Tag: concert review

Jukebox the Ghost Light Themselves On Fire At Bowery Ballroom

Last night Miniature Tigers, Jukebox the Ghost, and Free Energy played to an incredibly packed Bowery Ballroom. Miniature Tigers were the opener, and they succeeded in warming up the crowd for the main event with their unique beats. Next was Jukebox the Ghost, who played the best set I have ever seen from them since my first performance of theirs at Knitting Factory (back when it was still on Leonard St). They played a good mix of old and new tunes, with a cover thrown in the middle. They began with Static and ended with Good Day (which seems to be their classic final piece). The cover I mentioned was Donna Lewis “I Love You Always Forever”, which they gave a fresh feeling to that made the song their own. They also played the classics “Hold It In” and “Victoria” (among others) and some new stuff as well. It was announced that the band has signed with Yep Rock Records and the new album will be released early September. For all the latest news be sure to follow the band on their Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter. I also recently discovered their last.fm page, which elicited possibly a little too much excitement. For me, it showed how big these guys are getting and the bright future they have ahead. After the show, I told Ben about that possibly being the best set ever and how I wasn’t just saying that because of a bias I have for the band. One of the other things I love about them (besides their music) is ever since that day we talked after the Union Square show I have been able to talk to some of the members (and those surrounding them) at every show I have been to. (Note: I have been to almost every show they have played in NYC since that first time I heard them). This isn’t about being crowned #1 Fan though. This is to try to share something special I found out there in the music world. Don’t want to take my word for it? Then find out for yourself. The next date in the area is July 13th at 92Y (which would make it a smaller show than the Bowery one). Although this date has not been posted on the website, it was announced at the show last night. (Anyone affiliated with the band can feel free to correct me if I heard this wrong).

Going back to last night’s show, the final act for the night was Free Energy. This was the only band I had never heard before, but they definitely lived up to their name. There was plenty of energy from both the stage and the audience. It was a great end to what I would describe as a lively and energetic night. I’ve never walked away from a show feeling both energized and exhausted before, but that was what happened last night. I wonder if that’s how the bands who perform feel as well? Anyone who wants to provide an answer to that one can either leave a comment or email me at munchkin275@hotmail.com.

2009: The Live Album

RXP asked its listeners to report their top 9 concerts of 2009, and I thought I would share them here as well.

1) Snow Patrol @ Beacon Theatre- This was without a doubt my favorite live experience with a band this year. The funny thing about this is that it was the only one on this list that I didn’t go with anyone else. Normally it is the whole experience of going to see your favorite band perform live with a friend singing by your side that makes a concert special, but that just goes to show how great a performance they gave. I hardly noticed I couldn’t find anyone who loved them enough to say “money is no object” and trek out to see them on a Tuesday night. I also really loved the venue they were at. It was a really nice place with a good atmosphere. I would definitely go back there if the right band was playing. One of my favorite moments from that night was this:

2) Green Day @ MSG- This was another great experience for me. “21st Century Breakdown” was the soundtrack of my summer, and it came to a climax getting to see these guys live (finally) at Madison Square Garden. What made it extra special was getting to see it with one of my best friends. Words still can’t describe the utter joy this night brought to my life, but this video shares my favorite moment of that night:

3) Mates of State @ Webster Hall – The word “experience” pretty much sums up every story I have to share here. I had a mild obsession with Mates of State, and was extremely agitated that I was unable to see them live. That was until my favorite concert partner surprised me by announcing that he had been guest listed for the show and had a +1 if I wanted to come with. Of course I said yes, and thus memories were born, including this one:

4) Switchfoot @ Irving Plaza – I have been meaning to see these guys perform for about two years now, but it was only recently that I was able to make this happen. I happened to mention the show offhand to one of my friends and he became so incredibly excited that I knew we had to go together. It was a great night, and they are fantastic live. It’s hard to say what was my favorite song that night, but this definitely is on the list:

