Riding Shotgun with the Blakes

'm one of those girls who has always had a thing for the Mick Jagger types. You know, those with the sexy swagger, with the grit, and who rock it just that little bit better than those other bands. Oh, and preferably doing all of the above in tight pants. It is bearing that in mind that I'd like to introduce you to the Blakes, a trio putting the much-missed touch of naughtiness back into rock'n'roll. I've been listening to the song Pistol Grip on repeat for weeks on end, and think you'll enjoy the sleazy guitar riffs, growling vocals, and hand claps as much as I do. Make plans to celebrate the recent release of their new album and successful ep this Monday at the Red and the Black, but first read on to see what Garnet, Snow, and Bob had to say about life in the land of the Blakes ($1 beer! Auditors! Fooseball!).

Touring is: Mind expanding.

Our first gig together was: 14 Below in Santa Monica at an open mic in '99.

Our favorite venue to play is: Sirens in Port Townsend, WA.

Hygene on a tour is: Poor to none.

Our favorite thing about touring is: Getting out of Seattle.

And the least favorite: When venues don't give us booze.

City with the best audiences: We've heard it's San Francisco but we've never played there.

Band member most likely to disappear after a gig: Bob.

The tour bus/van smells like: Fine cheese.

Laundry is: a) washed regularly, b) washed irregularly, c) we go shopping a lot: B

What's the most unusual item on your rider? We don't have a rider, but if we did it'd be canned salmon.

Who controls the music in the touring vehicle? And what are you listening to at the moment? Bob's got an iPod and we're currently listening to Abbey Road demos.

What's your favorite new watering hole that you've found while on tour? Still looking hard.

And/or the best place to cure late night cravings? Echo Park taco truck in LA.

Most amusing memory from your current or most recent tour? Bob riding on the back of a motorcycle driven by a girl on a Sunday morning in Yakima.

Favorite tour activity (other than the gigs themselves): Fooseball.

Please name the city you wouldn't ever play in again? Or if not a particular city, which venue (if any) would you not mind seeing razed to the ground? Amarillo, TX.

Apart from the obvious CDs, what's the merch item of yours you think people should shell out for? T-shirts.

What song do you most wish the Blakes had written? "Cos I Luv You" by Slade.

Any pre-gig (or post-gig) rituals? Making sure we have a of couple drinks in us, and Snow antagonizes fellow band members before each gig.

Favorite other Blake: William Blake, Robert Blake, the Blake Babies, or Blake Sennett? Alicia Blake (AKA April March).

What're you reading these days? Nick Tosches' bio of Sonny Liston, Johnny Cash autobiography, short stories by Kilgore Trout.

In how many languages can you swear? We don't swear.

Have you been to the top of the Washington Monument? No.

You all are about to embark upon a gigantic tour. What are you most looking forward to about it? $1 tacos and beer in Southern Oregon.

What would you like people to be saying about the Blakes in 50 years? They had a good run.

If we weren't in the Blakes, we'd be: Auditors.

Please recite a line of poetry: I know an Irish lassie/she's got a big round assie/when she hits the brown jug/she shows me her round jugs/I couldn't be a happier lad --by Snow Keim

And finally, it's BigYawn's round. What's your poison? Any fine single malt scotch.

For further reading, head over to www.myspace.com/theblakes.

© 2007 BigYawn, all rights reserved