I have nightmares about the Middle East Downstairs. And maybe some band member or the like can answer me this: why the heck to bands play so loud even in tiny, little venues? I mean, why should I need to wear special protection to hear a band (i.e., earplugs)? Why can't you play at a normal volume? I've left shows because they were too loud and really, it made the band sound much, much worse than they should have (if you're curious, it was the Apples In Stereo). Anyone want to help me out here?