March 2025 Challenge Thread - Live Music (Really) Is Better!

Day 12: The Strokes October 2019, Ohana Festival – This was probably the only time I felt like the crowd was out of control at a show. The rush of people to the stage when the Strokes hit the stage was like a wave, honestly a pretty scary feeling. Play something by an artist with rabid fans.

Beyoncé – Cowboy Carter
1000015096.jpg


They Bey Hive would definitely fit the description of rabid fans.
 
Day 12: The Strokes October 2019, Ohana Festival – This was probably the only time I felt like the crowd was out of control at a show. The rush of people to the stage when the Strokes hit the stage was like a wave, honestly a pretty scary feeling. Play something by an artist with rabid fans.

I only saw The Dead once, and I was distracted because I was on a first date with someone. I ended up marrying her best friend and it lasted less than a year. Oh well, whatever the path, I'm super happy now.

IMG_1470.JPG
 
Day 10: Simon & Garfunkel November 2023, Cox Arena – A wholly unexpected reunion tour that was fantastic. Play something by a band that has disbanded, bonus points if they did a reunion tour.

LCD Soundsystem "This Is Happening" (2017 DFA)
Disbanded after this studio album and a big farewell show in 2011, but reunited in 2017 for American Dream and more touring.

IMG_0180.JPG
 
Day 11: Steely Dan May 2022, North Island Amphitheater – This was not a good concert, definitely felt like Donald Fagen was phoning it in. Glad to say I saw them (even if it was post-Walter Becker) is about the best I can say about this show. Play something by an artist who had a release that disappointed you, or that was disappointing in concert.

The Cars "The Cars" (1978 Elektra; 2023 Rhino HF)
Not this album, it's a genuine classic. But their late 80's follow-up to Heartbeat City, which broke them into the mainstream was a massive let-down: Door To Door was a disappointment to me at the time. I obviously don't own a copy.

IMG_0879.JPG
 
Day 12: The Strokes October 2019, Ohana Festival – This was probably the only time I felt like the crowd was out of control at a show. The rush of people to the stage when the Strokes hit the stage was like a wave, honestly a pretty scary feeling. Play something by an artist with rabid fans.

Started seeing Lucero semi-early in the game. The crowds grew and after a few years became one of the most boorish, obnoxious fan bases I can ever recall. Many felt entitled to the point of having total disregard of others. It's like they somehow felt they were a part of the show with a carte blanche to act like assholes. Stopped going to see Lucero after this.

Lucero always welcomed tapers. Here's a nice version of 'Smoke' I taped in the sweet confines of the Visulite Theatre during a full band tour with the horn section. Lucero was at its best with the horn section...




Lucero - Live From Atlanta: November 22, 23 & 24, 2013

IMG_6455.jpeg
 
Last edited:
Day 10: Simon & Garfunkel November 2023, Cox Arena
Play something by a band that has disbanded, bonus points if they did a reunion tour.

Dinosaur Jr. - Beyond
IMG_5682.jpeg
Dinosaur Jr. has never broken up but Lou Barlow’s departure was felt and it was a bit surprising when they got back together and released several outstanding album with their original lineup intact. Endless touring has also thankful been apart of the reunion just don’t forget your ear plugs.
 
Day 13: Tash Sultana October 2019, Ohana Festival – Play something by a solo artist.

If you've ever seen a solo electric Bob Mould show, you know how cathartic an experience it is. If you havent't, imagine Bob playing with Husker Du, Sugar or his own band, remove all the members except Bob and you're there. He plays with the same energy and force solo as he plays with a band.

Here are a couple songs from a Bob Mould show I taped three years ago at The Grey Eagle, a sublime little dump with a capacity of 400 and a kickin' taqueria on the premises. This is a matrix, roughly 60% from my mics and 40% from the SBD. Crank it...




Speaking of catharsis...

Bob Mould - Black Sheets Of Rain

IMG_7973.jpeg
 
Day 11: Steely Dan May 2022, North Island Amphitheate. Disappointing

Bob Dylan - Live 1975: Rolling Thunder Revue

I've been to Dylan gigs that are disappointing. One springs to mind around the turn of the century. And then there are amazing Dylan gigs. Such as this one on wax, and the most recent time I saw him.

