219 -- Mutemath -- Friday, September 22, 2017 -- The Fillmore -- Silver Spring, MD

It was great to see Colony House and Mutemath with Tom Swindell and ­­Chris Hartten.  We had interesting conversations before the show, and they were enthusiastic about songs throughout.  It was cool to later find out that Kim Walker was there the same night!  

The main issue with Mutemath was me.  Objectively, I recognize that they were every bit as good (or probably better) than Colony House.  Exhaustion from the work week and a lukewarm reaction to their albums prevented me from fully embracing them. 

That said, I definitely appreciate certain moments, most of which appear in the live blog below…

--- Paul Meany starts with a slick leap onto a ledge during “War.”

--- Wow, it looks like every song will feature a full-screen video backdrop.  Nice.

--- I like the lowest-piano-key burp effect halfway through “Stroll On.”

--- Awww, Tom at the start of “Used To”: “I love this song!”

--- For me, the permanent high pitch voice starts to grate.  It's kind of endearing when he squeaks words to the crowd between songs though.

--- “Noticed”!  I like how they didn't need any backdrop.  The song spoke for itself.

--- “Vitals” features a cool drum solo and ooh-ooh effect.

--- Hahahah at Tom’s fiftieth “you're going to publish the review this weekend -- this weekend.”  It never works like that, Tom, but it’ll be a faster turnaround than usual! [UPDATE, considering this is now being posted on 8-23-19: *sike.*]

--- “Spotlight”!!!  Killer hook and Meany lassoed a giant spotlight on a ledge!

--- Tom points out that they're doing a cover of 21 Pilots' "Achilles Heel."  Hahaha at his shimmy across the stage!

--- He goes out into the crowd during “Reset.”  Lol at his near handstand on a ledge.  He walks on top of the crowd on top of a rubber light-bulb mattress?!?!?! 

--- “Typical”: a worthy finale.

My bias against falsetto, electronic music, and Friday night shows prevented me from fully enjoying it.  (5am wakeup calls catch up with me no matter how good the band.)  The visuals, choreography, and sound quality were first-rate, though.  Good choice, Tom.

Grade: B+

218 -- Colony House -- Friday, September 22, 2017 -- The Fillmore -- Silver Spring, MD

It was great to see Colony House and Mutemath with Tom Swindell and ­­Chris Hartten.  We had interesting conversations before the show, and they were enthusiastic about songs throughout.  It was cool to find out later that Kim Walker was there the same night! 

The main issue with Colony House opening was I felt like the only one at the Fillmore who knew them.  This was understandable, considering they were the opener, and their second, most recent album debuted at #76 on the Billboard chart.  This was still frustrating because I really liked both albums, and frontman Caleb Chapman did all he could to sell them.  Fortunately, little by little, he won them over and made a strong case to headline next time. 

--- “Was It Me” has a catchy rhythm and a clever way of introducing band members.  Breaking up the intro fuels excitement for the song!  

--- “You and I.”  Love how Chapman wills the crowd into it at the end.  He’s got game.

--- “Lonely”!!!  Insistent smoke for days.  The strongest song this set.

--- HA at the fake slam: “If it was a bigger bridal party, he would've made it." 

--- “Moving Forward”: solo acoustic.  Strong, varied voice into...surprise trio!!  Tom: “That was great.”  Chris: “The best one so far.”

--- “Silhouettes”!!!  Awesome fake out at the end.  Tom lol’s at my excitement at calling it right before it happened.

Give Colony House a night with more songs and committed fans, and they will slay.

Grade: A-

217 -- Ed Sheeran -- Tuesday, September 19, 2017 -- Verizon Center -- DC

This Ed Sheeran concert was not the triumph the first one had been.  I’d always prefer to get problems out of the way at the beginning, so it was disappointing that the low points of the show came at the end.  That said, there were several outstanding moments, and I got to share them with Hark, so I’m glad I went.

--- “Eraser” and “The A Team” are a decent start.

--- Before the next song, his ode is way better than decent: “You're facing front -- no one can see you.”  We should swing with each other, dance, show flair, no reason to be self-conscious / care.  Great point!!!

--- “Don't.”  I think I will. Close enough to rap that I'm lovin’ in.  After a beast of a day, rejuvenation!!!

--- “Dive.”  Does the standard You're The Best Crowd lie, but does it with such specificity, I'm convinced!  He goes through the best crowds on the tour: Dublin, then Buenos Aires, then Louisville, then Chicago.  Doesn't say D.C. is the best after, so I believe him.  Well done!!!

--- “Bloodstream.”  The fiery swirl is so cool.  The visual/sonic build and then pull back at the end was incredible.

--- “Happier.”  The “no one hurts you like I hurt you” doesn’t apply, but the rest fits our relationship.  I am happier with Hark.

--- “Tenerife Sea.”  Soft and meandering, so I see why he rarely plays it, but it works for me.  Low key contrast ftw.

--- I called “Galway Girl” from the opening note!  Fun Irish energy.

--- And now, a song Google doesn't even know.  The low point of the night by far.

--- “Photograph”!!!!  Reinvention.  Hark's voice and arm the whole way.  He sings, it builds, it sways.  Whoa.

--- “Perfect” is his favorite song apparently.  “I hope I don't say that in the future.”  Heh.  Rhythmically and after all that buildup, meh.

