Saturday, 12 Apr 2008
Sometimes I wonder why bands are reluctant to come to Madison, then I remember that nobody comes to see them the first time through town and that probably resides in their memory when routing future tours. Unfortunately, Jesse Malin was last night’s victim. I suppose one could argue that Bon Iver playing across town suckled from his draw, but, at least in my mind, I don’t really see too many crossover fans.
Despite the lack of attendance, an upbeat Malin took the stage and turned the evening into a storytellers type performance. Throughout the evening he went on to describe how he once laid his manhood on a schoolmates desk as a backlash to teasing, songs about loving someone that will never love you, bumping into Yoko Ono on the streets on NYC, and a couple times dismissing his oft-assumed perception of drug use.
The songs speak for themselves, he’s got a handful of records that I’d recommend to anyone on any day. Performing with acoustic guitar and accompanied only by a keyboardist, the duo nailed what had to be an intimate performance. The surprises got marched out as well: Milan played a beautiful cover of The Hold Steady’s “You Can Make Him Like You,” which was bittersweet considering they were playing at Turner Hall in Milwaukee last night, and part of me wanted to be there as well (how was that show?).
I was surprised to see Jesse emerge for an encore, wearing a Michaigan T-shirt, I guess that’s deserving. At his request. the audience sat in a semi-circle on the floor as he sat in the middle for a really nice take on Neil Young’s “Helpless.” He somehow managed to make it all the way to the bar with his microphone chord where he ordered a shot of Tequila, toasted the crowd and downed it. We got a couple more songs before the evening came to a close.
If you dug The Hold Steady cover, pick up On Your Sleeve, Jesse’s record of cover songs including his take on the Ramones, the Clash, Lou Reed, and Sam Cooke.
Myspace: Jesse Malin
MP3: Jesse Malin – “You Can Make Him Like You” (The Hold Steady)
Find MP3’s at The Hype Machine or buy stuff from Strictly Discs | eMusic
April 12th, 2008 at 11:25 am
the hold steady show was fantastic. the band was great and the guitarist from lifter puller played with them for the encore. the crowd, while large (i think sold out), was mostly lifeless beyond the first few rows unfortunately, which made for an odd dynamic, especially considering those $3 pbr silos in arms reach. the security was unusually aggressive for a pabst show, pushing a few people off of the stage or yanking them legfirst from the crowd when several tried to jump up and dance there during the encore. you definitely lose something when you take a band like that and put them into a cavernous room. anyway, it was my first time in that venue and i really enjoyed the space, the comparisons to the sf fillmore are spot on.
April 13th, 2008 at 7:41 am
american music club were performing an amazing set as well that night,
a big night for quality music in madison.
April 14th, 2008 at 6:43 am
I really thought the Hold Steady played an excellent show, but I was not impressed by the crowd. It was a sell-out, but most everyone in my vicinity just stood around and talked. I was also pissed to see people from quite a few rows back throwing shit on stage during “Killer Parties.” Craig Finn actually walked off stage before the song was completely over when something nearly hit him.
April 14th, 2008 at 9:07 am
i dont think it’s accurate to say there isn’t crossover. why not? jesse malin is perhaps a bit more fluff, indie garage pop but i like him.
just the same, i really like bon iver … saw jesse malin last year, saw bon iver this year.
not splitting hairs, just thought it an odd comment to make.
August 6th, 2008 at 3:51 am
Jesse Malin blows! He sounds like Elmer Fudd with a mouthful of marbles!! Probably because he has Springsteen’s c*ck in his mouth!!! How does it taste, Jesse? Go back to doing what you do best: reopen Coney Island High and the Green Door parties.