With the contemporary convergence of hip hop and electronica, and the seemingly half-assed “’80s revival” of the last few years, it’s almost fantastical to imagine that groups like The Coup once had the chops to make it in the mainstream.
Back in the ‘90s, The Coup had all the political charge, funkadelia and rip-roaring old school appeal of every other headlining Bay Area crew, and it’s pretty astounding to discover that nothing much has changed. After an insane 20-year career to date, in which the group has released five records and embarked on various solo ventures (the most notable perhaps being Street Sweeper Social Club, frontman Boots Riley’s 2006 project with Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello), The Coup is finally set to hit the road and kick another album our direction.
Steal This Album from 1998 was the group’s most shining success, but when put in stark comparison to 2006’s Pick a Bigger Weapon, it’s easy to see where The Coup’s heart still lies — in Bay Area funk and old school.
The Coup still operates as a duo (DJ Pam the Funkstress and Boots Riley remained after the parting of their third member, E-Roc, in 1994), but Boots is all you’ll see on the stage this time — Pam’s been out of the touring game since Pick a Bigger Weapon — but The Coup’s tracks are still guaranteed to get your booty bouncin’ and your cogs turning, just like they used to.
The Coup plays 9 pm Wednesday, Feb. 15, at WOW Hall; $15 adv.,$18 door.
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519