Black Cats NYC Caught Prowling at Parkside

(L-R) Francesco D'Ambrosio, Andrew Giordano & Jason Reddish (sorry Moby)
Photos by New York Scugnizzo

Looking to blow off some steam with my buddies Thursday night, we made our way to Alphabet City in the East Village to catch the much ballyhooed Black Cats NYC show at Parkside Lounge (317 E Houston Street). In the revamped backroom, the band played a fervent set featuring material from their upcoming release “Free Cake,” as well as classics like She Got What I Need and Animal.

Mixing in a few covers, a hard rockin’ rendition of Elvis Presley’s Hard Headed Woman got the ladies dancing early on. Kicking into overdrive, they belted out So Strange, I Just Want You, and new crowd favorite, (I Wanna) Walk You Home. Making an impromptu appearance on stage with his screaming sax was Buddy Bowser of New York Dolls fame.

A few stouts warmed us up before the band took the stage 

Caving to the audience’s demands, for an encore the Cats played a few more covers, including Cry Baby by the Waldos, and Let Go and Blame it on Mom by Johnny Thunders and the Heartbreakers. They closed strong with a raucous version of Jim Carroll Band’s People Who Died. 

Glad to see not all of New York City has been “cleaned up.” There are still a few old Bohemian joints from my younger years left to hang out, have a drink (or two) and listen to some good ol' rock 'n' roll.

~ New York Scugnizzo