KICKING OFF THE SUMMER...
I saw two of the best rock shows I can remember this weekend...there’s not a single excuse to miss either of these bands if they come your way...Saturday, June 27, 2009
Explosions in the Sky at the Palladium - it was like watching a film. I never use the word “epic” to describe things, but that’s the only word I can think of for these guys. I’ve never seen dudes play guitars like that and I’ve never been at a show with such heavy-hitting mixed with light, beautiful melody. The guys would play until their guitars fell off. They’d drag the guitars around the stage. Then they’d play the most delicate solos...
I don’t know how many bands can captivate a bunch of kids for an hour and a half without any lyrics, everyone was glued to the stage, rocking out. The almost-Pavlovian response from watching so many episodes of “Friday Night Lights” is one thing, but the cinematic and awe-inspiring show was a complete surprise. A must-see.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Phoenix at the Wiltern - WOW. I can’t remember the last show I saw in LA that had a crowd as fired up as the one last night. Our little foursome all agreed after the show that we had seen something special. I love the new record, but that show blew my mind. I almost forgot how many great songs they have... something about these guys on stage was just magic.
And to top that, they’re French!
Thomas, the lead singer, jumped down in the pit to dance with the kids during the encore...pretty cool. But the coolest...
After the end of the show, the band left the stage...then “Rock With You” immediately came on over the PA. I don’t think a single person left the venue - the house lights were up, but the place instantly became a huge dance party...the mixed emotions of what we’d just seen and the tribute to MJ was pure bliss. After a cursory glance online, I’m thinking that Phoenix is doing this after every show (which is tremendous)...but it should become law: every venue must play a Michael Jackson song after the end of every show. No better way to end (or begin) the night...
Update: Phoenix on KCRW yesterday here.
****
(first posted at scottycrowe.com).
Sponsor me in the Young Storytellers MENTOR-A-THON here.
