has tuba, bass and snare drum players, accompanied by two trumpets, two trombones, and a saxophone.

When I visited New Orleans the day before Hurricane Katrina hit, I was amazed by how immersed the musicians were in the music. There was less of a concern with the technicalities of chord progressions and more of an emphasis on the beauty of free-flowing, passionate music playing. This is precisely what I like most about the Rebirth Brass Band because I’m constantly searching for a musical outlet where songs are playfully unique and emotional without seeming forced or disingenuous. 

Olivia is a sophomore studying international studies. You may contact her at orosen6@gmail.com.