I had originally dubbed October “Rocktober” as I was fixing to see a host of shows this month. Due to some personal issues, I missed my first show, Heartless Bastards & Langhorne Slim, and then Jim James was injured and the My Morning Jacket Show at the Chicago Theatre was canceled. Rocktober was falling apart in front of my eyes. But then I went on a run of shows that I haven’t seen since before the kids started arriving fast and furious.
First up were the Silver Jews. Lead singer, David Berman, emerged in a snappy suit and fat belt buckle enscribed with “JOOS.” This show was a replacement for MMJ and in a way I was happier to see Berman and company for the first time.
Berman carries an awkwardness on stage that makes his stage presence genuine and real. He’s constantly checking his set list, which is written on a paper plate and dedicates songs to anyone and everyone. He also battles the mic and the accompanying stand as if it were his first time on stage. Berman announced that it was in fact their 100th time on stage this night. Bob Nastanovich (formerly of Pavement) showed up to play drums on “New Orleans.” He told stories of the origins of the band, when they would call Thurston Moore’s answering machine and leave demos.
The show was an absolute blast and, in many ways, a very communal experience. People sang along and when he played “Random Rules” everyone in the crowd had a shit-eating grin on their face.
Next up the docket were Fleet Foxes. This was the third time seeing them this year and their eponymous LP is easily my favorite debut of the year, if not my favorite album. This was my first time seeing them headline in a proper club and they didn’t disappoint.
At the Pitchfork Festival, the crowd was eerily quiet when Fleet Foxes played and once the boys from Washington hit the stage at The Metro, the “shhhhhs” came out in full force. When one jackass started mocking the situation with his girlfriend, another guy politely said, “Please, we really want to hear them.” The guy relented as he realized that people came to listen the music and not bullshit about nonsense.
The Foxes tore through a set that covered almost every tune from their EP and full length. “Drops In The River” which led into “English House” was an amazing 10 minutes of music. There was plenty of easy going banter the band and the crowd. It’s good to see they are easing into their new found celebrity.
The highlight of the night was “Mykonos.” The four-piece harmonies were absolutely breathless. That was the last song before the encore, and really they could have walked away at that point and I would have been thrilled. I’m glad I caught them at The Metro this time because I don’t think I’ll ever have that opportunity again.
Last on my concert stops was Okkervil River. This was my 6th time seeing them this year and I’m one random run-in at the grocery store from getting a restraining order slapped on my desk. Sheff and co. launched into “Plus Ones” and were off. What else is there possibly left for me to say about them? Let’s see… New guitarist Lauren Gurgiolo seems to be settling in nicely. In August, she seemed unsure of herself, as if she didn’t want to flub a note. Now she smiles more and seems to really be enjoying herself. Bass Guitarist, Patrick Pestorious, should sing more often. He sounds great on “Lost Coastlines.” And on a sad note, Sheff announced that they don’t play “Kansas City” any more. That made me sad. That’s a fucking doozy of a tune.
Anyway it was a great show that we’ve all come to expect. Sheff busted out a solo “Red” and the band fired a version of “A Stone” that was transcendent. They are hands down my favorite band right now.
Silver Jews – Strange Victory, Strange Defeat
Fleet Foxes – He Doesn’t Know Why
Fleet Foxes – White Winter Hymnal
Okkervil River – Lost Coastlines
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
good month. as for me, i started october off strong with a run of langhorne slim, dead confederate and the dodos, all seen in the first eight days of the month. then came birthday parties and an out-of-town wedding.
november’s looking good early, too, as i will be going to o’death next weekend and the drive-by truckers on nov. 14 (it will mark the sixth time i’ve seen them this year, tying your okkervil river obsession). really want to see blitzen trapper the day after o’death, but i have prior obligations.
then i hope to see some of the hearya crew at the cbgb fest later this month.
cheers.
i caught the heartless bastards and langhorne for you. HB’s were GREAT. they played their hearts out for sure. great stuff. i think their new stuff sounded good. more of the same heavy sound. beginning they were a little loose but tightened up. langhorne of course was. langhorne. the performer. it was a little bit of a bummer most people cleared out after langhorne finished and didn’t stay for HBs. more room to boogy for me i guess.
We’ll definitely be boozin’ it up at the CBGB festival, so let’s meet up.
Is DBT playing w/ Hold Steady? I’ll be missing that same show in SF because of CBGB in Chicago. I could see them on Monday night after getting back to town, but I’m sure it’ll take me until Wed to recover from the weekend.
I’ve got some decisions to make this month with multiple options on the same nights. Jason Isbell, solo acoustic vs. Dead Confederate and Joe Pug + Or, The Whale vs. O’Death + Hillstomp.
those are some tough calls. if you haven’t seen o’death, go. the show i went to made me feel dirty in a good way. very good energy.
as for isbell vs. dead confederate? that’s a tough call. i probably would side with dc because it’s always cool to catch a band early in their career. isbell’s great (saw him a couple of years ago), but it was nothing transcendent.
Leave a Comment