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December 1, 2007
The upper bar section of Arlene’s Grocery (95 Stanton St, NYC) was more crowded than normal. It looked like there was a private party going on in the middle of the normal reveling. There was a videographer shining a bright light into the faces of loud, annoying folks. I was waiting to go to the lower section of the bar where the bands play in this former bodega. Arlene’s used to be one decent-sized room with no cover charge where you could see a few bands and drink cheap beer. Over the years, as the economy of the Lower East Side changed, so did the policies of the club. First they simply started to charge a cover. $3.00, then $5.00. When that proved to keep away regulars who simply liked to come in and sit at the bar, Arlene’s’ remodeled. The club is split into two. A regular dive bar with cheap booze, bartenders with attitude and music. Lately it seems to be attracting a more well-dressed, hipster clientele than ever. But this is also a result of the new economy of the neighborhood. I can’t really blame them. After all, to survive in this city that cares little about culture and history, you need to change with the times. Even if it’s just as simple as serving a new breed. While the top bar is still free to get in, the band area is usually $7.00 to $10.00 depending on who’s playing. And it’s the normal NYC cattle-call style of booking with 6 to 8 bands showcased. I’m not a big fan of this style of cramming as many bands into a night as possible. I much prefer there be half the bands. That way there is a buffer in case of scheduling issues. And much like any club that books in this way, there are always problems. I was here tonight to see Kabuki Killers. They’re a gritty, no-nonsense garage rock band and were slated to play at midnight. I got here early—about 10:30—and the club was already running behind schedule. Luckily, there is a TV monitor in the top bar that shows the goings on down on the stage. Too bad they don’t pump the music though as well. I guess that makes sense because who would pay the cover then. As we waited patiently for the band before Kabuki Killers to set up, I noticed one of my biggest pet peeves showed itself. The night was already way past the point of being on time. Yet as the drummer and others struggled to set up their rigs, the singer just kinda stood there. Kids ... when pressed for time ... help your bandmates! That’s when Kabuki Killers singer Paul reassured me by saying, “Don’t worry, we set up fast and our songs are short.” When the time came, Paul and company set up as quickly as promised and they were off. Like a classic American muscle car barreling down a desert highway, kicking up gravel in its wake. Kabuki Killers blends the raucous and rawness of solid rock with real, honest to God hooks. And despite their confessions afterwards that they played too slow, everyone danced and jumped around just fine. Other bands could learn a thing or two from these guys. Set up fast, play your set, get off and drink at the bar. Show some respect for the bar and the other bands on the bill. Speaking of which, the last band had the bright idea to set out their merchandise set while Kabuki Killers played. And when I say bright, I mean it. This enormous display lit up the whole room. Very rude. Over the years since 1996—and through all of its incarnations—I’ve always felt that Arlene’s Grocery was a cool place to see bands. It's not always the easiest place to play if you're a band on the bill. Still, it has an impressive sound system but no light show to speak of. Then again, who really needs that? Thanks to the 'split' layout, it’s also a great place to soak in an authentic dive bar atmosphere without spending much money. And if you can, come by and check out the live band karaoke every Monday night. Links:
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