Did a little road trip to Baltimore Friday, and got to see the extraordinary Yo La Tengo live at Sonar Lounge. Frickin AMAZING!!!!! Perhaps one of the best (non-GBV) shows I've seen in recent years.
Although the place filled up nicely, we were fortunate enough to get there early enough to check out the Rosebuds, and get a nice little spot up front. See Photos Here.
I'm not the set-list writing down type, but we did get a nice mix of new and old, noise and pop...including a sedated version of Tom Courtenay. I'm Not Afraid Of You and I Will Beat Your Ass (BUY HERE) sounds fantastic live. It's funny to watch a few of the show-goers who may not be familiar with the long drawn-out escalating jams (i.e. "Pass the Hatchet..."), just to see their bewildered "when does this end?" look. But if you're strapped in for these songs, you really get the full treatment to Ira's improvisational skills & talents on guitar. Follow that up with the poppy, fun-filled "Mr. Tough", and you're now witnessing the wide array that is Yo La Tengo.
The only issue seemed to be the sound for the vocals were a bit off early in the set with a few of the low-key numbers, as Ira commented that they seemed to be set up for The Rapture, who was playing the "late show" that night. It also appeared that Sonar may have let people in early for the Rapture show, because there was quite a contingent of conversational peeps in the back that curiously seemed to have zero interest in YLT. Maybe there was just an inordinate amount of hipsters out that night...I'm not sure. Other than that...a phenomenal show.
Here's some live footage, covering Jad Fair's Half Japanese band:
Like a few of the other bands I love, my "favorite" tune seems to be forever changing depending on the time of the year. Currently...the song that has been on constant repeat happens to be this little jam from the '93 album, Painful (also released as a single), which seemed to mark a progression of different styles from the band. Painful is perhaps my 2nd favorite album of YLT's right behind '97's I Can Hear the Heart Beating As One. "From a Motel 6" has a little bit of shoegazer influence in it (i.e. My Bloody Valentine, the Jesus & Mary Chain, Lush). Ira's guitar rippin over Georgia's lovely vocals...good times. Rawk on:
(left click to play; right click to download)
YLT - From a Motel 6
Haven't seen this in a long time, so I felt compelled to search out this one here on YouTube. The best part: "the Foghat Rule = your 4th album should be Double Live." This is hilarious. Also, one of my favs from YLT, a poppier number, but one that was unfortunately left off the set list Friday.
Hey...and speaking of the Rosebuds, they were awesome as well. I got a chance to chat with Ivan (dude on right, below), a very friendly chap, who tells us there's a new release on its way. Night of the Furies will be released on Merge Records in April. Here's a sampling of the Rosebuds, from their Friends Make Good Neighbors record (also from Merge):
(left click to play; right click to download)
The Rosebuds - Boxcar
Oh...and finally, had a wonderful little medley of crab dinner at Mo's Fisherman's Wharf near the Inner Harbour. And a big THANX to our friend and gracious host for the evening, Allison.
No comments:
Post a Comment