8thStreet.com : Retarded, or Just Lazy?

I recently attempted to replace a PA speaker that Peavey had discontinued. Only 2 vendors online claimed to have it in inventory. I called 8thStreet.com in Philly, explained the situation on these particular speakers, and asked them to physically check their stock before committing to my order. I waited for 2 minutes while the clerk checked his stock, and was assured that they had 2 left. I ordered 1, but noticed that a tracking number wasn't issued after 3 days. I called to check status. "Oh yeah, what happened was that we don't have any of those speakers." I explained that I'd been assured by their flunky clerk that they had 2. Nope, they don't. I wonder when they were going to get around to calling or emailing me & explaining that they couldn't fill my order.

8thStreet.com, you're shaming my old Philly stomping grounds. Get your shit together.

Palladium, Worcester, MA: Sound? Deplorable.

The tin ear sound crew at the Palladium wrecked an otherwise promising show in a fantastic looking venue on Friday, Sept 19th. The bill consisted of Opeth, High on Fire, and Nachtmystium, and each band was mixed by a different soundman. The PA appeared to either be damaged, or incorrectly set up. There were absolutely no mid-frequences coming from the FOH system. I'm guessing the mid-band of their crossover was either blown, or had no speakers hooked up to it. Mid-frequences are where the articulation of guitars lie, so without them, it was an evening of mush, plus gut-shaking lows and ear scorching hi's.

I brought up my suspicion to the house soundman, both at the beginning of the night, and at the end. He wasn't interested.

Touring bands: a fine Massachusetts alternative to the Palladium is the Middle East Downstairs. Outstanding ears behind their gear. A good sounding Boston venue closer to the size of the Palladium is the Paradise.