There is a good chance you found us accidentally by using the word “taint” in your search (If you found us on purpose, you deserve our accolades). Of course, we don’t know what you were looking for, but you stumbled on a damn cool project. Look around; let us help send you on a musical journey. Here you will find a number of album reviews from the strange and extreme to the tame and mainstream. Our reviewers are a bunch of obsessive miscreants. Most of us are avid music collectors and have been involved in the music world for decades. A couple of us have been in or are still in bands.
There are no rules on Tickle Your Taint Blog. Our reviewers might make you laugh, or piss you off; both results are legitimate. One reviewer might write a glowing review of an album; another might tear it apart. We may have a new review every week, or we could end up with one every six months. This blog exists as a social experiment to build community among a diverse group of music maniacs – our reviewers and hopefully you.
Contributors include: Alec, Anita Papsmear, AntiChrist-iansen, Billy West, Beert, Cam Starke, Chastity Morgan, Class Warrior, Dale M, Dave, Dismal, El Jefe, Five-Inch Taint, Gory Zaver, Gusty Bellows, Hartman, HinckleyHadAVision, Ian, Infidel Cowboys (Lusk, Wyoming), Jack Rafferty, Jack Stephen, Jimmy “Explosive Diarrhea” B, Jon, Jonnie Dames Rio, Kloghole, Musical Odyssey, Null, PaulySure, Ratones, Scott, So Brick Eh?, SoDak, Spooner D, Taciturn Orator, TheNeonRooster, Travis, Vidal, and Wayne.
This record came completely out of left field for me. I’d never heard of Tianna, and merely found this record by browsing through year-end lists. Even then, it only appeared one time. I’m so glad something about it intrigued me, because from the first moments of the album, I was entranced by it. Especially the lyrics. From the opening lines, sung in a deceivingly dulcet tone, I knew I was in for something special:
Sometimes when I’m walking and a man looks at me
I think of all the ways I could make him bleed
I would dig my key into his eye
I’d crack his teeth, liver and spleen.
The fact that Tianna is only twenty-three writing such visceral and deeply mature lines is a testament to the incredible creative mind behind this music. This album is uncompromisingly dark, unabashedly crude, wild, and chameleon. Tianna also is not afraid to be direct regarding political lyrics. A great example is from “Lewis,” about the civil rights activist and Harlem bookstore owner Lewis H. Michaux:
When the white man landed here he brought two weapons
One was the Bible and the other was the gun
If he didn’t humble you with the Bible,
He crumbled you with the gun.
And they’re still praising the Lord,
And passing ammunition all over the world.
Each song is vastly different, carrying its own complex, unique identity, and there is not a bad song on this album. The sheer diversity of soundscapes and songwriting spanning multiple genres is purely baffling. Also, her grandmother is Palmolive from The Slits and The Raincoats, so there is clearly a lineage of radical, innovative songwriters from whom she has learned. Nothing has recently captivated me like this album, not in this way. Go listen to this right fucking now.
Ryuichi Sakamoto’s final album is 12. He tragically lost his long battle with cancer in 2023. Sakamoto is the first Japanese composer to win an Academy Award for his score of The Last Emperor. His career is diverse and spans multitudes. He was an activist in many spheres, participating in the Japanese University Protests at the end of the 1960s, environmentalism, and much more. He was on the cutting edge of many genres, including neoclassical, electronic, electro-funk, and techno, just to name a few.
This record, 12, very much feels like a meditation. Sakamoto is navigating the ethereal and dense thoughtspace of one’s own mortality. The album itself seems a practice in a sonic version of Jisei, death poetry reflecting upon life. It is precisely that, reflective, not sentimental or cloying. Sakamoto’s soft yet labored breaths are persistent throughout the recordings, and they seem as though they were a part of the composition, a constant reminder to the listener. The profoundness of each moment of this album is hard to grasp. The music that Sakamoto composed throughout his life is what he, in his own words, wished it to be, “meaningful work.” The last fading moments linger only briefly, the sound of chimes in wind.
There’s certain albums that just fuckin’ flatten you the first time you listen to them. Former National Youth Poet Laureate, Kara Jackson, is an absolutely phenomenal songwriter. Her lyrics are one of a kind. Perhaps that would go without saying given her acclaim in poetry already, but I think it is important to distinguish the mediums to a degree, and give Kara credit where credit is due, as extreme talent in one does not always translate to the other.