--- “Nancy Mulligan”!!  Much better than “Galway Girl.”

--- “Thinking Out Loud.”  I think people know this one.  

--- Lackluster “Sing.” 

--- Haaaaaa at him coming out in a Wizards jersey!!

--- Lackluster “Shape of You.”

--- “You Need Me, Man, I Don't Need You.” Too-high expectations, jumbled vocals, and cheesy on-screen lyrics made it a big disappointment.  Guitar explosion halfway through was new and cool though.

Grade: B+ 

216 -- Coldplay -- Sunday, August 6, 2017 -- Fedex Field -- Landover, MD

The road to Coldplay was a rough one.  The baby-related conversations Hark and I had as we walked through Landover led to us getting literally lost on the streets.

The moment we arrived at Fedex Field, however, everything became clear.  Chris Martin knew exactly what he was doing and how to make people happy.  I wish the songs had a little more weight (and I knew more of them), but I appreciated the show for what it was: a light, bright escape from the rest of the world.  

--- “Yellow.”  Giant yellow visuals we didn't really see as we were finding our seats.  No worries -- no chance this will be the last big visual of the night…  

--- Rainbow Para-Para-“Paradise”: First time I’ve ever been given a color-changing wristband!!  The remix halfway through was awesome.  Once or twice through the straight melody, Chris Martin ran down the ramp, drums amped up, and the guitars went into an electronic tailspin.  By the time the confetti came out, that somehow felt right too.  Confetti on the fourth song?!  You've got us -- it works.

--- “Always in the Head” and “Magic” slow things down.  It's chill, bro.

--- The speech!!!!  Outstanding specificity: detailing the tolls, lines, lots, and Stubhub battles everyone had to go through to get to show.  Shoutouts to DC, Virginia, and “Mary”land.  The last time they played at FedEx Field was 2001, the 100th of what felt like 100 bands at (the Hark-approved) HFStival.  Now they're headlining.  A second after I compare him to a lighter Dave Grohl, he mentions that Dave was at that HFStival joke trashing him!!  The fact that they invite the audience to fill in the song with appropriate blanks (Syria, their neighbor, The White House) sends it to the stratosphere.  Bravo.

---- “Clocks”: Hahahah, Hark's quoting himself: “There's Hark singing again.”  He's a whole different person.  He doesn’t just sing; he beams for five straight minutes! 

--- Wooo at the “let's all stop everything and jump” prompt for “Midnight” / “Charlie Brown.”  Tear at the lackluster vocal.

--- “Hymn For The Weekend” has a catchier hook (“jumping so high so high so high”), so the stagecraft means something.  The fire, fireworks, and his leap mean more because you can make out words.

--- “Fix You”!!!  Majestic build, strong story -- for me, best of the night. 

--- A second, even bigger Hark explosion for “Viva La Vida”!  (Hark later explained his reaction was simply a tribute to Meagan O'Neill.)

--- “Adventure of a Lifetime” features literal multi-colored balls, but a bland vocal, so no real bounce.  (Love that so many kids get to take the ball home though.)

--- “Don't Panic”: Garden State nostalgia!!

--- “Green Eyes”: excellent acoustic song I'd never heard before. Hahahahah at the shameless, misguided, endearing substitution of “Redskins” at the end.

--- Wish I knew “Something Just Like This” (featuring The Chainsmokers) better.  Catchy and uplifting even for the first time!

--- Wooo at “A Sky Full of Stars.”  Oh, more accurately, wheee. Hahaha at the 18th confetti.

--- Hahaha at more Redskin shamelessness: props involving love of America and the Redskins.  I like how he circles back to HFStival and asks us to be kind to each other as we leave.  “He sounds like That Ellen Woman.”  Agreed, Hark, agreed.

Grade: B+ / A-

215 -- Roger Waters -- Friday, August 4, 2017 -- Verizon Center -- DC

Roger Waters walked out under the biggest, brightest screen I've seen at a show.  This screen was one of many reasons he was successful.  Unlike Explosions In The Sky, his epic mood tracks kept your attention.

--- Thank God for CS's welcoming, knowledgeable dad.  Verizon Center cold shoulder...meet...WARMTH. :)

--- Awww at CS’s happiness when “Breathe” arrives.  More jubilant recognition: “It's Time; it's Time; it's Time.”  Overlaying a visual of live drumming with twisting clocks is so cool!!

--- “30,000 like minded people” have power.

--- Stunning “Great Gig in the Sky” vocal -- I had no clue it was two women!! 

--- “Welcome to the Machine” off Wish You Were Here.  Hahahaha at the cultists -- flashbacks to Trailer Satan...

--- CS’s dad asks if Hark is coming.  “Time to go get a drink.  You want anything?”  Awwwww.  Politely declined, but he's the best.

--- “Picture That”: a short, subtle instrumental with no political message...

--- “Wish You Were Here” includes the second best visual of the night: two hands getting closer and closer before deteriorating.

--- CS wooo’s again with “Another Brick in the Wall.”  CS’s dad: “They look awfully happy for Guantanamo prisoners.”  Love the use of kid volunteers and opening their jumpsuits to reveal Resist shirts!!

