The dismal weather we've been having in Detroit lately has managed to drive everybody indoors, but it has done nothing to stop the flood of shows that have been happening around town.  On Saturday I was debating whether to head down to the Gold Dollar for some out-of-town music or make a return to the Royal Oak Theater for a local punk festival.  The decision was taken out of my hands when my buddy Brian called with news that the awesome Shepwrench was playing at the Elbow Room in Ypsilanti.

Armed with some incomplete directions we headed down I-94 towards the wilds of Washtenaw County with the new Cinecyde CD blaring on the stereo.  After not finding the right exit and passing up Ypsilanti me managed to blunder back to Michigan Avenue.  While driving along with no clue about the Elbow Room - I was forced to do one of those "unthinkable things that men hate to do" and actually ask some guys on the street for directions.

Of course, at the time we were about 50 feet from the Elbow Room, so they disdainfully looked at us and pointed to the bar which was right around the corner.  The Elbow Room is a really cool place with a couple of pool tables and some very cheap beer prices.  We had just missed Stroker Ace, who are also a very fine band, but were on time for Shepwrench.  These guys just plain ROCK !!!!!

The Elbow Room has this cozy neighborhood feel to it, and it was a blast standing a few feet from the stage and watching those guys do their magic.  One of my favorite parts of their set is always the cover of Sham 69's "Borstal Breakout", which is of the best all-time songs ever written.  After a great set from Shepwrench - it was time for Thrall.

Nothing I have ever seen in over 20 years of going to shows prepared me for Thrall.  Their show was a cross between a revival meeting and spontaneous anarchy.  Mike Hard, the vocalist, wandered through the crowd yelling and talking to people while the band played on. Some dude, called "Weasel" was actively involved in the show, and I could never figure out if he was with the band or just wandered off the street.  The set started with little introduction and ended abruptly.  I was just amazed, but certainly plan on seeing these guys again.