Buffalo Tom Birdbrain

Buffalo Tom 'Birdbrain' (Situation Two, 1991)

I saw Buffalo Tom in early 1999 at Sydney's Metro Theatre. They played my favourite song, 'Summer', first and I spent the next hour with my arms folded standing next to Earl Brutus. Earl Brutus was an old school fan who had seen them at the QMU when we were at University. Even he seemed underwhelmed. I stood with my arms so tightly folded that the dark blue ink which had been stamped onto my hand stained my baby blue, it was all the rage back then, Promise Ring shirt. I was quite devastated. I think Brutus' wife to be, Susie, helped me wash it out which brought an end to my anguish.

Like the rest of Buffalo Tom's oeuvre 'Birdbrain' is filled with earnest undanceable indie. It's like an Americana Dinosaur Junior, J. Mascis produces, with hints of proto Nirvana mixed with a bit of shoegaze.

I have four albums by Buffalo Tom and 'Summer' is the only song I go back to again and again. I still like them though. I think it's because their singer/guitarist, Bill Janowitz, reminds me so much of big Duncan Petticommie.

Peace