--- Awesome, memory-sustaining intermission: REDEMPTION INTERMISSION!!!  Got to speak to AR's mom for the first time ever! We agreed that it was good that he finally got a Rock-related shirt.  AR listened intently to my album report and jumped in to point out that “Apples and Oranges” is a Pink Floyd song.  He also taught me something I'd somehow never known: Setlist.Fm updates setlists during shows!!  JS!!!  He answered my questions with genuine animation, saying he really wanted to hear “Dogs” and “Pigs.” We both wanted to hear “Brain Damage” and “The Trial”!

--- Ginormous building with smokestacks rises through the center of the Verizon Center. 

--- Killer smoky guitar solo during “Dogs.” CS's dad was spot-on in telling me to wait for it.  Love his mid-song analysis: who does that?! :)

Omg, at the Testicular Trump pics?!  The irony of the presentation is the crass, one-note approach feels like something the subject of the song would do.  “Money” continues the onslaught.

--- Nice sax solo sneaks in during “Us And Them.”

--- Lesson I wish Waters learned: The best way to deal with a boor is to rise above him, not become him.

--- “Brain Damage”/“Eclipse”!!!! Such a satisfying change in tone.  JS got his song.  Love the slow, circular crawl of the moon and the steady rise of each band in the psychedelic pyramid.  Best visual I've seen at a concert.

--- “So this is what it's like to be in Washington DC.”  HA.  JS gets up.  Heh, CS does the Resist arm cross.

--- Um, the lead guitarist looks like Constantine Maroulis.

--- Another welcome change of pace after the political onslaught: the light, lilting "Vera."  Whoa at the high note the woman hits at the end. 

--- Hahahah at CS's dad: “Just wait.  The next one is where everyone's gonna lose it.”  It's ironic given the next song’s title and vibe: “Comfortably Numb.”  Cool callback to the deteriorating hands of “Wish You Were Here.”  The hands gradually reanimate and clasp together!!!  Perfect ending.

Grade: A-

214 -- Regina Spektor -- Wednesday, July 26, 2017 -- Wolf Trap -- Vienna, VA

Regina Spektor started the show by messing up four times, followed by four apologies!  I had never seen that before, but it was endearing, as was the rest of the performance. 

--- Hahaha at "Grand Hotel."  I happened to see the 1932 Best Picture Oscar Winner of the same name last night!  Can't really recommend the movie, but I liked the song.

--- Heh, she should've done “Screwup” as the first song.

--- “The Light”!!  Elegant on the album, elegant live.

--- The next song is “Better” than usual because the audience claps.

--- “Apres Moi”: the sound system made most of the song blare uncomfortably, but the soft, breathy ending worked.

--- The dark, fiery animal imagery in “You've Got Time” was a good change of pace.

--- “The Trapper and the Furrier”: wish there had been fewer “more more more”s.

--- HA at Hark's excitement when Regina’s drummer’s name was the same as Hark’s coworker, Mathias.

--- “Obsolete” is pure -- my second favorite of the night.

--- “Don't Leave Me”: I don't love Paris in the rain.  The speakers make the jangly bounces grate.

--- Finally, a song that fully works!  “Us” has such a sure arc!! Love the inflections on “den of thieves” and “contagious.”

--- “Samson”: serviceable.  Sweet last note.

--- Ben Folds comes on stage!! Aww, guy next to me starts singing “Dear Theodesia.” 

--- “You Don't Know Me”: The back and forth between Ben and Regina is delightful.  Nice finish.

Grade: B

213 -- Ben Folds -- Wednesday, July 26, 2017 -- Wolf Trap -- Vienna, VA

It was hard to fully enjoy this Ben Folds show considering Hark and I had to arrive half an hour in, Ben had to play half a set, and that day, our president attempted to ban a group of people who helped capture Osama Bin Laden. 

To Ben's credit, though, he played well, and there was no filler in the setlist.

--- Strong songs as we entered: “Zac and Sara,” “Not the Same,” and, fittingly, “Army.”

--- First time I've see an opener have an encore -- nice!

--- A few seconds into “The Luckiest,” Hark realized which song it was, grabbed me, and said, “This was so worth it!”  Awww at Hark also playing the melody on me during the song.

--- Unexpected return to “One Angry Dwarf” from James Porter's mixed CD.  Nice ending.

Grade: B

212 -- Sister Hazel -- Friday, July 21, 2017 -- 9:30 Club -- DC

Sister Hazel was a nostalgia show I couldn’t resist.  They’re not my genre of music, but they were my first concert, so I wanted to bring back memories.  How did they sound 13 years later, after that first Sunken Gardens show?  Better actually.  They knew exactly who they were, what they wanted to do, and they got it done.

--- Prompting the crowd from the start: “Lemme see your cocktails...DC!”

--- “Mandolin Moon.”  It somehow was not on the list I listened to, but it features nice backing vocals by the end.

--- “Wait, you want more than one song?...If you can't clap your hands, stomp your foot.” HA, nice!

--- “Shame.”  Ooh, nice electric solo midway through!  Whoa, the guitarist is from Fairfax?! 

--- “Your Winter” into.......“Hey Jude”?!!!! The former is well paced and satisfying as ever -- one of the three songs I loved more than a decade ago at William and Mary.  The singer sounds so different from the record (way more bass), but soulful just the same.  Sliding into the Beatles number toward the end was wild.  Don't know how they relate thematically, but it sure worked!

--- Aww, Andrew Copeland’s kids are at the show. It's unique/cool to have so many band members do lead vocals on songs.  His vocals on “Something to Believe In” are strong! Evidently the song's about the military.

--- “Everything's gotta have something to believe in.  Can I get an amen?”  Heh, not the same crowd as last month's Rise Against show.

--- “No Kiss Without Whiskey” is catchy. Gah, apparently a lot of these songs are from a 2016 album I really should've listened to.  Ooh, keyboard solo.  Even without knowing it, it's fun.

--- “We were on a compilation with Goo Goo Dolls, Elton John, and Fleetwood Mac. My best friend Robert DeNiro said I should never name drop.”  HA! 

--- The cover of Fleetwood Mac's “Gold Dust Woman” is so different.  No need to “blame” Ryan Newell, the Fairfax guitarist -- this is awesome.  This is way more my sound.  Woooo.  He messed up the lyrics at one point, which made it better. I gotta start listening to Fleetwood Mac!!

--- I'm surrounded by people who insist on talking through Copeland's earnest intro to “This Kind of Love.”  They should be flogged.  It continues through the song.  Oh well -- they don't deserve the CLARITY of his vocal.

Sister Hazel’s mission statement: “to have you leave here a little more happy than you were when you came in.”  The song “Happy” sounds weak, but I appreciate the intro. 

--- “Run Highway Run.”  If others find this comforting, cool, but it's like so many of the songs on their records: bob, bob, bobs along.  Inoffensive, indistinguishable, bland.

--- Awwwww, they prompt everyone to high five the people around them.  I hesitate, not feeling fully connected, and six people come for me.  Good for them!

--- Intro about their Gainesville beginnings leads to “Family Tradition, “Friends in Low Places,” “Country Road,” and “Sweet Caroline.”  Shameless crowd pleasers / you can’t help but smile.

--- Awww at the guitarist coming over and smiling at the guy taking his pic during “All For You.”  Plus, the guy in front of me, who hasn't said a thing, starts singing and SPINNING the whole way through!

--- “Swan Dive” has a nice funk to it.

--- Nooo, they're about to head for the encore.  I don't think I'm going to get “Champagne High” and “Your Mistake.”  Please both!!

--- “Champagne High”!!!!!  Starts as a solo acoustic, a new person enters the stage each new verse.  I have ever seen that before.  A whole new song!

--- Aww at “Change Your Mind”’s chorus/message.  Nice job, guys.

Grade: B+ / A-

211 -- Incubus -- Tuesday, July 18, 2017 -- Xfinity Center -- Mansfield, MA

Jimmy Eat World is the reason K (Erik Kastman) and I went to the Xfinity Center that night, but Incubus kept us gripped afterward.  The performers, fans, and production values were intense, so it all worked. 

--- “Stellar”: “How do you do ittttttt?"  The crowd is enhancing every song!

--- “Nimble”: Lol at how wild frontman Brandon Boyd’s hair becomes.

--- “Anna Molly”!!!  The potential turning point in the concert.  Panic falsetto combined with Foo drive and a sickkk crowd makes it *click.*

--- Heh, “Why would we go anywhere else?  We could just stay here.”  Well played.

--- “Love Hurts”: nice smoky vibe.

---- “Megalomaniac”!!!!  I wanted it to go on for five more minutes.  It’s also funny hearing the word “Jesus” come from a guy who looks like Jesus blended with Malcolm from Survivor.  Plus, wooo at the keyboardist's mega hair flip.  Oh, and after Bush left office (the original subject), the lyrics ceased to have any political relevance...

--- “Here in My Room”: And everyone takes a breather.

--- “Wish You Were Here”: solid singalong that let me panorama the audience.  Oooh, a preview of next month’s Pink Floyd show!!

--- “State of the Art”: decent new song.  The fact that a third of the pit knows all the words is impressive.  K says, “It has a nice little swing to it.”

--- “Pardon Me”: Hehe at the record-swiping section.  Awww at K and most others singing word for word throughout.

--- Heh at “you guys sing well -- very, very well.”

--- “Drive”: I like how paint-by-numbers the rendition is.  I.E.  Get it out of the way before returning to true fan songs.  Cool guitar section near the end.

--- Modem sound leads into “Love in a Time of Surveillance.”  The “Pass The Baby (Here)” vibe returns.

--- “Pantomime”: middling.  [I take that back.  It builds well.]

--- Cool dark bloop effect during “Sick Sad Little World.”  Cool wash out section and abstract visuals.  Then a huge drum section.  Ironically, the first song in forever that I haven't smelled pot.  Keeps building!!!  Triptastic.  In the TOP THREE.

--- Lol at some guy to Brandon Boyd: “We love your abs.”

--- “Dig”: okay.  “Loneliest”: better.  Smokier.  Nice bass inflection on the last “tonight.”

--- “When I Became A Man”: oooh, SPACEY.  Transitions awesomely into “Throw Out The Map”!!  Such a simple, meaningful chorus.

--- “Nice to know you, goodbyeeeeee.”  The guy next to me's lyrics, motions, and mania added so much to the song!

--- Oooh, sitar section in “Aqueous Transmission.”  George Harrison what what.  The guy next to me FLIPS OUT.  Me, to K: “So that's what I look and sound like at a concert.”  K: “Yeah, you do.  Good job.”

