Clear Channel is the Anti-Christ, or at least, it is the corporate entity that stands in the way of us seeing and hearing new and unique music at a reasonable price. In what the economists would call horizontal integration, they have taken over our airways, our concert venues, and even our billboards. They are the reason your concert ticket prices are climbing at a rate 3 times that of inflation and the reason your radio sounds the same from San Diego, California to Portland, Maine.

The show Sunday at The Cooler was a good example of why we should fight any desire to feed this corporate monster any of our hard-earned dollars. It was proof that eclectic and talented musicians from around the country can be seen in this city ... devoid of corporate hype ... and for a price less than your average Steak Ultimo Burrito from Baja Fresh. There was no corporate sponsorship, no Ticketron service fees, and no overpriced drinks served to you in Dixie cups. There was just a group of guys genuinely happy to entertain. All they asked was for you to show up.

The crowd was sparse, almost non-existent, for The Cocktail Preachers. The surf band from the American Heartland, however, went on and played a genuinely inspired set. I now think I was a bit critical in my review of their album Spy-Fi, I believe that they are one of the best surf bands I've ever heard live. Without the sax, this streamlined trio brought the California beach to a little strip mall on the corner of Decatur and Lake Mead. I didn't go out and buy a long board, but I was inspired enough to buy their third album, Open Bar Confessional.

Crooked Fingers went on next. I was looking forward to seeing them, since my sister is a big fan of Archers of Loaf, (Eric Bachmann's former band). Crooked Fingers sound defied description, but I will try anyway. Electrify music from the back woods of Kentucky and then infuse with the cool, stripped-down vocals of Tom Waits and you might come some where near the sound. How often do you get to see a band in this town with a stand-up bass and a banjo and not have Hee Haw flashbacks? Each and every song was sung with genuine emotion with an honest attempt to connect with the audience. He and his band mates even unplugged and came down off the stage for two or three songs, including a Prince cover.

By the time Amber Halo was ready to take the stage at 1 am I had to call it a night. Even I have a day job the requires a modicum of sleep before the Monday grind. I'm glad I went though. I doubt I've ever seen a group of more genuinely talented artists at any price, at any venue. Sometimes it pays to take the path less traveled.

- Gobi