Paper Street Saints seem happy in the loud space between WRIF and 89x. They preen, but that's all right — the guitar hooks blaze, the rhythms are bootheel-heavy, and they look good in the reflection from a chrome tailpipe. With their second record, Pride & Punishment, on the way, here are their monomanias from the road:
5. Hitchhikers are not a cure for boredom: On the list of bad ideas, few compare to picking up a carnival worker with poor hygiene on the side of a turnpike, miles from the next possible drop-off point. What's that smell?
4. Restrict your pre-show shenanigans: Stick to a few beers or less. Any mind-expanding narcotics and you may end up passed out cold on the drum riser, wearing little more than a multicolored ski mask. Not that we'd know anything about that.
3. Crowd-surf wisely: Remove your laminate before plunging into the greedy throng. Rope-burned necks are a bitch to heal up.
2. Establish a designated relief zone: Most bands will eventually find themselves traveling in an Econoline. Always micturate in a gas station or fast food restaurant, because the other options suck. You don't want to be the methane bottle bomber, nor pay a fine for indecent exposure, particularly in Colorado. (Believe it.)
1. Don't get left behind: But make sure you've communicated with the driver before sliding off the van at 4 a.m. Riding a Greyhound to the next gig in ratty gym shorts and sandals is a drag to say the least.
8 p.m., Saturday, June 17, at the Magic Bag, 22920 Woodward Ave., Ferndale; 248-544-3030. With Well Without and the Satin Peaches.
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