I'll start by addressing the utter contradiction to my last post that I am about to spout at you - I walked into Terminal 5, having purposely missed the new Secret Machines band, and I was completely engrossed, even as I handed my ticket stub to the man at the door, by The Raveonettes. They were playing new stuff off of their soon-to-be-released Lust Lust Lust, including a finale with "Aly, Walk With Me," the song I accused of being listless and disappointing. Perhaps Terminal 5, a lacking venue, facilitated their ghost-surf sound. The chick drummer that was with them was, as well, was a good addition. She had such passion and vigor with the symbols and the snare, making the set sound like a thunderstorm. The Raveonettes conjured up a tempest, and it was damn cool.
Blonde Redhead, who always convey wisdom, misery and joy with their sets, came off as half-victims to a flawed sound system and half-sampling too much of the record; thus, it all peeled away at the illusion that there was this living euphoria being presented to you. Granted, this wasn't even 1/1000 as bad as the girls with cameras, taping entire songs for YouTube or some other purpose. Nothing pulled you out of the realm of a surreal concert setting more than camera screens capturing the entire thing in front of you. Our eyes are naturally dragged to the screen, so, stop! Highlights were Paul Banks's guest appearance, playing guitar on "23;" the melty sounds of "Dr. Strangeluv," "Falling Man," and by far, "Melody." As far as sampling goes, why would a band sample vocal tracks that doesn't need to. This isn't Disney - this is a band that used to collapse at the alter of Sonic Youth. As well, the sound, especially during my favorite song on 23, "Spring and by Summer Fall," was close to being baseless. The sound was too tinny to consume the audience in lush oohs and melodies.
Blonde Redhead, who always convey wisdom, misery and joy with their sets, came off as half-victims to a flawed sound system and half-sampling too much of the record; thus, it all peeled away at the illusion that there was this living euphoria being presented to you. Granted, this wasn't even 1/1000 as bad as the girls with cameras, taping entire songs for YouTube or some other purpose. Nothing pulled you out of the realm of a surreal concert setting more than camera screens capturing the entire thing in front of you. Our eyes are naturally dragged to the screen, so, stop! Highlights were Paul Banks's guest appearance, playing guitar on "23;" the melty sounds of "Dr. Strangeluv," "Falling Man," and by far, "Melody." As far as sampling goes, why would a band sample vocal tracks that doesn't need to. This isn't Disney - this is a band that used to collapse at the alter of Sonic Youth. As well, the sound, especially during my favorite song on 23, "Spring and by Summer Fall," was close to being baseless. The sound was too tinny to consume the audience in lush oohs and melodies.
This doesn't at all take away from my love for them. But, bands should just keep booking Webster Hall and not so much Terminal 5. Leave this venue for smaller bands and late night showings of World War II -era movies.
Blonde Redhead are incredible. Now I just feel bad.
No comments:
Post a Comment