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The Ruckus of Cars Can Be Blue (PopFest, 40 Watt, 8/14/08

As with most things in life, I arrived at Day 3 of PopFest late.  I’ve always had a strange relationship with the 40 Watt, mostly due to the fact that I’m not entirely sure I’m cool enough to hang at this hallowed hall of legends.  Still I try, and after the bouncer looks extra-close at my ID (I promise, I’ve been 21 for a bit now), I wander in.

I love covering PopFest, and bands like Cars Can Be Blue are a big reason why.  Cars Can Be Blue, which consist of guitar/vocalist Becky Brooks and drummer/vocalist Nate Mitchell, were in the midst of their rollicking ruckus of a set.  The band, which sounds like what a coked-out midget humping your leg might feel like, was keeping it fun and keeping it naughty with their rampant drumming and power chord-beating sound.  Brooks, who is credited with writing most of the lyrics, is very genuine in her feelings, however untoward they might be.  Cars Can Be Blue were there to party on Thursday night, killing shots and sipping beers between songs, to the point that, after a particularly nasty shot, Brooks seemed to have the moment that all heavy drinkers fear:  that split second where the vile liquid that you just shoved down your throat is trying to claw its way back up, and its up to you to keep the bastard in its place.  Brooks kept it down, and Cars Can Be Blue kept the show going through the last power chord.

Photo of Becky by Waites Laseter.