It's amazing how a band that just plays dives to small crowds can deliver such absolutely blistering performances on a consistent basis, especially 2 decades after their best chance came and went. This time Ron Heathmen of the Supersuckers was on guitar, doing an awesome job with only one rehearsal ("it's just math" he said). But the Supersuckers are Hangmen fans so he probably knows the songs already. No idea if this is permanent or if Rane just wasn't available last night.

They played all the "hits" and a few rarely played songs like She Walks and Blue Light. Coal Mine -> Walking In The Woods -> Blood Red has gotta be one of the best live 3 packs ever. Or at least since Rip This Joint - Jumpin' Jack Flash - Street Fighting Man 1972 but I never witnessed that one for myself.

I dug the other bands on the bill too, The Superbees, Barrio Tiger and The Royal Highness (formerly Chelsea Smiles) all of whom I have seen before but they just weren't quite as out of this world. A few appetizers and dessert (as Barrio Tiger got the cleanup set).

Not much of a "review" I know but I just had to say something.

Some You Tube links (not from last night).


"Bent" video (Unclean version)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-SfBHZwv98

"I'm gonna wash my bloody hands and slip away"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Q4_tsk-ToE

Viper Room 9/24/08 (Hangmen start about 3:45)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TBSKELaFZLI

"Rotten Sunday" promo vid

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqCgnZxzCdw

"Last Drive" video

Making of "In The City"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhCNqVaAMOM

http://img203.imageshack.us/img203/9072/thehangmenfeb192010setl.jpg