Shows This Past Week

So this past week, I saw two great ones. Couldn't be more different but great.

The Black Crowes.

http://www.theblackcrowes.com/

No introduction needed, these guys are the kings of Southern Rock & Soul. This show was a little weird at first. Since the Irving Plaza has changed its name to Filmore East at Irving Plaza (you know my feelings on this) they have forgotten their capacity. They over sell everything. It was too crowded and about 1000 degrees in there. The first set we actually were watching from outside the doors in the corridor to the left of the stage near the merch and LifeBeat tables.

The first set they played all songs off their new album Warpaint. For a group of songs I didn't know it was still awesome. Their songwriting and performance were great. They then came out for a second set and did a few crowd favorites, the best being "Sting Me."

Random Non-Music Related High Point.

During the set break, all the smokers ran outside to hack a butt before the second set. When they all ran, we were able to move to a prime spot near the stage in the main room... Long Live Joe Camel!

Justice.

http://www.myspace.com/etjusticepourtous

This French DJ duo, is pretty much the first time there has ever been a techno/house DJ that I can truly say I am an out right fan of. Their record Cross, gets normal play on my headphones, and I haven't been into this type of music since 99/2000 when the world seemed to all be on Ecstasy.

This was the most fun I think I have ever had at a concert all alone. I just danced for an hour and a half. They had 18 Marshalls stacked on stage along with the Theater at Madison Square Garden's house PA. It was loud and sweaty. It seemed impossible not to have fun and get caught in the energy. If you ever have the chance to see Justice and you feel like dancing... DO NOT MISS THEM. The picture shown is actually from my cellphone.

Random Non-Music Related High Point.

Easiest call ever. Between the set and the encore having the thousands of people there chanting the words to Justice's first hit with Simian. "Weare your friends, you'll never be alone again!"

Good Music Videos

The Smiths- Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before

The Inn LW12 (The Bar Card)

The Inn LW12
(Little West 12th & 9th ave)
I'm not someone who ever says lets go to the Meatpacking District. Its far from where I live and it's not at all the type of people i like to generally hang out at...

This past Friday night, we decided to leave the girls at home and go out about 6 or 7 guys. Which again is not something I would tell you to do in this part of town. The Inn was not like that at all. We walked right into the crowded bar. The bar was two floors and resembled a small bar that may be out in the mountains up state. I felt like I went from Manhattan to Haynes Falls. Of course, I just mean the bar itself not the clientele or music. They had bottle beer to chose from, Heineken, Corona and Budweiser.

This was probably a better place to go with a group than a date. I can't tell you what the case was during meal times, but at night it was much better for groups.

My biggest complaint about the bar was the fact that they didn't have good tequilas. The tequila they claimed to be there best tasted like watered down Cuervo.

Location.
As I said, this is not the location that I would like to go out in. You trek all the way out there and if the place sucks, you are only surrounded by pain in the ass clubs. The Meatpacking District has the uncanny ability to attract b&t people and lots of douche bags that think they are the shit. Some think they are ballers, some think they are euro trash, some think they are famous. You also get a large amount of tourists who have the same attitude as mentioned above.

Music.
The music was hip hop I remember that much. I don't remember it being awful southern crap. If I don't remember one way or the other, it probably wasn't to offensive but not very original.

Crowd.
Bridge & Tunnel or kids who just didn't get into Tenjune or Gansevoort or the likes.

I guess I would go back but it would never be my suggestion. And I will always make sure there is a plan B.

Good Music Videos

Cake- Short Skirt, Long Jacket

Shows This Past Week

I have decided that I am going to write about all shows that i got to for fun as opposed to shows I go to in interest of signing. This past weekend, John Sellers who wrote the book "Perfect From Now On" released on paper back. One of the things he did was add a section to the book of every big show he saw for a year. I am going to attempt doing the same thing (eventually)from now on I will just add each week.

Dax Riggs (Mercury Lounge)

http://www.myspace.com/daxriggs
Bluesy, metalesque. Possibly the hardest singer songwriter I have seen in a while. Dax sings with a suprisingly great range and plays the guitar. There is nothing overly complicated about his playing, but his dynamic voice makes up for it. He is joined by a drummer on the most minimal kit i have ever seen, no symbals. This was fantastic show that I recommend seeing if he is ever in your area.