VH1 once ran a series special on the most influential rock bands.  Beatles, Led Zeppelin, those are to be expected.  So why is it that from the likes of Tool, Soundgarden and Nirvana list the Melvins as a major influence and yet they are nowhere to be found on playlists of radio stations or video channels?  If you’ve ever graced your ears on any kind of metal, grunge, or some form of heavy rock, chances are in the liner notes thanks go out to the Melvins.  The most unconventional artists of our time (Jello Biafra, Mike Patton, Henry Rollins) will agree, it’s because they don’t need to be on the radio and, as well, they shouldn’t.  To use the Jimi Hendrix euphemism, the Melvins should not just be heard they need to be experienced.  I was one of those unsuspecting music zombies who thought their music was cool, but never saw them live…until now.

Only two words come to mind when I saw their performance at Canes:  OH SHIT.  They are phenomenal live.  The studio recordings do no justice to the power and intensity of their live performance.  The tribal call from dual skins of Dale Crover and Coady Willis give a rhythmic order to Jared Warren’s savage bass licks and the unmistakable power of King Buzzo’s guitar riffs.  Even their vocalizations seem random in tone combining metal growl, punk screech, and harmonic soprano to all give way to a symphonic bliss.  These are the kings of melodic chaos.  A beautiful confusion with ironic contradictions.  The double drums literally knock your heart off rhythm, the vocals mesmerize your deafened senses and the scream of the guitar makes you want to thrash around but you are locked in place.  Those that are privileged to experience a Melvins show already know.

They played most of the songs from their last two releases (A) Senile Animal and Nude in Boots, but this tour came just in time for a remix release entitled Chickenswitch.  Artists contributing on this CD include noise gurus Merzbow and Yamatsuka Eye of the Boredoms.

So, if you ask any true fan if they would like to see the Melvins with commercial fame, most likely it would be a resounding, “No.”  For the fallen Prince of Grunge Kurt Cobain to the dedicated regular joes like Coley A. (thanks for opening my eyes), the Melvins are and will always be the most influential rock band the unconscious MTV collective and music executive drones will never know.

Canes setlist (thanks Dave for letting me steal it):

1.  Pigs of the Roman Empire
2.  Talking Horse
3.  Bloated Pope
4.  Dog Island
5.  Dies Iraea
6.  Billy Fish
7.  Mr. DNA (Devo cover)
8.  Anacoda
9.  Kicking Machine
10. Civilized (Drums)
11. Blood Witch
12. Hooch
13. Smiling Cobra