DeVotchka - May 21, 2008

Terminal 5 [9:30 pm to 10:45] ~$27

This DeVotchka show turned out to be another excellent performance. I have to admit that I wasn't looking forward to the show that day (tired, saw them in a small venue and fearful they would not pull off a repeat performance, etc), but DeVotchka were a successpulled out a great show. The played a live, energetic set. You got to love the strings, sousaphone, upright bass, horns, accordion, melodica, etc. In fact, it is the variety of instruments that ensured a great sound at the venue "everyone" slams for poor sound quality. I can see how Terminal 5 is rather sterile, but Devotchka overcame the ghost of Club Exit. Excellent set (I wish they actually followed down the suggested Bob Marley cover!). They haven't disappointed yet!

Other comments and pictures at BV!

Explosions in the Sky - April 8, 2008

Terminal 5 [8 pm] ~$17

I had to bail on this one, but koawmfot said...

excellent show. too short.

Gogol Bordello - November 3, 2007

Terminal 5 [8 pm] ~$27.50

Raconteurs - May 31, 2008

Terminal 5 [9:30 pm] ~$40

Jack, Brendan and the boys played a fantastic set on Saturday. Doug and I were a bit wary about the show since neither one of us cared for their new album much (Consolers of the Lonely). We arrived to Terminal 5 early to catch the much hyped opening band, The Black Lips. Man, they were boring. They had a lot of energy and the right musical references (early Rolling Stones, early Beatles, 13th Floor Elevators, The Clash, etc), but every song had the same beat, the vocals were indecipherable and overall just not very interesting. The Raconteurs came on shortly after their set. From the opener onward the band played a rockin' set. Most songs were off the new album, but this didn't take away from the musicianship, great guitar licks, simply stellar playing overall. Even the songs we really didn't care for sounded great live (with the exception of silly song, "Rich Kid Blues"). The closer of the pre-encore set was "Blue Veins". Man, what an amazing blues, Led Zepplenesque jam. Jack White's guitar playing was amazing throughout, as was Benson's and the rest of the band. It was refreshing to hear a current band play such classic, yet fresh sounding rock n' roll licks. Doug statement after "Blue Veins", was spot on. "Man, how do they follow that?" None-the-less the band came back (after a longer than anticipated pause due to White knocking over the head on his amp during "Blue Veins") and closed the show with the same energy. The crowd was ecstatic, and were extremely with our choice to check this one out.

Saturday night (May 31) setlist
Consolers of the Lonely
Hold Up
You Don't Understand Me
Top Yourself
Switch & Spur
Intimate Secretary
Old Enough
Together
Rich Kid Blues
Level
Steady As She Goes
Blue Veins
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Broken Boy Soldier (w/Nick Zinner of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs)
Salute Your Solution
Many Shades of Black
Carolina Drama

(Setlist from Brooklyn Vegan.)

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