December 31 2005: The Long Winters, The Village Green, Mike Patton and the Credentials – Tractor Tavern, Seattle WA

I told my sister that I wanted to see the Long Winters on New Years’ Eve for a combined Christmas/birthday present. She did not disappoint.

Met up with the infamous Rennie Brothers, who had in tow the new wife (Elder Rennie) and the wife-to-be (Younger Rennie). Ex-Boss Missy came up too because she had yet to see the Long Winters despite having paid to see them in Portland in October. I will leave it to the imagination as to what exactly transpired to get her kicked out of that show before the music even started, because I can’t use mere words to tell the story. It just can’t be done.

So good times are flowing. It’s new year’s eve. We’re in Ballard drinking good beer and I’m seeing old friends and hanging out with the sister which doesn’t happen all that often, and the best rock band in town is about to play. How much better? How much better? Could my life get?

The Village Green played second on the bill, and they were really great. Picked up their EP after the show, and it is also great. But their live show was REALLY great. And then those crazy Long Winters take the stage. They finally played “The Commander Thinks Aloud” for me, and they did “Ultimatum” all rock and roll-like instead of quiet and acousticy-like, which pretty much ruled. And then Sean Nelson comes out and sings backup to end the night on “Medicine Cabinet Pirate.” Fucking fantastic.