Paired somewhat incogruously with the Bluetones for my 11th gig. Don't remember much about them but as it was my v local venue with mates it would have been v sweaty...



IMG_2719.jpeg
 
Day 13: Tash Sultana October 2019, Ohana Festival – As opposed to The Strokes, Tash played a mellow yet spectacular sunset set. Just her looping various instruments creating a great collage. Was wholly unfamiliar with her before, but have made it a point to see her every time since. Play something by a solo artist.

Ohana is Eddie Vedders annual festival that supports Surfrider and other Ocean Conservation organizations. One of the best parts of the early years was Eddie doing solo sets, he was able to make a large festival seem very intimate. Would love for him to go back to this format again.

First time I saw Eddie solo was on the Into the Wild tour. Main focus was on this fantastic album, with some great covers thrown in - Walking the Cow, Trouble, I Am A Patriot, and Throw Your Arms Around me with Liam Finn, who opened the show.

Eddie Vedder ~ Into the Wild

IMG_4329.jpeg

IMG_4330.jpeg

 
Day 11: Steely Dan May 2022, North Island Amphitheater– Play something by an artist who had a release that disappointed you, or that was disappointing in concert.

Vampire Weekend - Modern Vampires of the City

From their debut to their 3rd album (this one) I thought Vampire Weekend was getting better and better. I was really disappointed with their fourth, Father of the Bride. Outside of a few songs, it felt like a huge downgrade from their previous material.

Luckily their most recent was excellent and a return to form.

IMG_9234.jpeg
 
Day 10: Simon & Garfunkel November 2023, Cox Arena – A wholly unexpected reunion tour that was fantastic. Play something by a band that has disbanded, bonus points if they did a reunion tour.

The Replacements - Pleased To Meet Me

That reunion show was amazing

View attachment 229033View attachment 229034
I saw the Replacements once back in '91, but a lot of memory of the show is lost to time. Just found this recording of it, will have to give it a listen.

 
Day 11: Steely Dan May 2022, North Island Amphitheater – This was not a good concert, definitely felt like Donald Fagen was phoning it in. Glad to say I saw them (even if it was post-Walter Becker) is about the best I can say about this show. Play something by an artist who had a release that disappointed you, or that was disappointing in concert.

Counting Crows - August And Everything After

Just terrible live. I have a friend that would drag me to see them, and awful every one of the 4 or so times.

IMG_3537.jpegIMG_3533.jpeg
 
Day 12: The Strokes October 2019, Ohana Festival – This was probably the only time I felt like the crowd was out of control at a show. The rush of people to the stage when the Strokes hit the stage was like a wave, honestly a pretty scary feeling. Play something by an artist with rabid fans.

Tool - Opiate

Sounds like the fans were a little fed up this last week with their shows, wanting more.

IMG_3536.jpegIMG_3535.jpeg
 
Day 12: The Strokes October 2019, Ohana Festival – Play something by an artist with rabid fans.

Death Grips - The Money Store

I knew Death Grips fans could be a bit much. And I was expecting the crowd to be pretty wild when I went to see them live. But I did NOT expect the level of intensity from the crowd as soon as they started their first song. I wasn’t even near the front and everyone around me was pushing and surging towards the front. Felt like a tidal wave.

IMG_9241.jpeg
 
Day 13: Tash Sultana October 2019, Ohana Festival – As opposed to The Strokes, Tash played a mellow yet spectacular sunset set. Just her looping various instruments creating a great collage. Was wholly unfamiliar with her before, but have made it a point to see her every time since. Play something by a solo artist.

Mark Lanegan - I'll Take Care Of You

IMG_3538.jpegIMG_3534.jpeg
 
Day 11: Steely Dan May 2022, North Island Amphitheate
Play something by an artist who had a release that disappointed you.

Fisher Jan Moosey - Mahashmashana
IMG_5689.jpeg
Josh Tillman’s run of albums under the Father John Misty moniker has been nearly flawless but his previous album, Chloë and the Next 20th Century I found to be kind of a bore. So much so I actually got rid of it during my last purge of my record collection. His latest was much more what I was hoping for.
 
Back
Top