The Story of the Ghosts: Blottopia VIII

The Blotto boys are by no means an unknown band; in fact, they are pretty big in the Chicago-land area and have been together for better than 15 years. But they have a tendency to prefer to stay local and spend their free time practicing rather than hauling gear around, eating at Denny’s and hot-boxing the van every day. In other words, they don’t tour too much for a jamband, but the added practice time shows, as you will soon see. We’ll take you through some of the highlights of this monster. See for yourself, but we think you will agree that this show is deserving of epic status.

If you have some time to burn with us, listen along while you read. For all you ADHD whippersnappers, we’ll provide some exact times here and there if you want to cut to the jams.

Mr. Blotto – 7/28/2007 – Blottopia 8, Vasa Park, Chicago, IL

Blotto

“I Don’t Wanna Know Your Name”
The show opener is a Blotto original to get things warm, a little sunny day tune. Flip to around the 5:20 minute mark for some feel-good noodling. I keep expecting them to do a “Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to Blottopia” at around the 6:30 mark.

“You may ask yourself; am I right, am I wrong?”
Alright, so these new kids roll up in the mix claiming they have an epic show, do they? What the hell do a couple of sportswriters know about music anyway? Well, the fifth song of show, Once in a Lifetime, is where the goose bumps start loosening up, and they might be getting a workout by the time this one is through. This is a unique take on the Talking Heads tune that eventually showcases some exceptionally good improvisation. Start around 6:00 if you’re looking for face-melting. Indications are starting to look good that this may not be just an average night.

“Take it as it comes, because you’ll never get a warning.”
If you aren’t familiar with Mr. Blotto, Kiss Me In The Morning is the song we usually recommend as a primer. It’s kind of like their Sample in a Jar, but it’s a really chill feel-good song. Maybe, think of it more of their Blue Sky or Ramblin’ Man. This particular rendition is much slower and spaced-out than most, but it’s always solid. You might even be able to successfully incorporate this as “your song” with that special someone, you know, if you’re into corny shit like that. Also, if you listen closely, you can hear a little Hold Your Head Up tease around the 7:35 mark. Hmmm, what could that mean?

Blotto

“Almost feelin better today, I was feelin OK”
Another one of Mr. Blotto’s originals, Almost, keeps the energy on a steady up slope, but we’re not quite there yet. This is a great song to exemplify their nitty gritty sound, one of the areas where these guys really excel. They work in a great bluesy, whiskey and cigarettes type of sound. You clearly can tell the place is rocking by the time this one is through. It’s what comes next that really takes it over the top though…

“Suddenly with a roar, the creature emerged before him.”
You might be wondering by now why we so boldly classify a couple good jams and a good Talking Heads cover “a classic.” Would an entire Gamehenge, played masterfully, accounting for every last detail, change your mind? That’s right, Mr. Blotto roars through TMWSIY with ease and does it nothing but justice. Unlike a lot of other bands who have flirted with Phish covers, Blotto doesn’t leave much to be desired either. Vocalist, Paul Bolger, has such a gritty, southernish voice, that it is unique from Phish in a very appealing way. Plus, they plow through the most technical of composed Phish with total confidence, emanating the appearance that they can play this stuff like they it’s Hot Crossed Buns. Finally, the more laid back feel of a little acoustic guitar in the mix adds mellow element that contrasts well with Mark Hague’s blistering lead.

“It started as a typical stroll… But on this morning, Colonel Forbin stepped through the door.”
Not only does the show include a great Gamehenge, but it’s not your ordinary, everyday Gamehenge. The guys make a Divided Sky sandwich, segueing (is that a verb?) into Lizards right where we normally grow to expect the long wait for the big note in Divided Sky. After playing through the rest of the Gamehenge story, they finally return to what is titled on here as “Divided Sky reprise” (which is a mammoth).

[youtube]EWJSYrpFzTw[/youtube]

Gratuitous Samson & Delilah from Blottopia VII

“The Mockingbird swooped down on a hill where there was a bunch of hillbillies… yeah and they were playing hillbilly music.”
This might be the highlight of the show. They play a bluegrass Mockingbird. It’s evident that this a tough task as the playing is a little sloppy, but it is such a cool idea and really works with the song. I thought this was a really creative idea and could really get used to this rollicking version.

“Maybe I’m not the Monster you thought that I was.”
The show closes with Wilson’s Lament (labeled Monster on the setlist, but corrected in the comments), a gorgeous tune and suiting close to a great night of music. Neither of us actually knew this tune, but it’s really quite good. We did a little digging around the Blotto message board and if we are not mistaken (which we are a lot), Mr. Blotto actually wrote this song as an add-on to the Gamehenge story about a note found in Wilson’s pocket after he died, expressing his guilt and grief for bringing war to the peaceful land of the Lizards. Cool song and a REALLY cool idea. Wilson’s still a dick though.

So anyway, perhaps we’re a little overzealous, hyping this show to the moon, but see what you think. We think it is a monster indeed.

Thanks to South Paw for the patch.

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8 Responses

  1. I kinda recall an April Fool’s Day Dark Star Orchestra show in like ’97 or ’98 when the lead singer of Mr. Blotto got up on stage with them and sang “Won’t Get Fooled Again.” No idea whether or not I made that up.

  2. Thank for the positive feedback, folks.

    Ace, next week we want two cases of Bells Two Hearted beer, some soy string cheese, a bag of Terra chips, and some imported kombucha tea.

    Scott, what did you think of that last song Wilson’s Lament that they added to the Gamehenge story?

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