Themes of the difficulties of love, not just for others, but for oneself, and how the process of allowing yourself to feel worthy of love is a difficult and nonlinear one. Sometimes it comes at the expense of not trying to please others in cycles of harm or dependence, or rejecting patriarchal standards of how her identity as feminine is defined.
I’m not a liquidated asset
I’m a sharper than a jewel
What kind of miner does that make you?
When I’m the gold and you’re just a fool.
The melodies and cadence she elects to use bring so much character to every line of every song. There is so much subtle detail in every moment to try to absorb, and it all comes together beautifully, with no single element ever attempting to draw too much attention to itself over Kara’s incredible voice and words. The music creates soundscapes that are simultaneously subdued and lush and everlastingly gorgeous. A vocal melody that I especially loved is on the track “brain,” which really highlights Kara’s range and the richness of her voice. In it she sings
Sleep isn’t cheap
And your love is no currency…
If your fear is what comes first
You’ll run from love you deserve
I’ve got so much fear inside
You’ll give me yours
And I’ll give you mine.
I love the ways in which Kara bluntly addresses the weaknesses of men in patriarchal society. Highlighting their emotional detachment, and how that cultivates in them a sense of insecurity, of a lack of empathy, of an inability to reckon with the consequences of their actions. This is highlighted well in many tracks, but I love these lines from “rat,”
California calls him by his collar
His waves were ill-behaved, so now hе doesn’t bother
Shook the country from him likе a cub clawing its father
Couldn’t buy compassion ‘cause it’d cost him 40 dollars…
What he wouldn’t give to have some grits to start his morning
Fascinated by the face of the woman who warms them
Rat has made his bath and this is one he’ll surely drown in
Imitating tales of cowboy trails and traveling men
Hasn’t satisfied a single one of his new women
The one he left alone is in their home and busy hexing…
His brain hallucinating, his ego in his chest
His friends, they never told him it’d cost him close to death
At home, his woman carves another kind of casket
The kind he gladly climbs and closes himself in.
One of the more powerful moments on the album is the title track, which finds Kara reflecting on mortality, lamenting the powerlessness we feel in the ungraspable presence and indifference of death,
I’ve buried old and young
I’ve watched them lower a saint
We’re only waiting our turn
Call that living?
Frankly, I wish I could include every line of the album here, as each is deserving of it. I could go on and on but at a certain point my words become redundant and don’t do the album justice anyways. Kara Jackson is truly, truly something special. This album is masterful, and I eagerly await what she decides to do next.
Eating shit, from time to time, seems to be part of life. This past year, Wilco served up a bowl, which they called Cousin. The presentation was not promising (see the horrible cover). At first, I thought the dish was filled with gazpacho, as there was no steam emanating from the contents. Upon devoting my attention to what was before me, I realized there were ten meager spoonfuls of excrement. This meal was not the product of a “normal” bowel movement. Instead, it was mostly a pale, brownish liquid, with fragments of previous meals—perhaps, the last diarrhea squirts of someone preparing for a colonoscopy. The first spoon of shit, “Infinite Surprise,” confirmed that there was no substance to this fecal mess. The second, “Ten Dead,” was a warning of what happened to others who spent too much time trying to nourish themselves on this offering. The third, “Levee,” was broken, as I spent four minutes of wallowing in sewage. The fourth, “Evicted,” made my wife leave the room. The fifth, “Sunlight Ends,” confirmed that Wilco can no longer see clearly. The sixth, “The Bowl and a Pudding,” reminded me that I am only halfway through eating this excretion, while wishing there was a sweet treat to be had in this experience. During the seventh, eighth, and nine spoons of crap, “Cousin,” “Pittsburgh,” and “Soldier Child,” I was left contemplating why I subject myself to this, especially when Wilco uses an outside producer, such as on Wilco (The Album). The final spoon, “Meant to Be,” was the tastiest, as it contained some remnants of a digested meal, which sunk to the bottom of the bowl.
I am sitting here musing about another year come and gone. There has been a lot of musical exits too: Sinead O’Connor, Tina Turner, Andy Rourke, Andrew Fletcher, Shane MacGowan, Geordie Walker, Tom Verlaine, Burt Bacharach, Ryuichi Sakamoto, just to name a few. I suppose, it’s a fact of getting older. The losses start to stack up in an exponentially tragic fashion. As I send those who we lost an appreciative so long, I offer you this list of musical gems. All have received the coveted 5-Smear rating (refer to past year-end lists for the Papsmear ratings system).
