Fall Rewind

Every year, I see way too many shows. I need an interesting way to document them, so I tend to make lists and put lots of posters and concert tickets up on my walls. Or I go online and make lists that are completely arbitrary to everyone but me...so here it is for nobody to care about.

Show Recap, 2008...PART 1 since I'm going to forget about a few, I just know it

plus the year isn't even over yet!

2008 was highlighted by a stretch in September that consisted of 5 shows spanning just over 1 week. It was ridiculous, dangerous, inspiring, and amazing...something I suggest to everyone...

09.16 Devotchka @ the El Rey
- Devotchka alone is a spectacle; throw in a gymnast rolling around and doing flips in a cirque du soleil ribbon-type contraption and you have a wicked burlesque-inspired, eastern folk adventure. Devotchka does it up often, and they do it well. Tubas, mandolins...and a guy who can, for lack of better words, tear up a violin and accordion. And he wears a suit. And the drummer plays the trumpet. Mighty cool.

09.17 MGMT @ Fonda
- Now this show...I had no idea what to expect, and realized upon arrival that MGMT had made it. The place was more packed than I had ever seen it and people were begging out front for extra tickets. Those art rockers sure know how to pack a place. I'd have to say the show was a bit of a letdown, although no fault of the band. The place was just amazingly packed to the brim, and inside the theater the temperature rose about 15 degrees. Uncomfortable...but the performance certainly was something.

09.21 My Morning Jacket @ Greek
- I took my parents to this show. Jim James recently played in Iowa City and fell off the stage, requiring the postponement of a few shows. After watching these guys, I can see how that would be a definite possibility. A nice relaxing night outdoors at the Greek was really anything but, as MMJ blasted the thousands in attendance with cuts spanning four albums, playing for well over two hours. Jim James' melodic howls set the tone for the rest of the band; the guys are damn hard workers who can smash away at their instruments to create a sweetly Southern sounding art-rock that can really only be experienced live. They finished with the epic "One Big Holiday", which must have stirred up some curiosity in the nearby Los Feliz neighborhood. Hearing that huge opening build-up is an Arcade Fire-like catharsis, and nobody seems to be feeling it more than James. Rock on MMJ, even though your new album was wacko...

09.23 Fleet Foxes @ El Rey
- I have had the privilege of seeing these guys twice this year, and both times have really blown me away. Sure they're the most recent indie-rock buzz band, but these guys will stick around. At Spaceland, I could only imagine hearing this stuff at the Greek or at Red Rocks, echoing throughout the place, heavy reverb and all. At the El Rey, they completely blew me away, even with the same songs. "Oliver James" is something to see, as Robin Pecknold just belts the thing out over a soft, minimalist acoustic guitar. And "Winter White Hymnal" is awesome as virtually every member of the band contributes his voice perfectly. I'd see them many times again...probably at the Wiltern or something huge next time...

09.24 Cold War Kids @ Fonda

- These guys are great, and the fact that they're from down the road in the LB makes them that much better. CWK have a unique sound that I can't just describe; their lyrics tell epic stories about ordinary people, especially since the release of "Loyalty to Loyalty". Their music is unique as well, with prominent piano and catchy drum beats. Slick bass lines and a complementary lead guitar interjecting in perfect spots lead to an old-fashioned yet modern feel to modern rock. It also doesn't hurt that their merch is some of the best ever. CWK just have a sense of style and storytelling unrivaled by many indie bands. They can take you away to many a cold, dark street or dimly lit theater...somewhere something interesting is happening without people really knowing about it...exactly like the Fonda that night. I sincerely think this band will be huge...nothing else sounds close. And they're from LB!