The one where Sid was in a bind 'cause he was way behind, and he was willing to make a deal. So here's the offer: although I've got no time to write this one up, how about I give you a speed run? Take it or leave it, it's the best I can do.

The show must have started at 7:30 because when I showed up at 7:50 The D-Fibs were already playing the ninth song of an eleven-song setlist. I've written about this punk quartet lots. About their comedic schtick. About their excellent energy. About their devil-may-care attitude earned by decades in the scene. All of it was on display when the band offered a slightly reworked cover of 7Seconds' "Young 'Til I Die" as a closer. Catch ya next time.

No offense to the headliner, but a reconstituted Tanka Ray was the draw. These KC street punk rock and rollers hadn't been on stage for a long time. Long enough that I forgot how wonderful they were and how lucky I was to see them all-the-damn-time at El Torreon. Speed run rules mean I can only tell you that the foursome – made up of some core members and filled in by some ringers – ran through a fifteen-song setlist that included all the "hits" in forty minutes. Fists pumped and the crowd sang along whether the band was ripping through "Riot on the Plaza" or "Six Month Skin," or Jimmy was crooning "Don't Make Ghosts." The group is doing it one more time at Howdy on Saturday, June 21 so we'll both get another shot at this.

Chicago's The Effigies formed in 1980. That was forty-five years ago. The quartet didn't remain active throughout all those years, nor did it always feature the same line-up. In 2025 the project is once-again piloted by the original rhythm section, and with the help of long-time friends, back with new music and playing the bars. There have been changes, but the same gritty, blue-collar, relentless hardcore assault is still present. New vocalist Geoff Sabin was full of urgent shouts, two-stepping dance moves, and, occasionally, second guitar that added post-punk elements to the group's tight punk. Fast and furious finger bass work from Paul Zamost was a sight to behold and the tight martial drumming of Steve Economou was spot on. Lead guitarist Andy Gerber offered screaming solos and chugging verses. Oh right, speed run. Anyhoo, the band played twenty songs over a sixty-five-minute set. All the early gems we're present, with "We'll Be Here Tomorrow" creating a chorus of singers in the sizeable audience.

Okay that's all.