It surprises me that I’m out of bed, at work, and able to type – it’s going on noon. Now that I’ve summed up my condition let me state that last nights Lucero show in Milwaukee was one of those rock and roll shows that will stay with you for a while. First shows on tour are somewhat of a guessing game for the band and audience; you never know how those songs you’ve been listening to on your iPod for the past couple of months will translate into a live setting. All that aside, I think myself and everyone at Mad Planet walked away completely satisfied.

This tour reflects a lot of new material of their recent release, Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers in addition to a lot of surprises. Prior to the show the band talked about wanting to make sure that some songs that were neglected on previous tours got brought to the forefront as to not get in the routine of playing the same songs night after night. They also brought along an acoustic guitar, and before you scream, “Judas,” take note, it worked. Guitarist Brian Venable performed flawlessly on the lap slide for a couple of tunes that damn near brought us to our knees. Sing-alongs and raised drinks were common place as everyone around me either screamed or sang right in unison with front man Ben Nichols.

Good times are expected at concerts, it’s the great times that stick by you. The ones you brag about to all your friends the next day. This was one of those shows.

I grabbed a video of Joining The Army, which I put up on Google Video, also check out this interview with the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Please check back in a few days as I will be auctioning off some autographed Lucero goods for the Pat Spurgeon.