Grade: A

210 -- Jimmy Eat World -- Tuesday, July 18, 2017 -- Xfinity Center -- Mansfield, MA

I was furious when I found after buying tickets that J.E.W. would be the opener, not the headliner.  This meant fewer songs, fewer fans, and fewer chances to make a connection.  This was especially frustrating because K (Erik Kastman) and I had spent many days coordinating a Boston visit to see them.

Luckily, I had no reason to be angry.  Jimmy Eat World’s performance was better than any opening band I’ve seen.  They seemed to take the built-in disadvantage as a challenge.  They threw more energy into this performance than any previous show.  It felt like a mission: You may not have come here to see us, and you may not get to hear everything you want to hear, but we WILL leave our mark.  

--- “Bleed American”!!!!  The fierce red backdrop and immediate contrast with the lackluster “Sure and Certain” gave it a power it's never had before.

--- “Big Casino”: yay at “New Jersey success story”!  Bruuuuuce.  The song reminded me of the times Bruce came up during the drive and during the pub dinner.  (Other satisfying pre-show moments included fitting in every Jimmy/Incubus prep track in time, and K nearly convincing me that Dookie was better than American Idiot.)

--- This guy to the right of me has his arm in a sling…yet he’s pumping with the other arm!  K: “I've got two arms, so I've got no excuse!"

--- “I Will Steal You Back”: meh, like the rest of Damages.

--- “Lucky Denver Mint”: better.

--- Cool new guitar solo intro to Hark's “Futures.”  Maybe because I've never been so close before, but I like that Jim Adkins looks like a maniac.  He’s not phoning it in for a second!  The fact that he keeps amping the crowd for Incubus is great too.

--- Hahaha at me calling the absurdly creepy departure “Pass The Baby (Here)” right before they play it!!  K can verify.  I had not known about the rhythm shift halfway through!!

--- “Pain”!!!!

--- “Work”: “Get out of this place while we still have time.”  No -- never leave!!!

--- “Hear You Me”: K cracking up at the Hark “ANGELs lead you in” section.

--- “Always Be”: not the strongest song for a short set, but points for originality.  Apparently it fits Molly Ringwald.

--- Gah at a new one, but “Get Right” does have some creepy baby-passing charisma.

--- “A Praise Chorus” into surprise “Sweetness”!!!!  Best opener ever.  Solves the “Middle” problem!!  Joy.  So glad for K.

Grade: A

209 -- Dispatch -- Friday, July 7, 2017 -- Merriweather Post Pavilion -- Columbia, MD

I have wanted to share Dispatch with people since the first time I heard “Elias” at a Oaxacan bus stop.  This time I got to share it with more people than ever before: with Hark, Anna Hickman, Alex Shiroma, Tom Swindell, Steve Busch, and (in electronic spirit), Ben Marzouk, Kevyn Allgeier, and Lisa Allgeier. Would the band be able to satisfy such a big group of fans? YES.  They said they were “gonna take it to the people,” and they definitely did.  
--- Chad Urmston casually walks on in a skirt that he never references during the show.  Was it a sign of solidarity with trans people after Texas tried to enact a new bathroom law?  If so, right on, Chad. 

--- “Be Gone”: smoky start!  Hark yelps, “Yes -- the catchy one!”  Awesome whoosh section three quarters through.  Best new song opener I've heard at a concert.

--- “Circles Around the Sun."  Lights cool -- song still mediocre.  So long, mediocrity -- harmonica brings it up!

--- “Passerby.”  Yay for Steve Busch.  “What a little child” is a catchy chorus I'd somehow missed.  Jam!!  I am excited for a song I barely liked in the past.

--- “Windylike” and “Fallin’”: meh.

--- Anna Hickman transforms “Bang Bang”!!  She’s on point with her hand motion, head bobs, and RAP LYRICS.  The tambourine’s cool too.  Anna's self-described “15-year-old coming out” is worth the price of admission.

--- The atmosphere in “Curse + Crush” is first-rate.  Love the Band of Horses “Funeral” vibe -- especially in enunciation on “shiiine”!

--- “Open Up”: Hahaha at Alex's literal “relax man off your back” on Anna's back.  For at least the fourth time tonight, they've taken a song I barely knew from the albums and made it so much better.

--- “Cover This”: too soft for me, but cool hand-held maracas and ukulele.  I also like how the drummer becomes singer.

--- “Rice Water”: “This song is about parents from Central and South America who put their kids on trains north in search of a better life.”  Another unexpected love.  I want to look online and read more!

“Flying Horses”!!!!!  Glorious.  The crowd got louder at each chorus, Anna and I auditioned for Dancing With The Stars, Hark ran Hark In Charge, and Alex cracked up the entire time.  So. Much. Bouncing.  Our CALVES.



--- Kiss at the end of “Bound By Love.”

--- “The General”!!!  I do not owe Tom Swindell an eaten bongo.  (Before the show, Tom had not been sure they would play “The General.”  I was sure they would – I said I would eat a bongo if they didn’t.  The only thing I ended up eating was [quality] Columbia pizza at Tom’s place afterward.)

--- “Bats in the Belfry”: jam city!!!

--- “Skin The Rabbit”: yet another strong song from the new album.  Props.

--- “Here We Go”!! This show has been a perfect mix of their new and old albums.  Interesting addition of the opener Marco Benevento on piano.  Aww, he's so excited to play.

