I ran into The Okay Cars' Lars a few nights ago, and we were musing on all of the great music being made these days by local bands, and about how easy it is to miss great shows, due to too many other great shows.

This is called a good problem.

Which makes it all the more ironic/ depressing/ upsetting that the government is messing up such a special thing, such a vital thing, regarding Underworld and the issue of livehouses in general.

Of course, we don't make music to please the government and we don't need them in order to be creative. We just need them to let us be.

I have no idea what will come of the protests by Underworld on Friday, first at the Taipei City Council, then at the Department of Cultural Affairs, but the important thing is that we're out there demanding accountability. It is the least we can do, of course - expressing our anger and advocating our rights - and they least they could do is acknowledge that. Things got pretty tense when the Cultural Affairs people refused to meet with us. Doesn't the government exist to serve its people? Or am I missing something here?

…

That ugly morning blossomed into a beautiful night, however, as Ladybug made its triumphant return/finale at Legacy. Who says there's no such thing as time travel? Nothing had changed except for the size of the stage.The place was packed and the good times were flowing, as the ladies demonstrated they hadn't lost a step. Cracking jokes, sharing beers, and playing with joyous passion and power, Ladybug was as charming as ever. By the night's climax, 讓太空人跳舞, I doubt there were many dry eyes. There was, however, a lot of love.

This is why we do what we do.

…

Looking forward, the next big show hits us on Thursday. If you hadn't heard, Dinosaur Jr, Thurston Moore, & ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead play at Neo Studio.

Wow.

Steve chatted with Trail of Dead a few weeks ago and now he's bringing us an interview with Dinosaur Jr, too.
Thanks Steve!

And while the weather appears to be getting colder, the weekend is staying hot. OCD Girl continue touring to promote their excellent CD, ㄇㄉㄈㄎ, teaming up with Macbeth, who are thankfully back on the scene.

On Sunday, Bowz Tiger host a CD release party at the Wall with special guests Insecteens and Sorry Youth. A solid line-up through and through.

But there is way more than that going on: a free festival in Hualien headlined by MC Hotdog, a Danshui event starring 楊乃文 & Tizzy Bac, among others, an all-star shredder's delight, and much more. Check out the full listings here.

You can't stop rock 'n roll.