MP3: The Late B.P. Helium - They Broke The Speed of Light

Is there a better way to celebrate your new “non-teenager” status than with The Late B.P. Helium? If so, please tell me because this one was stellar in every sense of the word.

For starters, it was the first time I’d seen Robert Schneider’s (the Apples in Stereo) new band, Thee American Revolution. If you can, imagine Robert playing the game Guitar Hero along to 70s and 80s guitar rawk and you’re pretty much there. It was cool to know that he’s not all pop, and can still rock out with the best of them when the mood strikes him. Much like his Marbles performances, I think this was a case of him just having a bit of fun; but I’m glad I was able to witness it.

There are live bands, and there are studio bands. The Late B.P. Helium have now earned the distinction of being both. I’ll admit that I didn’t own their album Amok until about two weeks ago. After first popping it in, I thought “there’s no way they’ll be able to sound this good live.” I mean, how do you top a kazoo solo? Yesterday I found out how: with lots and lots of guitars.

Between Bryan Poole (B.P.) and his rotating cast of co-guitarists (including no less than Casper Fandango of Casper and the Cookies), my ears never got a break from their psych-rock. Then again, they never wanted one. If I might borrow one of Douglas Adams’ more descriptive similies, seeing the Late B.P. Helium up close and in person was a lot like having your brain smashed in by a brick wrapped in gold.

“But what about the kazoo solo?” you must be asking yourself by now. Rest assured, Bryan knew that the best way to make up for the lack of one of Amok’s more awesome parts (I say that without any sarcasm–it’s really wonderful) is by doing what the Elephant 6-ers have done for generations: guest appearances. Bryan invited up Robert Schneider and his wife to provide some percussion in the form of tambourine and maracas while he and Casper soloed as only they can.

MP3: The Late B.P. Helium - Candy For Everyone

Aside from that, it was a treat to get to see “Rabbit’s Ear” live. I’d been a fan of the album version, but they absolutely killed with it live. Of course “They Broke The Speed of Light” and “Johnny Rad” were thrilling as well. It was the kind of good that made me want to run out of the Dame and shout “WHY AREN’T YOU IN HERE?” at passers-by. Maybe it’s best that I just stayed put and enjoyed the show.

Afterwards I go to gush to Casper about my love for his band and lament that I’d forgotten to preorder their new album, The Optimist’s Club. Thankfully they’d brought copies on tour so I was able to pick it up along with one of BP’s most excellent shirts. Before I’m accused of product placement, I’ll just say that while this photo was not my idea, I do think it’s one of the few me-and-a-band photos that have turned out halfway decently.

The Late B.P. Helium’s Official Site
Catch The Late B.P. Helium on Tour
My Interview with The Late B.P. Helium