May/June bringing new/old sound to Pig

By Sheila McClear

Daily Arts Writer

May/June, a self-described "experimental traditionalist" band from Flint, have had an interesting few months. Between rocking all-ages venues and Green Party rallies, cavorting with Ralph Nader (while slipping him a copy of their debut album, The Sea is Filled With Horrible Fish), they're coming to the Blind Pig on Thursday. Following a gig at the Heidelburg, this is their second Ann Arbor appearance in less than a week.

Members of the band have played together in various incarnations over the last eight years, forming May/June in 1998. Their lyrics are laden with tradition, heartbreak, longing, and the nuances of everyday life and the "American experience" - kind of like the Edward Hopper of music.

Banjos, keyboards and accordians (along with guitars and drums) are thrown with great enthusiasm into a sort of melting pot, resulting in a fascinating blend of rock, blues, folk and even waltz. Decked out in period clothing, one is never sure whether May/June is dressing up just for the show or if they are actually ghosts from a bygone era.

Don't be allow yourself to be misled, should the words "tradition" and "banjos" lead you to believe that May/June sounds like the candy-asses over at the Lilith fair. Hell, no. This is foot-stomping, knee slapping, rollicking coal-mining music.

When they say their songs describe the root of the American experience, they certainly must realize that an essential part of the American experience is rock n' roll - and May/June rocks out accordingly.

Staples of their live set include songs like "Stealing Chaplin," which recounts the true story of two enterprising mechanics who dug up Charlie Chaplin's body and held it for ransom. Rugged individualism, laissez-faire trade, brash entrepreneurship - how much more American can you get? May/June has also has the pop sensibility to recognize that "inside every Prince song is a country-western song" and proceed to cover "Kiss" in that fashion.

Yell out a polite request, and they just might play it for you.

Courtesy of May/June

May/June hails from Flint. They play the Blind Pig tomorrow night at 9:30.