the term "influence," at least using it in reference to yourself, is super cringey. there's a scene in some recent music documentary, i can't remember which one, where a kid is getting his autograph from some musician and the kid's like, "you're my biggest influence as a songwriter" and you can tell the guy's thinking, "uh, so?"

so for us to say that the walkmen were "a huge influence" on the privates would be really, really lame. like, "you guys made us what we are today. and look at us now!!!!!"

but it's totally there. listen to our "chariots of fire" and then their "they're winning," or "one piece" and then "louisiana." duh. we love this band.

since we've so openly displayed our worship - the "grimey's staff cover the walkmen" show in august - we've basically guilt-tripped the band into letting us open for them at the basement. we can't thank them enough for allow us to squeeze ourselves in and generally making their night more complicated than it had to be.

the show is $12 in advance, while tickets still last, we suppose. if you haven't heard the walkmen, trust us, you should come anyway. we'll be waiting with metal bats to beat you senseless.

here's that awesome, gracious band kicking ass and sitting down: