Thursday, 8 Nov 2007
Remember when Bob Dylan played the second worst concert I’ve ever seen? Well, last night I taxied down to the Beacon Theatre and realized that it might not be Dylan’s over the hill live show that I despise, but might actually be his body of work. Obviously, I’m exaggerating here but quickly coming to the conclusion that even live Dylan covers will probably let me down.
I’m actually perplexed because I truly enjoy, for the most part, the recently released I’m Not There Soundtrack, but last night’s performances by MoB favorites like My Morning Jacket and Mason Jennings wasn’t enough to justify the price ($70) and certainly wasn’t enough to call it a good time. Sure J Mascis can play a mean guitar, and The Roots surprise performance of “Masters of War” to the tune of the Star Spangled Banner before unleashing their inner Hendrix was probably the evening’s highlight, but again didn’t keep me from repeatedly checking my watch.
The night concluded with most of the performers joined together for “All Along The Watchtower,” which started out with vocals way too low for me to even make out. Luckily, I’ve heard that song a million times already.
Full disclosure: I’m far from home and bummed I missed Richard Buckner and David Dondero at the High Noon Saloon. Did you make that show? If so, leave your review in the comments.
Update: Don’t miss pictures and coverage at Stereogum and Pitchfork.
Myspace: I’m Not There
Video: I’m Not There Trailer
November 8th, 2007 at 7:36 am
It would take one awesome concert t justify $70, but hey look at the bright side you’re in New York and if you know where to look tomorrow you could see a special surprise show by some Sweedish dudes that have been featured on TV shows everywhere.
November 8th, 2007 at 11:55 am
I happened to be in NYC for business and was able to land a ticket on the floor. I agree that the performances were wildly uneven. But Jim James, Calexico, MMJ, the Gomez guys, Jimmy LaFave, Tift Merritt, amd Moson J nailed their songs (and you could feel the audience energy rise because of it.) and it was cool to have Joe Henry as guitar for hire.
toward the end with the Million Dollar Bashers, the concert really grew tired and it seemed to negate the power of the other performances. Being from Louisville, it was a treat to see a show at the Beacon and to be a part of such an ‘event’ but as a music listener, much of it came across as celebrity karaoke.
And who are Edward Sharp and the Magnetic Zeroes? A little hippie chaos for the evening.
November 8th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
the bottom line is that it was a semi-low budget/amateur hour kind of affair. i was kind of taken aback by the sloppiness of it all. way too low vocals, accidentally unplugged instruments. technically, it was kind of a mess.
was it “worth” it? well, it went to charity so that’s good. plus i don’t think i could ever sit at home knowing MMJ is playing even one song in this city without being in the audience.
November 8th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
the show was a huge disappointment. MMJ, The Roots, and the cute kid that opened the show were great. everything else was, well, boring? bad? horrible? and heath ledger needs to get that big ass piece of gum out of his mouth when talking thru a mic.
November 8th, 2007 at 6:24 pm
I wasn’t aware this was a charity event, so I guess there was some good that came as a result of last night. Anybody know what cause it supported?
November 8th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
So I probably won’t be seeing you at the Lucero show in Chicago tomorrow night then, huh?
November 8th, 2007 at 11:55 pm
i think it proceeds went to 826 National, the Dave Eggers teaching kids how to write thing.