Is it just me or has the Black Cat become the Peach Pit After Dark? Ivy became instaneously more enjoyable the minute the pack of loud frat kids in the dead middle of the crowd got bored and left. There are many other bars where you can act like a jerk-off and not pay a cover! The math seems simple enough to me.
stars at black cat?
Originally posted by Glass Arm Shattering:yeah, but how many places without a cover will make you think you're cool just for being there?
There are many other bars where you can act like a jerk-off and not pay a cover! The math seems simple enough to me.
I have to agree that it was a very strange crowd -an interesting mix. I was surrounded by a crowd of 30/40-something professionals who looked like they normally don't venture out. But, that said, the crowd was really into the music and ethusiastic. And I appreciated that. I thought Stars' set was great even with the so-so sound mix. (The trumpet and sax were too loud. Drowned out Amy's singing.) I hope they come back soon!
Oh and they said "We are Stars from Montreal." So that settles the city question.
Oh and they said "We are Stars from Montreal." So that settles the city question.
How was Ivy?? I'm so curious. Part of me hopes they were just so so. I wouldn't be surprised if I never have the chance to see them (they don't tour much….).
Originally posted by Bags:I lust for her…
Ivy??
<img src="http://www.yellowmelodies.com/e-zine/numero5/portadas/IvyCD.jpg" alt=" - " />
Astaire and Stars were terrific. Agree that the mix was wrong for Stars, could barely hear the female vocals, though overall they were solid. Astaire was alot more rocking than on their studio work. But Ivy was, kinda boring.
I thought the Stars were great, and it was good to see that a lot of people turned out to see them. I got bored with Ivy and left. Astaire was pretty good.
But I have become convinced that the black cat may well be the worst place on earth. Where else can you pay 10 dollars to be surrounded by rude people who talk loudly through the entire set (haven't witnessed this anywhere else!), and then have to venture down two flights of stairs and fight your way through a crowd of rude poseurs to use a bathroom that is always flooded? Grr.
If really good bands didn't play there, there would be absolutely no reason to go. I don't understand why anyone would go there just to hang out…maybe at 28 I'm just too old to understand how very very cool it is.
But I have become convinced that the black cat may well be the worst place on earth. Where else can you pay 10 dollars to be surrounded by rude people who talk loudly through the entire set (haven't witnessed this anywhere else!), and then have to venture down two flights of stairs and fight your way through a crowd of rude poseurs to use a bathroom that is always flooded? Grr.
If really good bands didn't play there, there would be absolutely no reason to go. I don't understand why anyone would go there just to hang out…maybe at 28 I'm just too old to understand how very very cool it is.
I thought Stars were amazing. I have not had as much fun at a show since I saw the Arcade Fire at the 9:30. Maybe I just have a thing for Canadian sepratists. I am not as tuned into what is a good sound mix but the Stars sound okay to me. I was only about 4 people from the stage so that might explain something.
It took me a little while to get into Astaire but they put on a good show. I spoke to the bother and sister after the Stars set and they were really nice, if that counts for anything. I only stayed for about half of Ivy's set. They were good but they seemed to lack a lot of energy following Stars. It is probably just a difference in styles.
As for all the talking in the crowd, I can't explain it. It is a bit rude but maybe from the bands' standpoint they figure that they are at least getting exposed to more people, so part of the trade-off is getting some jerks in the crowd. When I saw Bright Eyes at 9:30 I was surrounded by talkers and that show sold out weeks in advance and people had to scalp to get in. Maybe a lot of us are just rude.
It took me a little while to get into Astaire but they put on a good show. I spoke to the bother and sister after the Stars set and they were really nice, if that counts for anything. I only stayed for about half of Ivy's set. They were good but they seemed to lack a lot of energy following Stars. It is probably just a difference in styles.
As for all the talking in the crowd, I can't explain it. It is a bit rude but maybe from the bands' standpoint they figure that they are at least getting exposed to more people, so part of the trade-off is getting some jerks in the crowd. When I saw Bright Eyes at 9:30 I was surrounded by talkers and that show sold out weeks in advance and people had to scalp to get in. Maybe a lot of us are just rude.
Sounds like I made a good call between Ivy and Westerberg. While I LOVE Ivy, I had a feeling they could be a bit low energy for a Friday night show….I would have enjoyed seeing Stars, but it was Westerberg. ;)
And i agree with the wonder and puzzlement that a place where folks are PAYING to see a show could have so much chatter. Black Cat is the most chatter-ful place I've ever been. It can be very annoying (and I don't expect a club to be like a movie theater – folks are there with friends and shows are energetic, etc., but the chatter at the Cat can be beyond the beyond….).
And i agree with the wonder and puzzlement that a place where folks are PAYING to see a show could have so much chatter. Black Cat is the most chatter-ful place I've ever been. It can be very annoying (and I don't expect a club to be like a movie theater – folks are there with friends and shows are energetic, etc., but the chatter at the Cat can be beyond the beyond….).
when i first moved to dc going to any show that attracted hill ratz, i.e. Ben Folds Five, was sure to result in a huge networking fest.
possible solution to the "issue" at hand…
open a club between 9:30 and Black Cat which books primarily Dewey Beach and East Coast College circuit bands and make sure the cover is lower and the beer cheaper than the Black Cat.
have a skill testing question for those paying cover at the door.
require all those attending to wear dresses (an old chestnut from the days of King Kurt)
possible solution to the "issue" at hand…
open a club between 9:30 and Black Cat which books primarily Dewey Beach and East Coast College circuit bands and make sure the cover is lower and the beer cheaper than the Black Cat.
have a skill testing question for those paying cover at the door.
require all those attending to wear dresses (an old chestnut from the days of King Kurt)
Originally posted by kosmo vinyl:hahah … i'm sure a place like clarendon ballroom could do really well in the city
open a club between 9:30 and Black Cat which books primarily Dewey Beach and East Coast College circuit bands and make sure the cover is lower and the beer cheaper than the Black Cat.