Friday, 20 Feb 2009
Made the trek to Chicago last night with some friends to catch Blitzen Trapper’s early show at the Empty Bottle. It was my second time seeing the band and my first time at the venue. How great are early shows? Seriously. My adoration for Blitzen Trapper on record is evident in naming of Furr as our favorite album of 2008. My only other live interaction with the band was burned out by the bright lights of the Fleet Foxes first play in Madison and therefore rendered whatever high points Blitzen Trapper offered that night completely unforgettable. I regrettably missed their set at Madison’s High Noon Saloon opening for Stephen Malkmus late last year, which, by my friends accounts was one hell of a performance.
I can’t say that last night’s performance cements the band as one of the great live acts touring the states these days. They’re tight and they keep things pretty much note for note. Their set was obviously heavy on Furr material, which was just fine by me. The closing selection of “Wild Mountain Nation” was both predictable but a necessary send off as it’s definitely one of their best numbers. For me, it doesn’t get much better than “Black River Killer,” one of the best songs from last year and certainly a galloping burner in a live setting. The scream at the beginning of “Love U” was just as great as I’d hoped/expected and “Saturday Night” was probably my second favorite tune of the evening.
I learned a valuable lesson about shows at the Empty Bottle last night. You definitely want to be as far away from the bar itself. That area tends to accommodate the scenesters out for a conversation over a couple brews. The sound was much better and less obstructed by the chatter in the room by the soundboard. Once we planted ourselves there the band sounded great. Overall, I thought the band played a great selection, but didn’t really leave me with anything other than a good performance. I snagged a copy of Furr on vinyl (finally) on the way outside of the show.
Discuss: Did you make either of the shows last night? If so, which one and what did you think? What did you think of opener Alela Diane? Please leave your thoughts/reviews in the comments.
Buy: Blitzen Trapper – Furr
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Myspace: Blitzen Trapper
MP3: Blitzen Trapper – “Furr”
February 20th, 2009 at 9:13 am
i was there at the early show, also on top of the steps by the soundboard. i could hear the chatter coming from the direction of the bar during alela diane so it’s better to stay away from that area if you want to hear w/o interruption. i was actually really pleased having never seen them before. energy was great, and i agree the whole set was pretty tight … i like early shows on weeknights but i have a feeling i would have liked this more as a late show on a weekend. it clipped along a little too quickly for my taste, i’m not sure if it’s because they had another show right after or because that was in my head.
February 20th, 2009 at 9:32 am
Great review and I agree w/ it in regards to the 2nd show as well. Good band, nothing amazing live. I always stand by the soundboard area if possible. Seems like “fans’ stand there. The Bottle is scene central, but I thought the late crowd was one of the more ‘respectful’ crowds I’ve ever seen there. I am sure the early show brings out a different kind of crowd.
February 20th, 2009 at 9:39 am
Overall I agree with your review. Didn’t really have any issues with the venue though. I thought the show was good not great, and was definitely not disappointed. I thought they were making an effort to complete a good set in a short amount of time, which may have led it to feel a bit rushed. Highlights: “Saturday Night,” and “Wild Mountain Nation.” Not sure why, but I just can’t get into “Love U.”
Alela Diane seemed to have a few good songs. Her voice is definitely great, but was sometimes lost in songs where it wasn’t the showcase.
My two cents.
February 20th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Seeing them in NY on the 28th – really looking fwd to it. I love the new Alela Diane, interested to see how she is live. We also get Plants and Animals on our date which is aces.
February 24th, 2009 at 7:29 pm
Did you get the signed copy of “Furr” on vinyl?
I would’ve enjoyed the show a lot better if the sound didn’t kinda suck. I need more electric guitar!
Though I guess i’m spoiled from seeing them with Fleet Foxes at Schubas.
February 24th, 2009 at 9:55 pm
Didn’t snag a signed copy. Wish I would have, but I waited until after the show and they were all spoken for.