Rapid Review: Drugstore Valentine Live

On Friday night, I traveled south to Cincinnati to see Drugstore Valentine.

Friday's show was at TopCats bar on Vine Street, right near the University of Cincinnati. It's been about 40 hours since the show, and I still can't get the stamp off my hand -- it's possible the bouncer was using tattoo ink to brand all those who dare enter.

Drugstore Valentine played first, and there just were not that many people in the bar. In fact, it was a bit sad. I think the lack of audience put every member of DSV in a bad mood, and this affected their performance. As per the usual, DSV opened with "Welcome to the Show" and played "Lies" and "Backstage Bombshells." They also played the Rolling Stones song "Jumpin' Jack Flash," which surprised me. Toward the end of the set, Kenny jumped on the bar and kicked over beer bottles while guitarist Mike Murdoch and the band performed the uplifting "Life's a Bitch" for the dancing ladies in the front row.

I think the band was dealing with some personal issues on Friday night, so major props for pushing through and delivering a high-energy show. By the end of the work week, I feel like I've been hit by a Mack truck so I'm amazed at anyone who can put in 50 hours for the man then jump around on stage until the wee hours of the morning.

If you live around southern Ohio and would like to see Drugstore Valentine perform, they play again at TopCats on July 21.