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Everything you have ever heard about Andrew Bird as a live performer has probably been underestimated. I find myself unable to accurately describe to you just how phenomenal the show was last night.

So. I was momentarily rendered speechless. But clearly I got over it. Haha.

Brian and I went to see Andrew Bird at the TLA in Philly (now known as the Filmore). Joan as Police Woman opened for him. I am a fan of both acts and was thrilled to have the chance to see them. When we got up there at 7:30 p.m. there was already a pretty hefty line and doors didn't open until 8 p.m. for a 9 p.m. show. Clearly, the venue had sold out and as we were crammed like sardines that was even more evident once we were inside. Even though we were early enough to sit instead of have to stand, we still found our view completely obscured most of the time.

Joan as Police Woman has a haunting voice that belts out so loudly she probably wouldn't even need a mic. Unfortunately, the crowd was rude and loud and I felt really bad for her. She is a fantastic pianist and guitarist in addition to her voice, but people were completely disrespectful to her. Even so, she played through her set and thanked us for being there. In addition to thanking "Mary" which is who the crowd named the figmented presence that Joan told us was staring the stage with her last night. She is a very strange bird that is for damn sure.

Onto Andrew Bird.

Hmm how can I describe the stage. There was a siamese, spinning gramophone. Yep. And this zebra striped bigger gramophone... All very cool, I've not seen anything quite like that before. It was interesting to see him play all the different parts to the songs, because on the tracks most of what you hear is him. It's all his samplings meshed together into perfection. So seeing him on the violin, switching to guitar, changing mics to do his hand claps and then whistling. It was just awesome!

I think his voice is very unique though I would compare it to Sting and Gary Lightbody. He has such an amazing range both vocally and instrumentally; to see it in person was incredible! If you ever get a chance to see him, do it. Even if you don't know his music, it will be a show that will not disappoint.

And I have to give major kudos to the awesome guy who put the "verified age" band aroud my wrist. After telling him I get anxious in big crowds he kindly told me that he would make sure we were taken care of. =o)

Listen!
Andrew Bird - "Imitosis" (mp3)
Joan as Police Woman - "The Ride" (mp3)

Labels: concert, music

What is better than seeing Spoon in concert?

Easy.

Seeing Spoon in concert and knowing it will benefit both the Salvation Army and Sea Otter Conservation League of America.

Unfortunately, this is for you West Coasters as there are two concerts this month in Oregon. If you can make it then check it out.

http://ticketswest.rdln.com/Artist.aspx?contentID=9976
Password: gagagagaga

Labels: concert, music

I just read on Indietastic who says they read on The Yellow Stereo that...

The National will be opening for The Arcade Fire during several shows!

5/1 - Atlanta, GA: Atlanta Civic Center Theater
5/2 - Asheville, NC: Thomas Wolfe Auditorium
5/4 - Washington, DC: DAR Constitution Hall
5/5 - Upper Darby, PA: Tower Theatre
5/7 - New York, NY: United Palace
5/8 - New York, NY: United Palace

So get your tickets ASAP!

Labels: concert

When you know the right people, you find yourself with 2nd row seats to see Snow Patrol with Silversun Pickups and OK Go as openers.

The Silversun Pickups sounded great, but lacked stage precense. They didn't introduce themselves, their first statement after coming on stage was to ask if we were ready to see the big show after them. I don't think they should have discounted themselves so quickly. They have great music. The chatty pre-teen girls sitting behind me didn't even know who the band was until after they were done playing.

OK Go was awesome, but Damian Kulash dropped the f-bomb a few too many times for my liking. I'm not expecting a rated G concert when I go out, but there were a lot of little kids in the crowd A LOT and I just thought there were probably better ways to address us. With that said, I'll definitely be buying their album "Oh No" because they sounded absolutely wonderful.

There is never anything bad to say about a performance by Snow Patrol. Gary Lightbody was comfortable and informal with the crowd. He addressed us before and thanked us after every song. For me, working with the people who are there to see you, well that is essential to a good show. You can like a band's music but if you go to see them live and they couldn't care less that you are there...well that just sucks. Snow Patrol. ROCKED! In every way! At one point bringing a very lucky lady from the crowd up on stage to sing a duet that on the album was sang by Martha Wainwright "Set The Fire To The Third Bar." The girl they chose, Amy, was pretty cool up on stage. She sounded like a cat singing, but she moved around and seemed confident which was so great to see.

Nathan Connolly plays the guitar, but is also responsible for quite a bit of backing vocals. He has an awesome voice. I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up with a solo album later down the road.

And we all got a good laugh when Gary explained how he researches cities before coming to the venue. He asked us if we knew that biggest fact he found about Camden, NJ was...and we did...and he announced "Did you know you are all in the city with the most crime in all of the country?"

Oh dear.

My favorite songs of the night:

Make This Go On Forever
You're All I Have
Open Your Eyes

And for your listening pleasure here are some tracks.

Silversun Pickups - "Comeback Kid"

OK Go - "Do What You Want"

Snow Patrol - "Set Fire to the Third Bar"

Labels: concert, music

We knew they would be touring, they have to promote their new album. I was skeptical as to whether they would come to Philly though, but they are indeed venturing out this way!

The Bravery will be at the TLA on Tuesday, June 5th. Tickets are not yet available, but will be at 10 a.m. tomorrow March 24th, you'll be able to find them at the concert maps on The Bravery's website.

Labels: concert, music