Blackliner got it right.
This show was amazing but in such a completely different way than the Pinhook show. One not being better than the other. Just completely awesome for different reasons.
If the Pinhook was bolts of lightning and electricity coursing through the room, then this show was the earth shattering thunder. There was so much energy. Raw energy. It wasn't JD holding the audience balanced on the edge of every note he plays beautifully and captivating. This was loud, in your face, blasts of the Mountain Goats songs much in a way I've never heard them played before.
JD, PPH, and Jon were armed with a full on assault of crashing drums, tremendous bass lines, and vocals that weren't indie folksy thoughtfully delivered pensive and delicate. They were raw and loud and heavily rocking us all into oblivion!
PPH cleared up an awful misconception for me. I was always under the impression (mostly due to my lack of knowledge on the subject, im sure) that the bass was mostly "bum bum bumbum bum" or some such rhythmic pace. But PPH played that bass like there was no limit to what it could do. He rawked the HELL out of the second BEDMiD!! But nothing came close to the outrageously mind blowing drum solo Jon Wurster gave to finish that same song and end the night.
You could tell how much fun everyone was having on stage AND in the audience. JD especially. Not only were we all a witness to his love for Durham and North Carolina once again (if ever they needed a spokes person to sell someone on the area they should look him up!) but we were all a witness to how much JD ENJOYS playing with the band. I can see why. It's not that it isn't absolutely lovely to see and hear him perform solo. This show was my 6th and only my second seeing him with the full band (the first being the Black Pear Tree tour) so it's not that I don't have a deep and profound appreciation for what he can do on that stage alone. BUT! When he gets up there with PPH and Wurster, it's like he has had new life breathed into him! Not even at the Black Pear Tree show, however, did I see them all invoke such wholehearted enthusiasm and energy. JD alone is a force to recon with but with the band backing him, unhinged and wide open, they are unstoppable!
I'm so glad I was there to see this particular show. I danced my ever loving ass off! Now I can see what potential the music has when performed with everyone. I would never miss a full band show. (ok, it's true, I would most likely not miss ANY show if I could help it, hahaha)
Mad, crazy, insane props to them all!
I did take some pix. I chose to bring the zoom lens thinking, meh, 8 o'clock, it'll still be fairly light. But then began to regret that decision as it grew darker and darker. But still, a few came out. Some better than others.
Prolly none as good as kittenry's though! Congrats on that photo! SO good!!
Here's mine... [
www.flickr.com]
ETA: I think this photo also sums it up pretty nicely! haha
A fly can't bird but a bird can fly.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/29/2010 05:07PM by Mtn. Girl.