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1/26/07, 5:53 pm EST
Assignment Three Finalist: Kavitha Vignarajah on Paperdoll (New York City)
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Note: This is not an official Rolling Stone article. What follows is a submission to the “I’m From Rolling Stone” writing competition.
-- Rolling Stone
by Kavitha Vignarajah
Age: 28In the sweltering summer of 2005, CBGB’s closure was imminent. Owner Hilly Kristal had sworn to fight for the venerable institution, but the situation looked bleak. The kings and queens of punk rock-— and hordes of lesser known bands-— had graced this stage, so I went, longing to catch a glimpse of greatness before it was lost to the annals of rock history. CBGB did not disappoint-— that night, Paperdoll performed.
On a bitterly cold January evening in 2007 Paperdoll takes the stage again. This time, the venue is Snitch, an elongated space featuring a stage bizarrely positioned along the right side. Co-owned by Velvet Revolver bandmates Scott Weiland and Duff McKagan, Snitch epitomizes “Appetite”-era Guns n’ Roses-— plastic cups juxtaposed with red velvet banquettes, ostentatious yet raw.
Paperdoll frontwoman Teresa belts out pitch-perfect tunes with the effervescent energy of Gwen Stefani circa “Tragic Kingdom”. She’s always relished crowd interaction and tonight’s no exception. Teresa beckons the audience closer to the stage and briefly dances among the throng. The band works through a selection of old and new songs, each one a crowd-pleasing pop-punk anthem infused with rich vocals and exhilarating guitar riffs. Patrick, the guitarist, appears to be the introvert of the group-— until he lets rip an electrifying solo. By the midpoint of the set, the rhythm section, consisting of Jack (bass) and Chip (drums), look like they’re enjoying themselves even more than the audience-— who are now dancing on tables. The band finishes with “Paperdoll”-— the eponymous song embodying the defiance and joie de vivre that define rock music. Teresa pulls enthusiastic fans on stage; they giddily play the role of her back-up dancers. The crowd goes wild as the show draws to a close. CBGB lives on.
Comments
Gbxhbjox | 7/14/2009, 1:34 pm EST
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nyc | 3/5/2007, 2:27 pm EST
Great writing! I love this band!
You've got to be joking... | 2/21/2007, 2:33 pm EST
No, no, no…no more insults, the name says it all: YOU’VE GOT TO BE JOKING. Ok one more, are you fucking serious?! Whack…
Gena | 2/12/2007, 3:43 pm EST
Great article! I’ve heard their tunes and they’re really fun and lively. This article makes me want to go right away to check out their next show.
sonman | 2/4/2007, 11:21 pm EST
paperdoll totally rocks! i’ve been lucky enough to catch a couple of their shows in NY. can’t wait to hear more! don’t stop!
Andrew | 1/30/2007, 2:45 pm EST
I love this band! I play there music in the Asian history classes I teach at the University way too loud. But then again, really good music like this should be played loud. People with this type of talent do not stay hidden for long.
Mar | 1/30/2007, 9:05 am EST
Paperdoll is awesome! This review sums up their live energy to a T!
Heather | 1/29/2007, 11:04 pm EST
This band rocks! They have so much talent, it’s only a matter of time until they take the music scene by storm.
mags | 1/29/2007, 10:01 pm EST
Their shows totally rawk!
CC Fresh | 1/29/2007, 9:04 pm EST
PD is about to BLOW…Heard they are in the studio with Groove Theory Producer Bryce Wilson.
They need a Major to give a fuck and ink the deal.
Christine | 1/29/2007, 5:01 pm EST
Paperdoll puts on some of the most entertaining shows I have seen in years. Great job capturing their energy and tremendous talent!
Kim | 1/29/2007, 3:04 pm EST
I was one of those dancing on the tables - Paperdoll rocks
Mick | 1/29/2007, 10:17 am EST
PaperDoll’s energy is infectious–love their tunes. The guitarist is amazing, really someone to keep your eye on. It will be interesting to see where this band goes.
Spicer | 1/29/2007, 9:36 am EST
Excellent summation. I have seen Paperdoll several times and each time they get better. Appreciate the article.
Tiffany C. | 1/29/2007, 9:07 am EST
Great review of the group and PAPERDOLL ROCKS!
Sherie | 1/29/2007, 7:23 am EST
How on earth do you find the time to end up as a finalist twice with the crazy hours that you work? And how are we supposed to keep referring to you as ‘that dumb yank’ when you go and do stuff like this?
I have no idea who Paperdoll are, but you are an excellent writer and deserve to win. x
nichola | 1/29/2007, 12:37 am EST
great article - you really captured the moment
Nebi Cem | 1/28/2007, 10:58 pm EST
I was there with 6-7 friends whom I invited specifically to check this group out. The music and Teresa’s energy on the stage is incredible. I think I got addicted and my friends are no exception. I fell in love with them once again. I wish I had a girlfriend like paperdoll but the group includes 3 boys 
Eric | 1/27/2007, 10:50 pm EST
Very nice. Wanted to go to this show but didn’t find the motivation to. Anything that even remotely sounds like tragic kingdom must sound good.
Perhaps if i had a chance to read this review things would have been different. But, the review didn’t exist before the show so that would be impossible. lol
Later
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