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from the november 3, 1999
advocate, the university of
colorado at denver's weekly newspaper
The
Maybellines personally challenge any Denver band to a kickball match. After a
great year playing in Denver at local venues, they know their way around the
cafeteria well enough—now it’s time to tackle the play-ground. “Starting a
band is kinda like starting at a new school mid-season, and you’re not sure
where you’re gonna sit in the lunchroom,” Maybellines singer/organist Julie
Dorough explains, sitting comfortably with her elbows splayed out on the table,
somewhat cramping bassist Dave Reeves, who appears quite content, his arms
crossed, eloquently dragging a cigarette. Dorough wraps up the apt simile
gleefully, “Nobody’s thrown food at us yet.”
As drummer Al Adams explains, the Maybellines’ music is definitely
unabashed play-ground sugar pop. “There’s a lot of Denver bands
that
do a great job with a more aggressive style, but I just don’t think we could
pull it off. I mean, look at us.” Referring
to a comment made on radio 1190 AM about the extraordinary cuteness of the
Maybellines, Dorough says, “I got into a car wreck right after I heard
that.” She smiles half-heartedly.
“We’re
definitely not offended by it, it’s actually pretty flattering.” As for
initial lunchroom adjustment, Maybellines drummer Al Adams had a bit of anxiety
about being accepted by the other kids: “At first it was really weird, because we felt like we had something to prove.” He
swipes at
his
eyebrow-level bangs hastily. “But then after a few months it was nothin’ but
pure love.”
The
Maybellines began playing last November at Cricket on the Hill and have since
played at
venues
such as the 15th Street Tavern, Bluebird
Theatre, The Lion’s Lair, and the mysterious, but now legendary, backyard barbecue where they played with friends the
Pin-Downs and Breezy
Porticos.
As for a favorite venue, “The Hollywood Bowl” immediately springs
from Adams. His suggestion is met by a juvenile eruption of laughter from the
others. “Have you guys played
there?” I ask furrow-browed. “No,
but that’s our favorite place to play.”
Guitarist Mike Levasseur amends the first reply, emerging from the
classroom antics, “Dave’s backyard was pretty fun.” The Maybellines
all
agree, and a toast is proposed. The
smiles trail into oblivion and Al recalls a heartwarming tale of the barbecue.
“After we finished I was so drunk and I wanted to get a vegetarian burger, but
there were no hamburger buns. Tammy [of Dressy Bessy fame] showed me how to put
a hamburger into
a hot
dog bun.” The details of
Tammy’s handiwork are lost forever in fuzzy memory. “I don’t remember how
she did it, but it seemed ingenious at the time.”
The
Maybellines are the clumsy
children
who wear Kool-Aid-stained shirts bearing the crumbling elementary school logo of
the Denver scene. They are the ones who try to start clubs and get boogers stuck
in their hair at recess, yet through it all keep their undying faith in the
school. Dorough praises the support
of her fellow classmates.“ Everyone
has just been so cool. We didn’t know what to expect. Maybe
everyone was going to ignore us or push us aside, but every-one has been so
nice.” As the social activities
of an elementary school can tend towards cliquish, the Maybellines,
well-adjusted children that they are, both praise and lament the Denver music
scene. “The
unfortunate part is that most of the music scene is just other bands going to
check other bands out. You know, we support each other.
There’s definitely people out there going to see the shows, just not as
many as you would think.” Dorough
reflects thoughtfully until her concentration is shattered by Reeves’ long,
smelly bassist finger thrust under her nose. “Hey Julie, smell my finger,”
he commands with an endearing tone. “I
think there’s a great scene in Denver,” Adams continues.
“Just because everybody likes each other, and there’s not too much
backstabbing, everybody roots for each other. We’re happy when our friends get
shows." Another toast commences unannounced.
As
for the future, the Maybellines have several goals: among them, conquering the
Lion’s Lair. “It’s an
intimidating crowd.” says Adams. “When we played there we finished one song
and Julie
says,
‘Sounds like sugar,’ and somebody yells, ‘I got your sugar right here,
baby!’” “It’s a cool place and we want to try to tackle it again, but
right now we’re just jaded from our first experience there,” Dorough states
with a glint of determination in her eyes.
The
Maybellines recently recorded their
first
7” which can be heard on Radio Advocate this week and will be released soon.
They
also hope to tour next spring. “You
can write down in the article that if any drunk people want a band to play at
their party, we’ll play for free, because we never get to play
any
parties. We’re much more into parties.”
Adams claps his hands over his head and smiles a great big sugary smile.
“We just want to keep making friends,” he says, “and I’m serious about
that kickball challenge.”
The
Maybellines play at the Rocky Mountain Pop Festival on November 12 at the 15th
Street Tavern. Call 303-572-0822
for more information.
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