Additionally, I send my hopes for peace, tolerance, and a collective wake up call to protect the rights of all people. Please vote for women, for people centered policies, and all things earth. In this next election year, we have so much at stake.
Favorite New Bands:
Girl And Girl.
This is a four-piece band hailing from Australia. Front person, Kai James, has a talent for turning painful experiences into well-written, incredibly catchy tunes. Longtime friends became bandmates with Jayden on guitar and Fraser on bass. Kai’s Aunt Lizzy graces the drums. Together, they are a force. I am super excited to hear more and catch them live in the new year. Check out their eight-track EP, Divorce+. Notable tracks: “All I See,” the title track, and “Dance Now,” which has the best video.
Sextile, Push.
Gothy goodness! Super cool stuff here. Check out: “Contortion,” “Crash,” “Modern Weekend,” and “New York,” and then meet me on the dance floor.
Best Songs of the Year:
Paris Paloma, “Labour.”
Might be the most lyrically important song this year. Amazeballs!
Blur, “The Narcissist.”
This song gives me the chills. Damon Albarn can do no wrong. This past year found Blur getting the band back together for what appears to be a one-off album, as they have since broken up. The lyrics are everything.
Miley Cyrus, “Flowers.”
Yup, I am as surprised as you are. Didn’t expect that Miley would ever be on my year-end list. But “Flowers” is a fucking great song. Co-written by 2022’s Songwriter of the Year, Michael Pollack (along with Cyrus and Gregory “Aldae” Hein), it’s so catchy that it stayed with me for weeks. Begrudgingly I might add, but fucking weeks!
Cool Tracks:
Ladytron, “Faces.”
Purrrr! Really good.
Lana Del Rey with Father John Misty, “Let the Light In.”
Gorgeous, luscious tune that sticks in your head.
Ultra Sunn, “The Speed.”
Such a cool song from this duo. Gothic industrial beats that will have you running for the dance floor.
Leathers, “Highrise.”
Shannon Hemmat of Actors fame (a Papsmear favorite band) has released another solo gem. Her blog, Daydream Trash, is pretty great too.
Yard Act, “Dream Job.”
This band hails from Leeds, and this is their debut album, which hit number 2 on the UK charts. Super excited to hear more.
Mudhoney, “Little Dogs.”
This song makes me so happy.
Public Image Limited, “Hawaii.”
This gem was a welcome and beautiful surprise. A chill wave dedication to John’s wife of nearly 50 years, Nora, who has Alzheimer’s. It warms the cuckolds.
Cigarettes After Sex, “Bubblegum.”
I have long been a fan of this band. No other band sounds like them. Their songwriting is solid. I was curious what the live show would be like, so I ventured to Denver to catch them at the Mission Ballroom. I guess I wasn’t prepared for the onslaught of screaming teens that knew every word and sang every word at the top of their lungs. It was really something. I thought perhaps I had wandered into a BTS concert by mistake. With all the excess estrogen in the room, I thought my menopause would be reversed, no such luck. Great live performance!
Acid Arab, “Dōne Dōne,” featuring Cem Yildiz.
Fucking cool.
Dead Miranda, “The River,” featuring Bryce Boudreau of Lunar Twin.
Bully, “Lose You,” featuring Soccer Mommy.
Chelsea Wolfe, “Dusk.”
Softcult, “Someone2Me.”
Albert Hammond Jr., “Thoughtful Distress,” featuring Matt Helders and Steve Stevens.
Matt = Arctic Monkeys. Steve Stevens = Billy Idol. Big, huge ear worm!
Cherry Glazerr, “Bad Habit.”
Brian Setzer, “One Particular Chick.”
Lucinda Williams, “This Is Not My Town.”
Lael Neale, “I Am the River.”
Beborn Beton, “Electricity.”
The Damned, “Follow Me.”
Great tunes from a legendary band.
Drab Majesty, “The Skin & The Glove.”
Shimmery and floaty with hints of goth. Reminiscent of 1990s shoegaze, which I hear all the kids are getting into via the Tik and the Tok.
Marika Hackman, “Slime.”
Amazing. New CD, big sigh, due soon.
