Last night I went to the Ryman to see Manchester Orchestra & Kings of Leon- oh yea, Black Rebel Motorcyle Club (which I will now refer to as BRMC) played too. Aside from them, the show was brilliant. Going in I knew Manchester Orchestra would A) be awesome and B) no one would be there to see it. We got there around 7:20 to make sure and catch them, we being Ben and I- April came down sick and couldn't tackle a show on a rainy night, so Ben stepped in. As predicted, Manchester O took the stage at 7:30 on the dot and started off with the first two tracks off their album, and were loud, tight, and great. they played most of their album, minus the acoustic slow songs. I would like to say they were well received, but who knows- time will tell. My prediction is they will headline here next year, somewhere. The house was only about half packed as they finished their set with "Where have you Been?"- which I've seen them close with twice now, and always works well. The lull in the show was about to happen as they set up for BRMC- and we hung outside with our addictions firmly in use. On a side note- the Ryman security (for certain shows) has gotten crazy strict. They actually had a checkpoint and no re-entry for the show- weird. Apparently at the Modest Mouse show a couple of months prior, they started having problems with ticket passing around and there ended up being 12 kids in one row or something- sigh. It's always a few morons that are too cheap to buy a ticket and now I'm smoking in a cage 7 inches from a security guard bitching about his job- so, thanks- for that. I hear BRMC take the stage, but somehow my legs do not care to gravitate back into the venue. We finally decide to check it out- I think we lasted 3 songs before writing those guys off and going back for more drinks and habit. I really don't get BRMC- I actually have an older album, "" and have tried to listen to it with no luck of it ever sticking. I just don't see it. The name for one is terrible- and their all black, psuedo-tough look is almost laughable. It would be different if they really rocked your face off, but they seem to try a million different kinds of songs as they were constantly swapping singers/instruments between two of the trio. One song with an acoustic guitar and harmonica combo- then switch singers and it's a loud droning song with a Trent Reznor stance- I was not digging whatever they were trying to do so we hung outside and took our places in the liquor line. They eventually finished their set and we made it back to our seats (4th row center balcony) just in time for the Kings to come out. perfect. Say what you will about the Kings of Leon, but they give you a damn good performance. I mean, in the popular rock genre- this is what I expect for my money, tons of songs, incredibly tight playing, lights, etc. It had it all- and that plus their songs was just incredible. The band themselves did not do anything crazy at all, but they looked sincere in their grins, and that vibed out to the crowd. In fact, the crowd was the best part of the show. I hope these guys realize just how fucking dedicated their fans are- and how much that community-type vibe makes their music even better. Just looking around you couldn't avoid catching the buzz from everyone in the room. The energy was high, the music was loud, and I'd say drunk or not, everyone in the room was buzzing from their set. I'd highly recomend seeing them, especially on this tour- I love all three albums put out so far, so they could do no wrong on stage. Even a new track they played was great and seemed well received by the crowd. My only "bitch" would be their merch was outrageous! I'm thinking $35 bucks for a T-shirt is F-ing ridiculous no matter who you are- especially since they are just regular ass shirts that weren't even that cool. They did have a Hatch print for a reasonable amount as usual that I really like- and KOL had a 5 color tour screen print for a measly 75 dollas! wtf? I even see the value in a 5 color print- no doubt- I get it- it's rare, nice, etc. But 75 bucks is nuts! How how I wanted one. Perhaps one day I'll see it at a poster show and pick it up, until then I'l be satisfied with my Hatch print and a great live performance.