--- Awww at our gut clasp during “Out Loud.”  There are ten made-up riffs in the middle, but the vocal in the last one is strong.

--- 20 year bandmate Pete Francis is off tour due to depression, and they offer a uplifting message.  Good for them.

--- “Only The Wild Ones.”  Gah for it sounding like Givers' “Up Up Up,” but wooo for it as a song.  Different band members playing the trumpet and clarinet?!  For Hark, they need to bring out a clarinet!

--- “Elias”!!!!  No need to mess with a classic.  Body summary of the rest of the show.

Grade: A

208 -- Rise Against -- Wednesday, June 14, 2017 -- MGM National Harbor -- Oxon Hill, MD

This Rise Against show was a bit of a disappointment.  They were the opening band not the headliner, parts of the setlist felt forced/jumbled, and most importantly, I was not able to share the experience as I was able to last time.

That said, it was a Rise Against show, so it was still a rush. Moments of black joy shot up time and time again.  Starting with…

--- “Re-Education”!!!  I was stuck in the back and middle during the opening two songs, where low-energy members of the crowd weren’t remotely “Ready to Fall.”  Once I moved close to the stage, though, Rise Against greatness came back in a heartbeat – one that was POUNDING AWAY. :)
   
--- “Satellite” featured a cool slow section, and “The Violence” was a solid new song, so more “Help [Was] on the Way.”

--- HA at the fact that communication broke down around me during “Welcome to the Breakdown.”  First, my phone flew out of my hand.  Next, I tried searching for it IN A MOSH PIT.  Then, when I found it, this guy came at me, insisting it was his girlfriend’s phone?!  By the end of the song, though, when I pulled up photos showing the man he’d lost his mind, he said sorry and hugged me!

--- “How we survive (who we are), that's what makes us who we are.”  Exactly what I told the Rock Club kids!!

--- The inspiration continues: “If you remember nothing else, resist the urge to bury your head in the sand.”  YES.  Mentions the GOP baseball field shooting from today.  Appreciate him mentioning the GOP baseball field shooting from today.  Love the rare moments when a band breaks the script of the rest of the tour.

--- Beautiful tone shift with “People Live Here.”  Haunting vocals.



--- Lol at most people not knowing “Wolves” and the awkwardly obvious images on the video screen.  Nice scream at the end though.

--- Whoa at all the new riffs during “Prayer of the Refugee”!!!! Best version I’ve ever heard of their best song.

--- Without an intro, “Make It Stop” feels less powerful than last time.  It’s as if, now that there’s less homophobia, they’re going through the motions.  Sigh.

--- “Savior” is much too calm to end on.  Sigh.  At least there’s still the sweet pause section.  And it’s Rise Against, so next time, with other people / stronger songs, they’ll be back on top!

Grade: B+ 

207 -- Wilco -- Friday, June 9, 2017 -- Wolf Trap -- Vienna, VA

Friday, June 9 was the worst day of the school year – by a mile.  There were not many bad days this school year, and I ended up getting over it, but I was not in a good frame of mind entering the show. 

On rare occasions that emotions make me ill, time is the only way I can heal.  I try to distract myself with sounds and visuals I normally like, but it doesn’t work.  Good things still feel bad.  Waiting is the only effective medicine.  I need time to feel better.

Until Wilco.  Little by little over the course of the show, the songs raised my spirit.  The performance changed my mood.  Jeff Tweedy, miracle worker – who knew? ;)  Here’s how it all happened:    

--- “On and On and On.”  Nice.  Promising non-mechanical start.

--- “Cry All Day.”  Fitting for today.  Ooooooh at the last verse.  

--- I'm flipping out at “I Am Trying To Break Your Heart.”  It's not even a song of mine, but the discordant lashes are miles above whatever was on the last two albums.  Plus, more importantly, the show is cathartic as hell.

--- “Art of Almost”!!!!  Lunacy.  My body is jungle gym.  Yes.

--- Started out slow, but the non-Schmilco funk of “Pickled Ginger” grew on me.

--- “We bring you tidings of great joy.  And confusion.”  HEE. 

--- So early for “Misunderstood,” but I'll take it.  The catalogue is deep, and it's awesome.  Kinda miss the violent “nothings” at the end, but the unpredictability points make it work.


  --- Some useless new song.

--- “Pot Kettle Black” sounds great by comparison.  Yay.

--- “It's such a beautiful night.  Sorry to play all these depressing songs.  Hope you're now depressed about something else.”  HA, appreciate it.

--- Still don’t like the crashes during “Via Chicago.”  Nice when they come out of them though.

--- Hehe, “that was all the finding-your-seats music.”

--- “Box Full of Letters” oddly feels better than “Impossible Germany” and “Jesus Etc.”  There are lower expectations, and it feels more original.

--- “Theologians”!!

--- “I'm Always in Love”!  An official new rule tonight: small songs are better than big ones!!  Aww, I look at the row in front of me, and this guy's like me – he’s flicking his head the whole time!!!

--- “We have more.  We have more.”  Woo!

--- Familiar works too!!!  “Heavy Metal Drummer,” “I'm The Man Who Loves You,” “Hummingbird,” and “The Late Greats” all rock.

--- Encore.  “Ashes of American Flags” earns non-sellout points.  It’s chill AND electric.  So many sides, Jeff, so many sides.  Don’t remember this riff ending. Nice!!