Audiobooks, “Burnt Pictures.”
Old school synthwave, very catchy.
Strange Tales, “Call Out.”
Swedish synth act that has been around forever. Sadly, I am a loser and just found them. But I am smitten. Great tunes from a band that shares my same musical history and love of all things 1980’s new wave. I may (or may not) have a wee crush on front man, Karl Johan Larsson.
Sprints, “Up & Comer.”
Garage punk from Dublin, Ireland. Their new record, Letter to Self, will be out at the beginning of 2024. The first single, “Up & Comer,” is a rock and roll anthem for the all too familiar female musician dilemma. Last year’s, “Literary Minds” was a favorite too.
Heartworms, “May I Comply.”
Subtle and catchy. Like a panther stalking her prey, just sneaks up on you and takes a big bite.
Jesus and Mary Chain, “Jamcon.”
New album in 2024. So excited for the upcoming album as this single is great. Love this band.
Molly Nilsson, “Absolute Power.”
This song is from 2022. Sadly, I missed this when it came out. Simply a very powerful song and a stark commentary on our current times.
Flat Worms, “Ssrt.”
Cool shit.
Glüme, “Queen of LA,” featuring Sean Ono Lennon.
Dwarves, “Do It All the Time.”
Alison Goldfrapp, “So Hard So Hot.”
We have all been in love with Goldfrapp for a long time. Now that she’s added her first name to the equation, there’s just more to love. Including the new double CD set of great tunes.
Ryan Gosling, “I’m Just Ken.”
Brilliantly written by song genius Mark Ronson and Andrew Wyatt, and expertly performed by Mr. Gosling himself. Loved the movie too so kudos to Greta Gerwig and cast as well. I am Kenough. Are you?
Cool Full Albums:
Gorillaz, Cracker Island.
Many of the singles came out in 2022, and I almost forgot to add it to the list for this year. However, technically, it is a 2023 release date. Damon makes it on two coveted spots on my 2023 favorites. His craft for songwriting is virtually unmatched among his peers and I have a thing for his voice.
Romy, Mid Air Ethereal.
Dancey and uplifting, this album got more airplay from me this year than just about any other. Half of The XX, Romy’s smooth, airy vocals give me the chills. She sings about her experiences in love and life and speaks to the heart. So many good ones here: “Loveher,” “The Sea,” “Enjoy Your Life,” and “She’s On My Mind.”
Elisapie, Inuktitut.
Super release from Elisapie. Timeless, contemporary cover songs sung in the Inuk language. Put this CD on when you want to get lost in the cool vibrations of the day.
Alien Skin, Transparency in Black EP.
Dark and lovely tunes fronted by goth elder statesman, George Pappas, of Real Life fame. No wonder I love it! “Transparent In Black” is divine and perfect in every way.
Dope Lemon, Kimosabè.
Super love for Dope Lemon. As a DJ, having to adhere to FCC rules, it becomes difficult to actually play the Dope tracks on-air. Perfect for a drive with the top down with your shades on. “Derby Raceway,” “Miami Baby,” and the title track are some of the standouts here.
Fever Ray, Radical Romantics.
Any Fever Ray release is an aural journey and worthy of a space in your collection. Radical Romantics weaves subtle, offbeat tunes with atmosphere and melodies. Trent and Atticus help out on the tune “North,” and Karin’s brother, Olof, is on the first four tracks. What really stands out for me are the remixes, which are so killer. “What They Call Us,” “Even It Out,” “Shiver,” and “Carbon Dioxide” are favorites.
The KVB, The KVB.
Duo from the United Kingdom with an atmospheric masterpiece. They formed in 2010 and first came to my attention in 2015 with their cover of David Bowie’s “Rebel Rebel.” Liked their 2021 release Unity too. That lazy beat, fuzzy, understated vocals are my favorite combo. This is a perfect album. Their version of “Pictures of Matchstick Men” (CVB) is a cool treat. Standout tracks: “Primitive,” “Liar Liar,” “I Ain’t No Miracle Worker,” and the cool creeper “Reverberation.”
Depeche Mode, Momento Mori.
Depeche Mode does it again on their latest disc with themes of loss (RIP Andy Fletcher), angst, and bittersweet hope. DM shows us their unique sound. Their solid songwriting is most welcome in a world that has become so convoluted. Not to mention, they just pulled off the biggest, most highly anticipated tour of the year. Check out: “Don’t Say You Love Me,” “My Favorite Stranger,” “Never Let Me Go,” and “Always You.”
