Superbowl post-mortem, Dr. FU needs your help, song selection
Current mood: 
rockin
A few things to catch up on in the ol’ blog. First, the Superbowl. Is it just me, or does the NFL play favorites? I watch some of these teams (Steelers, Cowboys, Patriots etc)…large market, large amount of mass appeal, large amount of money generated in other words, and you can really see how the league almost paves the way for them to win. Sometimes it’s very subtle (protecting star players on the field), sometimes not (non-calls on penalties, and the general disregard for small-market teams by the NFL as a whole) and it makes for very frustrating viewing. I really wanted the Cardinals to win. And they almost did. Almost. But not before Roger Goodell made a call down to the field and told the refs to back off a little bit. Ok, that last part is pure conjecture. But watch that game again and tell me if the Steelers didn’t get some ridiculous calls. And it’s been that way throughout the playoffs. I don’t want to bore you anymore, but it is something to think about if you like football. Ok, rant off.
Next topic: Dr. FU. I am guessing most of you know that I play in a band called Dr. FU. We’re just a rock cover band who plays in the DC/VA/MD area, but I love doing it and play with 4 other really good guys, 2 of which I’ve known since I was a wee lad. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without the FU and I don’t even want to try. Suffice it to say it’s one of the things that keeps me sane. Ok, now onto my pitch. I’m using this blog to solicit help. We’re trying to win a local award, and I need your help. All the info you need is here. Check it out and make sure you spell our name Dr. FU (period and all caps on the FU important). Thanks! Voting ends Monday, Feb 9th.
Finally, while we’re on the subject of the band, I wanted to talk about songs. As a cover band, song selection is pretty important. You play a good song, and people go nuts. You play a crap song, people leave. It’s pretty simple. What’s not simple, however, is finding the recipe for what makes a song a good song. At times, we nail it (but more often than not, these are the songs that are covered by a LOT of bands, and so you’re basically an also-ran)3. And at times, we completely miss the mark. But we’re always trying to stay one step ahead of the other bands in the area and add stuff that goes over well but is not necessarily played by similar groups.
Interestingly enough, several factors go into finding good songs. Sometimes a song will go over well at one bar, and crash and burn at another. It all depends on who’s there and what they’re in the mood for. But the FU has its standards: there are some songs (Brown Eyed Girl, Mustang Sally, Born to Be Wild) that we will NEVER play. I’m not sure what gets a song into that category, I guess you just know. But it’s what makes it into the “let’s play this” category that is much more puzzling.
Have a song suggestion? First, check our setlist over at drfu.com. If we’re not doing it, let me know and I’ll bring it up at our next rehearsal. We’ll vote on anything (unless it’s Bad Case of Loving You, which I know CD will comment and add), so let me know!
Rob FU, out.
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Currently listening: The Blackening By Machine Head Release date: 2008-11-04 |
I like you.
In all seriousness, I’ve been wondering that for the past 4 years. I think being able to sell a song definitely helps and in the right environment, can make a song go over really well. Thinking “Holiday Road.” Of course, you need a good band. But then again, a band band could play a great song for a bunch of drunks and get a great response. There are so many factors that go into it that will keep this unanswered.
Anaconda