Even a casual listener to Your Tuesday Afternoon Alternative is going to notice something. We love Smug Brothers. And Dr. J and Mrs. Dr. J were very excited when the announcement was made that the band was going to play the terrific Yellow Cab Tavern on July 28 with Swearing at Motorists and Human Cannonball. And yeah, if you listen to the show you are well aware that we like those bands too. What could be better on a lovely summer night than great music? And all of the bands delivered the goods.

We could also not be happier to tell you that the show was terrific. And to make matters even better the proceeds went to assist all around good guy Ian Kaplan who is recovering at a remarkable speed from a liver transplant. Surgery is never easy, yet Ian’s good nature, smile and head bobbing at the show raised the spirits of fans and bands alike. It is simply a good day when a vital member of the Dayton music community is recovering this quickly. All we can do is wish Ian continued good health and speedy recovery!

For several months we have been campaigning just a wee bit — #One.More.Show. — for another Smug Brothers concert in Dayton. And this past Saturday evening, we got our wish.  Yeah, it was worth the wait!

From the first song, ‘A Thing for English’ from 2014’s perfect ‘On The Way To The Punchline‘, the band hit the stage with renewed energy and a lively swagger. The twin guitar attack of songwriter Kyle Melton and guitarist/keyboardist Scott Tribble (replacing Brian Baker) was formidable. Kyle Melton was in fine form energetically singing and from time to time dancing and swaying around the stage.

Living legend Don Thrasher demonstrated his tremendous skill with percussion. Don was a powerhouse on the drums. One has to wonder if a drum kit is but an extension of his body. Of course, it does not matter, the man is a master behind the kit.

But as anyone who knows Dr. J will attest to — he loves a loud melodic bass line and Larry Evans offered those in spades at this show. His Rickenbacker glowed with a sense of purpose that drew the crowd into the songs.  And the backing vocals that Mr. Evans contributes lifts the level on the song when he sings. The set list was back-to-back favorites and the crowd left no doubt that they shared their appreciation with the band.

Standouts for us included ‘A Thing for English,’ ‘Hang Up’, ‘Its Official Everywhere I Go,’ ‘Concentration Lawns,’ ‘My Little Crowd Pleaser,’ ‘Investigative Years,’ ‘Meet a Changing World,’ and the latest song from the forthcoming ‘Attic Harvest’ — ‘Rare and Double Clutch.’ If the world was a fair place, Smug Brothers would be a household name simply from the propulsive indie powerpop of ‘Hang Up’ alone!

The band played a mix of tunes from ‘On The Way To The Punchline,’ ‘Disco Maroon,’ and a few new songs from the forthcoming ‘Attic Harvest’. By the way, Smug Brothers have an effort underway on GoFundMe to release this new record on vinyl. We highly recommend that you contribute to this more than worthy project!

Here’s to #More.Shows.