Late for a concert? Unheard of, except for this time. I did have one hell of a reason though – I spent the afternoon preparing audio clips of an interview featuring Latina’s Editorial Director and President Obama for a post that was going up that evening. I eventually met up with my friend Rob at his office and we made our way to the show.
The walk from MTV’s offices to the Best Buy Theater started with a novel, yet deplorable, thought: whoever gets the extra ticket in our possession has to take a punch to the face. Would this ever really happen? Of course not! Do I like making business suit-clad by-passers wince? Hell yes! After a quick trip to what I think is the best bagel shop in Manhattan to grab a quick sandwich, we found someone who was looking for a ticket and simply gave it to him. You could tell that the lucky recipient was thinking, “what’s the catch?” But there wasn’t one. What’s the point in having a ticket that isn’t being used, especially when there’s such a great show going on? We began walking in to the venue when we were offered a round of drinks as a thank you. Can’t say no to that!
We missed both opening acts – New Riot and Rodeo Ruby Love. Another friend of Rob’s met up with us, outside of the performance area as we enjoyed our free booze. This was a special treat – someone else with similar music tastes at mine? Folks like that seem to be far and few between these days. Anyway, the next thing I know some of the guys from New Riot were chatting with us. They are a great bunch and if you haven’t heard their music yet, check them out now. I have to admit, my inner monologue kept firmly saying, “Don’t do it! Don’t! do it!” as I thought about making a remark about how the gentlemen of New Riot appeared as if they were from London, and I’m happy to say that I behaved. The line caused some tension between a friend and a bar patron who was clearly from across the pond last Friday, so I decided it would be better to just smile and tell a joke about Chilean miners instead. Classy.
Reel Big Fish’s set started off a bit slow; I can’t quite explain what felt out of place, but it was like something was missing. Maybe Aaron wasn’t at 100%, which would make complete sense considering the complications related to a ruptured appendix back in July. Perhaps it was related to Scott Klopfenstein’s absence? He was mentioned several times during the set, “Hey, where’s Scott? I thought I saw him over there!” Who knows – they’re still a great band, even when something’s not quite right. The performance picked up by the 3rd or 4th song and the sold-out venue was more energized than I’ve ever seen it before. Skank pits formed all over the floor and the entire house was having a good time. I even saw a security guard dancing a bit at one point later in their performance.
The band ended their set with several renditions of Suburban Rhythm, including a Disturbed-inspired new metal version, and Another F.U. Song:
Streetlight Manifesto hit the stage pretty quickly after Reel Big Fish. We walked out to the bar to grab a drink, and the next moment we heard Streetlight get in to their first song. Their set was strong right from the start. Their second song, Down, Down, Down to Mephisto’s Cafe is a personal favorite of mine. The guy screaming “Catch!” was promptly punched in the stomach. It’s OK, I know him.
At one point between songs, Tom briefly mentioned that their forthcoming album was about 50% complete. 99 Songs of Revolution: Vol1 was a great release, but I can’t wait to hear some new original material from Streetlight. A new album would be a great holiday gift. I’m just saying.
We got the opportunity to watch the 2nd half of Streetlight’s set from one of the VIP areas, providing us with not only a great view of the band but the entire audience. Being a part of the audience on the floor is one thing, but seeing it from above is completely different. Close up, you have the hands and feet of sweat-soaked fans flying past you from every angle in some form of orchestrated chaos, but taking a few steps back provides you with a view of something else – a rhythmic flow of bodies, guided by a some horns, a couple of guitars, a drum kit, and some of the most well written lyrics in the genre.
Streetlight came out for an encore and played Here’s to Life and Somewhere in the Between:
The night was still young, but I was feeling old. I found a furry wall and called it a night.
Two references of movies with Russel Brand in them? It’s time to stop writing, grab a drink, and give the new Big D and the Kids Table album another listen.
Lesson learned: Free booze wins over a punch in the face any day. Period.
