Kevin Ratterman's stage presence

[Tracy 2112]

Anyone's stage presence ever just not sit well with you? I want to like JJ solo stuff, and I watch clips live to catch a vibe, but I always get lost in the mix of Kevin Ratterman totally rocking out to some of the most non-rocking out moments (like pre-recorded tracks  ) and it just creeps me out.

I dunno, I don't usually quote Butthead, but like he says at the 58 second mark below when Bevis asks him what's that dude's problem?> "He's a little too into the music"

  Beavis And Butt-Head. Moist - Push


I'm not knocking the guy for his musical prowess, but for the love of Arthur Brown he sure makes me not want to watch.

[BH]

I know what you mean but I kind of had the opposite reaction.  He looks a lot like me when I get a little "too into" a show after a few drinks.   Plus I've met Kevin before and he's one of those true gems of a person so I love everything about him.    The whole vibe of the album is a little weird and electronic and he fits it perfectly as the mad scientist of the bunch.

[Tracy 2112]

I know what you mean but I kind of had the opposite reaction.  He looks a lot like me when I get a little "too into" a show after a few drinks.   Plus I've met Kevin before and he's one of those true gems of a person so I love everything about him.    The whole vibe of the album is a little weird and electronic and he fits it perfectly as the mad scientist of the bunch.

Sure, if mad scientists rocked out; but they don't. Mad scientists embody their madness through their psychotic thoughts and plans and hairstylings. Now, their subjects may rock out, but the scientist must keep a level head in order to initiate his evil wishes and quell any suspicions from the general public or maybe even his temp. staff.
You obviously don't have a clue what you're talking about, but that's OK; I used to be like you, too.

This is the vibe you want (actually, I think JJ may have ripped off some riffs from this piece  )

Mad scientist illusion-Paul Daniels show

[Fully]

I tend to look at him as the metronome of the band.

[Crispy]

Uhhh-h-h-h-huhhh...this is the way they talk in Wussylvania

I will contribute further than a Butthead quote...I have enjoyed the hell out of Ratterman and his grooves, even if they are sometimes going along with pre-recorded stuff. He looks like he's having a good time, and I can dig that.

[pattilovesmmj]

Uhhh-h-h-h-huhhh...this is the way they talk in Wussylvania

I will contribute further than a Butthead quote...I have enjoyed the hell out of Ratterman and his grooves, even if they are sometimes going along with pre-recorded stuff. He looks like he's having a good time, and I can dig that.

I met him after the Nashville show outside and he was super nice.  I think he had a conversation with some peeps about a 70's or 80's show that was comical.  I gave him a card to give to Jim that many of us roll call peeps signed.  He said he would pass it on to him and that  :shocked:Jim would really appreciate it - hopefully he did.  Keving seems high energy to me, but really nice and really into the music.

[LeanneP]

The vibe of JJs live show is very energetic and dancey. The electronic elements are a bit hypnotic for me and I found myself dancing much like Kevin when I saw the show in Toronto. I think, given the type of music and the loudness of the show, when you are at a show his dancing makes complete sense.

I could see how it looks a little too enthusiastic when the music is a bit quieter in videos. THe live stream from Newport, for instance, seemed incredibly quiet to me. The crazy drum breakdown at the end of All Is Forgiven really doesn't come across at even 1/10th the power it does live. It fucked my shit up live.

[buster douglas]

Haha, I was wondering how long it would be until someone mentioned this!

His antics don't bother me, but they definitely stick out and can feel forced during the quiet parts.  I think he could work on his groove style a little, for example:
I've always felt that Jim and Carl are masters at grooving to the music.  To the point that, it seems not as if they are moving to the music, but that the music is actually moving them... ya dig?  They are masters of subtlety, but let it rip when appropriate.  KR could take a tip from them 

[nuggets]

i felt kinda the same way from watching the vids before i caught it live. i was standing right in front of him and i didn't find it distracting at all because my eyes were closed 90% of the time ( a concert habit i can't seem to break) and i was probably doing exactly what he was doing the whole time. 

[Tracy 2112]

Kevin's LASIK Experience at John-Kenyon American Eye Institute

[rusty95]

Every since the Circuital release show I have been a fan of KR.  I'm actually hoping one day he becomes the 6th member of MMJ.  The guy has alot of passion for what he does, that's enough for me.