Lunar Twin, Aurora.
Another beautiful and lush dark wave release from one of my favorite duos. “Can’t Stop the Rain,” “Traveler,” “Android Dreams,” and “Cars” for the win.
The National, Laugh Track.
Fuck! This band is so good! Another solidly beautiful, well-written release. Highlights: “Deep End (Paul’s in Pieces),” “Weird Goodbyes,” “Tropic Morning News,” and “Space Invader.”
Love & Rockets, My Dark Twin.
The two-CD set contains some fabulously repackaged classics, previously unreleased versions (all from the Sweet F.A. sessions), and an exclusive new title track. If you are a fan, the Beggars Arkive Label is reissuing collections of previous Love & Rockets back catalog. Familiar classics further explored through the vibe of lounge, country, and acoustic love. It’s a must have for fans.
Grassfight, Vampires.
This Brooklyn band recorded their debut album 10 years ago, but it was just released in 2023. A handful of the singles have been floating around for a few years. This album is fucking great. Really looking forward to more from this band, hopefully sooner than later. Highlights: “Please Don’t Tell,” “Gimme Reason,” and “Rudyard.”
Death Valley Girls, Islands in the Sky.
I love this band and every CD is worth checking out. If you can, go see them live—so full of energy and joy. Islands in the Sky is one of their best releases to date, showing the maturity this band has gathered as they have rolled along playing the world their music. There’s a full range of musical emotions here. Check out: “Magic Powers,” “When I’m Free,”” All That Is Not of Me,” and “It’s All Really Kind of Amazing.”
The Kills, God Games.
The Kills have long been one of my favorite bands (another duo), and it’s been a while since we have been bestowed the gift of a new release. God Games, 12 tracks of subtle delights, is a softer, more introspective collection. Stand outs: “New York,” “LA Hex,” “103,” and “Wasterpiece.”
Queens of the Stone Age, In Times New Roman.
It seems this band can do no wrong with me. Every album is impeccable—deep, rocking, and poignant. Lead man, Josh Homme has had a shit few years (cancer, Mark Lanegan’s passing, messy divorce), but he has managed to turn poo into gold with 10 delectable tracks. Favs here: “Obscenery,” “Canavoyeur,” “Emotion Sickness,” and “Paper Machete.”
Slowdive, Everything Is Alive.
Shoegaze professionals are back with their fifth album, and it’s a good one. Forming way back in the dark ages of 1989, this band has a depth of life experience from which to draw to add to their already shimmering catalog. Slowdive has written some of my favorite beautiful melodies of all time (think “Ballad Of Sister Sue” from 1991’s Just For A Day). All these years later, they still have me wrapped around their melodic hearts. Check out: “Shanty,” “Alife,” and “Skin in the Game.”
Magic Wands, Switch.
This duo is from Los Angeles, by way of Nashville, Tennessee. Switch is their fifth release. Post punk, dark dream pop goodness with all the trimmings. They also released remixes on, Switched (see their Bandcamp). Highlights: “Switch,” “Falling Trees,” “Whisper,” and “Dream ’92.”
Art School Girlfriend, Soft Landing.
Polly Louise Mackey’s voice fits like a velvet onesie. It’s luxurious, soft, and plush. I would go on any ride she wants to take me on. From mellow and ethereal to dance beats, her voice fits everything. Polly is a Welsh producer, musician, and singer-songwriter. This is her sophomore release. Her first release, Is It Light Where You Are? was on my 2021 Best of List. Excited for the impending trifecta of a perfect third CD. Try these on: “A Place to Lie,” “Real Life,” “The Weeks,” and “Too Bright.”
Yves Tumor, Praise A Lord Who Chews But Does Not Consume.
Simply one of the most exciting bands to hit the scene in the last few years. Sean Lee Bowie (Yves) started making music when he was 16 to distract from the conservatism surrounding him in Tennessee. After a couple musical dabbles with others, Yves Tumor was a thing! And lucky us. Five albums in and I just want to hear more. Must have tracks: “God Is a Circle,” “Echolalia,” “Fear Evil Like Fire,” and “Operator.”
Roosevelt, Embrace.
Massive beats and flowing electronic melodies for your next dance party.