--- Sickkkkkk shift into...

--- “Spiders”!!!!  Still the crown jewel.  Endless reinvention.  This time with crowd is given the “bababa” chorus.

--- “California Stars” feels real smooth.  Heh at the bouncing Motown girl in front of me.  Another effortless shift.

--- At the start of the show, I wrote a Facebook status.  It was a shot in the dark I didn’t actually believe: “Time to lean on live music.  I have faith.  It will lift me up.”  Incredibly, that’s what happened.  Wilco saved the day. 

Grade: A+

206 – Explosions in the Sky – Tuesday, April 18, 2017 – Rams Head Live – Baltimore, MD

I came to Explosions through Friday Night Lights.  Their sound made the movie/show better, enhancing each scene it was in.  The words Matt Saracen said to his dad, the words Coach said to Matt as his surrogate dad, what Coach said at State -- it all meant more with the band's sound in the background.  https://drive.google.com/file/d/0Bw572hRD1diCZUNXZ1N6cDV6RlU/view

The sad difference, live, is that there were no words -- no scenes or stories either.  I thought I could get past that, could love an only-instrumental band, but I couldn't.  

I had reason to hope: (1) Songs that feature extended instrumentals are usually in my top two or three for my favorite bands.  (2) Explosions sounded great.  (3) They looked stunning.  

And yet......it was hard to connect. All this arresting little moments...lost a moment later.  Pensive one second, propulsive the next...and gone.  It's the same experience I've had with classical music.

It's my failing, not theirs.  It made me realize, though, that I need some known structure, some emotional tether, for a show to work.  

When I get that, I'm satisfied -- I find meaning.  I might be lifted up to heaven; I might be dragged down to hell.  Either way, I go somewhere.  I see more than scattered explosions in the sky...

Grade: C+

205 -- Green Day -- Monday, March 13, 2017 -- Verizon Center -- DC

I made a conscious effort not to overhype myself for this concert.  This approach paid off, as I was hooked from the first notes.  I wish the band had a video monitor, and I wish it used the “way-o” crowd call way less, but virtually everything else was great.

--- Smart decision to have everyone join in on “Boulevard.”

--- “If you're looking at me through your camera, you're not looking at me.  We need to rub up against each other.”

--- Hahah at Billie Joe Armstrong forgetting the lyrics to “Welcome to Paradise.” Hahahah at the talented kid on stage not forgetting anything.  Exuberant pubescent profanity!

--- “2000 Light Years Away” from 1991.  Um, time for the t-shirt cannon...

--- Brilliant D.C. MD VA poll!!  Gauging where the crowd is from is easy to do, and seems like something the audience and performers would find equally interesting.  [For the record, the most people were from MD.]

--- “When I Come Around.” The woman to the left of me is amazingly animated and on point.  The woman to the right knew EVERY lyric.  Worth the price of admission.  I also spoke to a fascinating female fan on the metro ride home, so wooo, women.

--- “I've had this guitar since I was ten years old.  Thanks, mom.”!!!

--- “Minority.”  Nice mini acapella launch midway.  No connection to today: ugh.

--- They connect the drummer to MD and VA.  YES.

--- “Are We The Waiting” into “St Jimmi”!!!!  My calves, the nine hour pause before “and don't wear it out”: awesome!!!

--- Lol at random jazzy sax.

--- “A big hand for Against Me.  For some of you, that band may change your life.  Just like Operation Ivy, the band behind ‘Knowledge,’ changed mine.”

--- “If they build a wall, we're going to scale it.”  As close as we're to get to meaning.  Awww at the girl's three chords!  Natalie gets to keep the guitar?!!!

--- “Basket Case”: melodddddy!!!



--- “King For A Day”: Jason Freeze on sax, from Nimrod, totally different/new.  Interesting.  Lol at the romantic badana-na-nuh.

--- Lol at Billie kick line during “I Want You To Know."  Meh at “Shout,” but the comedy is killer!!  Fading lights and sax work well.

--- “I want love and tolerance and compassion and joy.  Stick up for the little guy.  That might be me.  We all come from these ----d up backgrounds.  We can all come together and be ----d up together.”  Amen.

--- “No Satisfaction” into an amazing “Hey Jude”: judyjudyjude!!

--- “Still Breathing”!!  By way of Kelly Clarkson…  “Somewhere Now”: strong! “Forever Now”: fine.

--- “American Idiot.”  Ugh, toothless....no wait....the whole apolitical thing's been a slow play....“---- YOU DONALD TRUMP!!!”  I'm shocked how emotional it feels.  Agree or not, they’re taking a stand, a prerequisite for punk.  “Jesus of Surburbia”!!!!  Epic glory.  As usual, I wince at “retarded” – outdated/unacceptable.  Overall, though, “Jesus” is a true pop-punk “Jungleland.”

--- Structurally clever, emotionally right codas: “Ordinary World” and “Good Riddance.”

Grade: A

204 -- Jimmy Eat World -- Wednesday, December 14, 2016 -- 9:30 Club -- DC

The best part of this show was seeing it with Kevyn Allgeier.  His love of music equals/surpasses my own, and we tried to get together for a show for years.  The fact that it was for a band we’ve discussed for years, and I’ve seen for years, made it especially satisfying.