5) Amanda Palmer @ Highline Ballroom – It is ironic that one of my favorite moments came during one of the hardest times of my life (and the low point of my year). Despite that, I still had one of the best nights of my life. It was such an uplifting experience that it was hard to stay down for long. The night was an emotional rollercoaster. The most fun was had when the opening act got back on stage to help sing a cover of Yakity Yak:

6) Kevin Devine @ Music Hall Of Williamsburg – Kevin played for two hours in this epically good night. If there was a song he didn’t play, I don’t think anyone noticed. Not only is Kevin a great singer, he is overall a great performer. Even the banter during his shows becomes part of the performance, as seen here:

7) Amanda Palmer @ Music Hall of Williamsburg – I know, I already mentioned how great AFP is, but she is so epically AMAZING that she deserves a separate entry for both times I saw her this year. This one was a surprise birthday present from one of my best friends. That alone made it special. It was also great getting to experience Amanda on a night where I was in a much better place emotionally. Highlight of the night? Right here:

8) Handsome Furs @ Bowery Ballroom – Love this band, and it’s always great to see them live. The first time was just me tagging along with a friend who needed someone to go with. Now I love them just as much as she does. Here’s one reason why:

9) Jukebox the Ghost @ Bowery Ballroom (CMJ) – This was one of the only bands I actually saw during CMJ this year, but they were all I really needed. Every band that night was good, but I was really here to see these guys work their magic. The stage was decorated in a holiday motif, the fans were packed in and beaming with excitement. I met two really cool people at this show who I still talk to online and plan to (hopefully) see again at some point. Unfortunately the only video I can find is from CMJ last year, but it’s still pretty good.

*all videos found on YouTube and were not taken by yours truly. have to give credit where credit is due*

Switchfoot Hello Hurricane Tour

I just got back from seeing Switchfoot play Irving Plaza in NYC, and boy do I have some positive feedback to share. The show was part of their Hello Hurricane tour, which coincides with the release of their new album by the same name. I have to admit I have not listened to the album in its entirety before tonight (although this will change ASAP). Having said that, it was still an enjoyable performance to say the least. They played the new album in order from first song to last as the first half of their set. The second half consisted of fan favorites from the past three albums. The set list for the second half was as follows:

Meant To Live
Stars
Shadow Proves The Sunshine
Oh Gravity
Lucky Man (Verve cover)
24
Dare you To Move
Encore:
This Is Your Life
Awakening
Pictures should go up before New Years. I apologize to those who think I am a liar when I said I would post Amanda Palmer photos, but life happened that day and continued happening for the next few weeks. Once this poor college student wraps up the semester things should go back to their regularly scheduled happenings.

The Lightning Strike

Lightning struck Beacon Theater last night when Snow Patrol electrified the stage with their energetic performance. They gave quite a show, using every element imaginable as part of their act. For starters, there was a projector that wrote out a list of cities on the tour, ending with New York and a huge red heart, showing their love for this city.

Another impressive part of their setup, their equipment included two drum kits and four keyboards. On several songs a band member would switch between two different instruments (drum and keys, keys and guitar). Their use of lighting was also exquisite, adding an extra element to their show instead of just being noise that had no real purpose. It really seemed to match the music as it progressed.

The best part of their show was their stage presence though, especially the lead singer. He really engaged the crowd and even had them participate during “Shut You Eyes”. There was laughter and excitement throughout the night which was due in large part to him.

The band played approximately 1.5 hours with a 3-song encore. Set list was as follows:

If There’s A Rocket tie Me To It
Chocolate
Hands Open
How To Be Dead
The Golden Floor
The Finish Line
Somewhere A Clock Is Ticking
Make This Go On Forever
Run
Shut Your Eyes
Chasing Cars
Crack The Shutters
Take Back The City
Open Your Eyes

Encore:
The Lightning Strike (What If This Storm Ends?)
Run
You’re All I Have