As staples of the '80s college radio scene, CVB created some pretty big shoes for itself to fill with its all-embracing trek through any musical style it saw fit. Naturally, this presented a challenge for CVB as it approached recording a reunion album. The band's answer? A rock-opera formula. With its latest release, New Roman Times, CVB gets into the prog-rock swing of things with the story of a young Texan who signs up with Uncle Sam to fight in the Middle East. However, by the time he returns home, the once-proud American has been drained of all patriotic fervor. His final recourse is to join a militia, where "at least the chicks are hot." (Who says armed insurgents can't get a little nookie?)
You may be wondering why a band like CVB would play at the metal-centric Culture Room instead of that new hipster club in Miami where they hold Revolver. C'mon! After the Montreal incident, do you think they'd play at a place called the Pawn Shop?
Camper Van Beethoven performs Wednesday, January 26, at the Culture Room, 3045 N. Federal Hwy., Fort Lauderdale. The show starts at 8 p.m. with openers the Hackensaw Boys (see music section). Tickets cost $15. Call 954-564-1074.