There was barely room to move during the show (let alone type much), but here’s an annotated setlist from the night:

--- “Get Right,” from the new Integrity Blues, was okay.  Not as good as the pre-concert food and drinks at The Saloon.

--- “Bleed American”!!

--- “I Will Steal You Back” from Damages.

--- “Big Casino.”  Love the way he says “New Jersey success story.”

--- “You With Me”: so different!

--- Heh, covering “Last Christmas” by Wham.

--- “Hear You Me” / “If You Don't, Don't.”

--- “Pass The Baby (Here)” has creepy charisma.  Woooo at the dananana half way though.

--- “Just Tonight.”  “Polaris.”  “Blister”!



--- “For Me This is Heaven.”  Shades of Friday Night Lights' Explosions in the Sky.

--- Wooo at the “Goodbye Sky Harbor” edit!!  So much better without a 10-minute bell ring…

--- “You Are Free.”  “Always Be.”  “Through.”

--- “My Best Theory”!  “A Praise Chorus”!!!!

--- “23.”  Love the builds and Explosions-like drive.  Surprise gem of the night!!!

--- “Work”!!

--- WHAT PLEASURE IN “PAIN”!!!!

--- The encore of “The Middle” and “Sure and Certain” isn’t as good, but overall, for Kevyn’s sake, glad J.E.W. delivered.

Grade: A

203 -- Adele -- Tuesday, November 8, 2016 -- Toyota Center -- Houston, TX

This Adele concert was one of the four worst concerts I have ever been to. Unlike the three other debacles, this had nothing to do with Adele.  Givers, Bob Dylan, and Jack Johnson performed miserably; Adele did not.  She was funny, personable, and sang a number of strong songs well.  

This had everything to do with the date: Tuesday, November 8, 2016.  With each song, I got more texts from friends.  With each song, I grew more confused and upset.  Eventually, I left – more accurately, I fled – only the second time I have ever left a show early.  Hearing people laugh and cheer when this was happening made the situation worse.  Who throws a giant party during a funeral?  

Musically, it was a solid B+ and, if I had been there longer, on another day, it might have moved up to an A.  This was November 8, 2016, however, and a concert cannot compete with a cataclysm.  If someone years from now doesn’t understand what I mean by that, consider this.  This is my Facebook status from later that night.  I was not the only one who felt like this: Every time I try to come up with a coherent thought, everything moves. My mind reels; emotions spiral. Had not considered this actually happening. Eventually, there is always hope. For now, despair.     

Grade [my overall concert experience]: D-

p.s.: The bullets below account for what the show was like before the dynamite was lit.  What could have been…    

--- Excellent windswept visual during "Water Under the Bridge."  Not a top song, but I like the like mini safari crash section that leads to the chorus -- the bridge, if you will…

--- Missed “Hello,” “One and Only,” and the underrated “Hometown Glory” thanks to not one, but TWO drunk rental-car GPSs.  This led to the scariest drive ever – scarier nearly falling asleep on the way back from Bruce at UVA.  *Somehow* made it.

--- That car ride was the final stretch of a long, outrageous road to Adele.  It started when, for the first time ever, asking for a single ticket on the day of a “sold-out” Verizon Center show did not work.  The night before there were a number of single tickets available, but I was spoiled, decided I preferred night two, and was left with nothing.  What I considered the only other viable show on the tour was in Nashville.  So, five days later, I took a 21-hour Greyhound bus ride to Nashville!  

The night of the show, the Vivid Seats ticket person left me a voicemail and texted me, I went to the spot he said to go to, and HE NEVER APPEARED.  Two straight hours of texts, emails, and calls later, Vivid Seats and I gave up.  The company said they had never experienced something that happening before, someone communicating that night, and then effectively being kidnapped, never to be heard from again.  They ended up giving me hundreds of dollars back, hence my ability to go to Houston, and I’m glad I got to tour Nashville, but still – what a trainwreck…     

--- “Skyfall”!  HA, she keeps the Oscar next to her toilet.  Brings back memories of Caleb Johnson!  Don't know about the scary eye, but the light show and build was great.



--- “I have to warn you -- I talk a lot.”  YES, talking makes the songs that follow better.

--- “This is my 103rd of 107 shows.  I have to drink the water in Houston.” Amazing crowd work!!!

---  “A Million Years.” I’m already upset thinking of the Rock Club Jimmy Eat World debacle, and these election texts are not helping… 

--- “I'm Your Allison Krauss.”  Awww, she found an Allison Krauss sign in the bathroom in Nashville.  This makes me feel slightly better during “Don't You Remember.”

--- Lol at her drunken shout out to Sia at her show in Austin.

--- “Make You Feel My Love.”  Flashlights.  Nice restrained note at the end.  It reminds me of what a writer Bob Dylan is what performers Straight No Chaser are.

--- “Sweetest Devotion”: love the much-needed sun. The backdrop, her look, her sound!!!  I didn't even like it on the album -- now I want it to keep going.

--- I cannot keep going if people keep sending me texts like this.  I hesitate to include scary election updates in the notes, but at this point, I can’t think of anything else.  How is this happening?  Noooooo.  I have to leave.

[Endnote: Thanks to James Porter and Hark that night, and the passage of time in the weeks after, I started to feel better.  Next time, though, I'll be sure to bear in mind when I schedule concerts in November...]