Post Show Banter >>>>

vansmack wrote:
PSA: This review will contain spoilers for the upcoming Sturgill Simpson show at the Black Cat. 

tldr version: Sturgill continues to do what he wants, when he wants, where he wants.  If you don't care for the new album or his new sound, sell your tickets now.  If you looked at the set list and are expecting even the inkling of a country show, sell your tickets now.  This tour is 111% a rock and roll show, and it was awesome!  Ear plugs are for the weak, but The Brand was quite pleased that I recommended she bring a pair with her.

It's also a charity show, and all the proceeds including the merch, go to the Special Forces Foundation for fallen soldiers, so there's that.

He and the band play the entire new Sound and Fury southern rock inspired album all the way through, in order, to start the show so give that a listen prior.  I would even recommend watching the Netflix Anime release that came out with the new album - anime is not my thing, and at parts it seemed unnecessarily violent and sexist, but there's a nice female empowerment turn and the credits help explain some plot holes, which apparently is par for the course when it comes to anime (or so I was told).  I doubt I watch it again, but it did help put all the story in the lyrics of the new album together.

Knowing that he shocked a few people with his rock opening, he tried to play a song "for the ladies" out of order and failed miserably, not once, but twice.  That was of course, The Promise and he apologized and said "I guess you'll have to get married again" which was no doubt directed at me and The Brand as it was our anniversary and The Promise was our first dance.  Clever bastard, that Sturgill.

So he decided to get back on script and play the set list as it was predetermined, with a mix of songs from High Top, Metamodern and Sailor's Guide, with a few covers mixed in (Willie Nelson being the most recognizable).  However, ALL of these songs were played with his new rock sound - there wasn't a lick of country, not even an acoustic guitar.  I absolutely loved it and The Brand did not (I'll share her thoughts later).  They jammed a lot and just rolled into the next song often, which was fine with me. 

Nearing the two hour mark, they went back and did The Promise, again for the ladies, but this time getting it right, but also making it a new version (I think he called it a swing version or something like that) which was nice, and then hit the highlight for me which was ripping through Call to Arms, which was apropos given the charity, but he infused T-Rex's The Motivator into it, and it just shredded.  Hard to leave after that and not be super pumped up!

As I mentioned it was awesome for me, but The Brand, being of the country ilk, did not.  Her thoughts: (1) why didn't he sing more?  He has a great voice. (2) was it so loud because the venue is so small?  (3) Miles was looking super cute (4) That version of The Promise was the best she's ever heard, but wished he had played the rest of his older songs like they are on the albums.

Enjoy Monday!

Excellent banter.
now I am sorry that I forgot this onsale completely.
who here is going to hook me up?

Why do you refer to your partner as "The Brand?"

Is that a Cali thing?

vansmack wrote:

jeffml wrote:
GWAR at Ramshead Live

We probably would have covered the costs for that had you digitally document it for us….

Total missed opportunity.

vansmack wrote:
PSA: This review will contain spoilers for the upcoming Sturgill Simpson show at the Black Cat. 

tldr version: Sturgill continues to do what he wants, when he wants, where he wants.  If you don't care for the new album or his new sound, sell your tickets now.  If you looked at the set list and are expecting even the inkling of a country show, sell your tickets now.  This tour is 111% a rock and roll show, and it was awesome!  Ear plugs are for the weak, but The Brand was quite pleased that I recommended she bring a pair with her.

It's also a charity show, and all the proceeds including the merch, go to the Special Forces Foundation for fallen soldiers, so there's that.

He and the band play the entire new Sound and Fury southern rock inspired album all the way through, in order, to start the show so give that a listen prior.  I would even recommend watching the Netflix Anime release that came out with the new album - anime is not my thing, and at parts it seemed unnecessarily violent and sexist, but there's a nice female empowerment turn and the credits help explain some plot holes, which apparently is par for the course when it comes to anime (or so I was told).  I doubt I watch it again, but it did help put all the story in the lyrics of the new album together.

Knowing that he shocked a few people with his rock opening, he tried to play a song "for the ladies" out of order and failed miserably, not once, but twice.  That was of course, The Promise and he apologized and said "I guess you'll have to get married again" which was no doubt directed at me and The Brand as it was our anniversary and The Promise was our first dance.  Clever bastard, that Sturgill.

So he decided to get back on script and play the set list as it was predetermined, with a mix of songs from High Top, Metamodern and Sailor's Guide, with a few covers mixed in (Willie Nelson being the most recognizable).  However, ALL of these songs were played with his new rock sound - there wasn't a lick of country, not even an acoustic guitar.  I absolutely loved it and The Brand did not (I'll share her thoughts later).  They jammed a lot and just rolled into the next song often, which was fine with me. 

Nearing the two hour mark, they went back and did The Promise, again for the ladies, but this time getting it right, but also making it a new version (I think he called it a swing version or something like that) which was nice, and then hit the highlight for me which was ripping through Call to Arms, which was apropos given the charity, but he infused T-Rex's The Motivator into it, and it just shredded.  Hard to leave after that and not be super pumped up!

As I mentioned it was awesome for me, but The Brand, being of the country ilk, did not.  Her thoughts: (1) why didn't he sing more?  He has a great voice. (2) was it so loud because the venue is so small?  (3) Miles was looking super cute (4) That version of The Promise was the best she's ever heard, but wished he had played the rest of his older songs like they are on the albums.

Enjoy Monday!

I can't wait for this…however, I'm a little worrisome regarding the ticket scenario.

+/- 700 people at willcall… I'm assuming that process alone goes from 6 to 8ish? Enough time to get everyone in and show time between 8:30 and 9?

Space wrote:
Why do you refer to your partner as "The Brand?"

Is that a Cali thing?

he does, it's a directorial thing, and a one-off: i don't know of any other californians (or anyone anywhere, really) that refer to the SO in this way. 

Space wrote:
Why do you refer to your partner as "The Brand?"

Is that a Cali thing?

Because "smackette" was already used, and it would be inappropriate to recycle that, so I sought alternatives from friends and colleagues. "The Brand" rose to the top…

I once had a friend in college who referred to the significant others of his friends as "associations."

Yada wrote:
I can't wait for this…however, I'm a little worrisome regarding the ticket scenario.

I too was concerned, but The Independent handled it pretty well, actually, albeit with 200 less people than the Black Cat.  Doors opened at 7, we got in line after dinner (Little Star for those in the know) at about 7:10-7:15.  I just showed them my ID and we were inside by 7:30, near enough to the front for our liking, plenty of time to enjoy a Tecate or two (The Brand had Cabernet).

They did not start right at 8, which I can only assume was because there were still some people outside in line.  There was no opening band, but an injured Vet came out to talk about the charity at around 8:15.  He only talked for a couple minutes then Sturgill was off and running…we were at the wine bar across the street by 10:20.

Did you have Tecate at the wine bar?

I was already pretty psyched about the show, but this got me psyched-er (?).  Thanks for the recap!

Space wrote:
Did you have Tecate at the wine bar?

Don't be ridiculous.  A bottle of Sangiovese from Tuscany, of course…

vansmack wrote:

Space wrote:
Did you have Tecate at the wine bar?

Don't be ridiculous.  A bottle of Sangiovese from Tuscany, of course…

Built to Spill were awesome as usual.

A few random things… in 25 years of show going, it was the first time I've ever been cold at a show. I was literally directly under the massive AC vent and had no where to move due to a packed out. Froze my nuts off.

Also, The Satellite Room was hosting some virgin video game night and had music absolutely blasting. I hopped in there between Love as Laughter and Built to Spill. The music was so loud that during Built to Spill's set you could hear bass coming through the walls of the club, pretty annoying.  Hey Seth…

copy paste to Hey Seth thread or email 930….

Beers and bites before the show…check
Pre-show boardie meetup which I enjoyed…check
Not sold out on a Saturday night…check
Mellow crowd who were actually pleasant and polite…check
Great show by Luna…check
Home by 9:45pm…check

Can we get an annual early show on a Saturday in October? I hope the not sold out factor doesn't banish them to playing the Black Cat. If Jonathan Richman can continue to get booked once a year, so should Luna.

Absolutely loved the Luna show. Great Boardie turnout! Saw Bagley and Sidehatch, and Hutch was heading to the bar before I could say hi. I heard Space was there too. Thought it was a fantastic audience, great performance. I'm just bummed about the 90-minute time limit because I had asked for "Blue Thunder", the Galaxie 500 song, and it was on the setlist but they had to skip it.

Good seeing you fellow boardies.

I highly approved of the early show time and hope for more in the future.

I personally thought the show was just ok… not bad, but a pretty much "going through the motions" type of show.

I so enjoyed Luna….Britta’s backing vocals were too loud though

For $25 90 minutes was fine but show seemed rushed… I hate hate hate early shows…

For me show had an air of finality…I doubt they will be back to 930 and I just think they have nothin left…it’s just repeating themselves

Maybe I want to find something newer, with more energy…I am just going to too many has been shows…Wilco next week


Crowd was decent size but this with the enticement of Penthouse

hutch wrote:
I so enjoyed Luna….Britta’s backing vocals were too loud though

For $25 90 minutes was fine but show seemed rushed… I hate hate hate early shows…

For me show had an air of finality…I doubt they will be back to 930 and I just think they have nothin left…it’s just repeating themselves

Maybe I want to find something newer, with more energy…I am just going to too many has been shows…Wilco next week


Crowd was decent size but this with the enticement of Penthouse

Couldn't agree more… I can't even make myself think I want to go to that Wilco show, what a complete snooze fest that new release is and the last song I need to hear is California Stars.

You were missed at the pre show board meeting.

Yada wrote:

hutch wrote:
I so enjoyed Luna….Britta’s backing vocals were too loud though

For $25 90 minutes was fine but show seemed rushed… I hate hate hate early shows…

For me show had an air of finality…I doubt they will be back to 930 and I just think they have nothin left…it’s just repeating themselves

Maybe I want to find something newer, with more energy…I am just going to too many has been shows…Wilco next week


Crowd was decent size but this with the enticement of Penthouse

Couldn't agree more… I can't even make myself think I want to go to that Wilco show, what a complete snooze fest that new release is and the last song I need to hear is California Stars.

rumor has it that they'll be playing Heavy Metal Drummer on this tour, not to be missed!!!

Loved the Luna show.  I thought they were in a nice groove their entire set.  Penthouse is such a great record.  It was the best Luna show I've seen since they resurfaced in 2015.  Dean's guitar playing shimmered.  Justin often had a brush in one hand and stick in the other.  The sound overall was great, though I do agree with Hutch - Britta's vocals were up too high.  Highlight for me was a blissful "Hedgehog".  As far as the set length goes- 17 songs seems to be about the average on this tour (some venues got 15, so I can't complain).

Always a pleasure running across Hutch and Bearman.