White Rose Motor Oil, Gift of Poison.
Another great CD from this powerhouse duo out of Denver, Colorado. Country in all the good ways! “Meet Me at the Bottom,” “Chase Your Tail,” and the amazing and timely “Hateland.”
Cool Covers:
Florence & The Machine, “Just A Girl” (originally by No Doubt) and “Cornflake Girl” (originally by Toro Amos).
Two remakes, both on the list. “Just A Girl” (No Doubt) from 2023 and her redo of Tori Amos gem “Cornflake Girl” from 2018 that I just stumbled on…damn!
Oblique Occasions, “I Can’t Wait” (originally by Nu Shooz).
This cover is off their new album, Ketamine 3, and once you hear the track, you will understand the album concept. Super cool, slowed down version that totally works.
Reds, Pinks & Purples, “Bed of Roses” (originally by Screaming Trees).
Purrrr! #imissdarkmark.
A Song for Leon: A Tribute to Leon Russell.
An ode to National Treasure, Leon Russell, featuring musical tributes from Orville Peck, Pixies, Nathaniel Ratliff & The Night Sweats, and more.
Spiritual Front, The Queen Is Dead: A Tribute to The Smiths.
A gothy, slightly more industrial take of The Smiths masterpiece.
A Tribute to The Judds (various artists).
This is great. It is the CD you didn’t know you needed.
Juliana Hatfield, Juliana Hatfield Sings ELO.
I am loving her series of cover albums. The Olivia Newton-John covers CD is a perfect match for Juliana’s voice range. This collection is good too.
This past year, 2023, turned out to be a stellar year for new music for me. Whereas, in the past, I have had a definite Album of the Year selection, 2023 gave me 6 contenders. Damned if I could choose just one, so they all win!
I was very excited that Acid King was releasing new music this past year, and it did not disappoint. I was a bit cautious with this album, as their previous record, Middle of Nowhere, Center of Everywhere was alright, but it didn’t seem to hold the same heavy power that they had in previous releases. I don’t expect another Busse Woods, but their previous offering was just lacking. Beyond Vision is missing nothing. A great album, entirely. Spacey and heavy and giving all the brain tingles.
Keep on Fighting reveals more growth and quality from YOO. They get better and better with every album, and this one had to be put on my Album of the Year list.
This album blew me away. It’s heavy, it’s doomy, and the dual simultaneous harmonizing vocals make this a standout record. And, by chance, I found out I had booked their drummer’s old band (Jumbo’s Killcrane) a few times in years past. If you like heavy music, you should really give this a listen.
June 2023 gave us a fantastic record from Cable Ties out of Melbourne, Australia. All Her Plans is phenomenal.
This album is all I could want and more from Hippie Death Cult. On this record, the band is now a trio. No shade to the member who left, but HDC seems to have just stepped up to another level. Helichrysum has a myriad of sounds and textures. If you take the time to listen, I think you’ll understand why this is one of my contenders.
This band has been on my radar for some time. They just put forward stellar music. It’s heavy, it’s heady, and it’s alright by me! This is my final offering for an album of the year!
There were numerous other releases that I really enjoyed in 2023 as well. In no particular order, they are:
Mars Red Sky released 2 slabs in 2023: Mars Red Sky w/Queen of the Meadow EP and Dawn of the Dusk LP.
If You Gotta Go-Go, Go-Go Now.
Go-Go’s cover compilation on Sympathy For The Record Industry
Cruel Curses, We All Get Lost Along the Way EP.
Closet Witch, Chiaroscura.
Taxi Girls, Coming Up Roses EP.
System of Slaves, Master of Mankind.
Dead Bob, Life Like.
John Wright from NoMeansNo’s solo project, now featuring an all-star band when playing live!
Epiq, Pas Bravo Las Viande.
Death Pill, Death Pill LP and split 7” w/Shooting Daggers.
Ex-Parents, Ex-Parents.
Dopelord, Songs for Satan.
Filth Is Eternal, Find Out (!!!).
Amazombies, End of the Line.
Recorded 19 years previously and released digitally on Spotify only, for now.
I had the opportunity to see very few live shows, and my memory has trouble recalling the ones that I saw, but there some that stand out in my memory:
Twin Wizard in Rapid City
Wizzerd in Spearfish
Off With Their Heads in Denver, where I really enjoyed catching Denver openers, Tuff Bluff!
