Another year, another X show at the Paradise. What can I say. We enjoyed our first X show so much last year, when we found out they were coming around again. we just had to go.
So, another X show, another visit to the Sunset Cantina, on Comm. Ave., in the BU area (the strip of Boston that lies between the Fenway, Brookline and Allston). It's close to the Paradise, and is known for its beer and tequila selections.
I'm more inclined to beer than tequila, so the choice of drinks didn't take long. Our waitress informed us from the outset that, since it was a holiday week, they were out of a lot of beers. Now, I worked two different wholesale delivery jobs, so I can tell you from experience - holiday weeks are hell. You have one less day to hit the same number of stops, usually delivering more product, since holiday weeks are usually busy weeks. So I am not unsympathetic. However, Sunset Cantina, your reputation is built on your beer selection. It is extremely disheartening when a beer lover like myself is told that two or three of the IPAs he would like to try are right out. I was pretty bummed.
I tried to console myself with a Wachusett Green Monsta Pale Ale. (Our helpful waitress mispronounced it as "Monster".) The menu listed it under the IPAs - the closest category available. But no one would ever confuse this beer for an IPA. It's got a nice, clean flavor - somewhere between a lager and a pale ale, with a bit more body than a true lager.
Next, to quench my by now unbearable need for bitterness, I ordered the Sixpoint Bengali Tiger. This IPA, with a 6.5% B.V.A. had a nice, cloudy appearance, with medium red-brown color, and a medium head. The aroma was a bit keg-ish, for lack of a better word. (Perhaps a bar that makes it's living off of college students needs to make sure it's taps aren't *too* clean?) The taste was lightly fruity, and mild. The finish was strong with a bit more bitterness that you would have expected. Overall a pleasant, fairly mild IPA.
We had two appetizers - the Garlic Fried Calamari and the South of the Border Fiesta Nachos. Both appetizers were super-size, especially the nachos. The two of us were barely able to make a dent. We got the full order - the smaller order in hindsight would have been better for the two of us (with plenty to spare!). The low price for the nachos kind of sucked us in - they are a very good value if you're hungry! The only criticism is that there were so many chips with so much guacamole, lettuce and sour cream at the top, it was hard to get to the seasoned beef and cheese within.
The calamari was nice and hot, and well executed. The style was not my complete cup of tea. The rings were large and neat (I prefer thin and messy), but they were well seasoned, and the vinegar peppers were yummy.
It may not sound like the best drinking and dining experience, but I don't want to give the wrong idea. I would go there again - on a five-day work week (and maybe try some the the tequilas).
The show: X are an amazing live band. As one reviewer put it, it's four outstanding talents combining to make an even greater whole. Add 30-plus years of experience, and the confidence they must get from knowing that they are one of the truly original bands to come down the pike, and you get a five-star live experience.
The venue: The 'dise is a great place to see a show. We arrived early and got front-of-the stage spots in front of John Doe's mic. He is a joy to watch. I think he had even more fun at this year's show than he did last time. At least that's the impression he gave off. A fellow attendee posted video clips of this performance. (You can see our silhouettes down in front!)
The opening act: Steve Soto and the Twisted Hearts opened the show. X have gone two-for-two in my book in this category. Last year the Detroit Cobras provided attitude and grit in the opening slot. Steve Soto (ex of the Adolescents) and his band put on a great chest-pounding, high-energy garage sounding set. I will check them out in the future.
