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[review]
(from mark
j. joesting--reviews)
Love-Cars, Rilo Kiley, Arlo @ the 400 Bar (10/18)
When I'm on my deathbed, one hundred and eighty years, or so, from
now, struggling through my final breaths, someone will ask me "Hey,
Mark--what's your favorite band of all time?" Then, I'll lean up
on one elbow and say, "You know, _____, it's gotta be Love-Cars",
and I will die filled with peace, in the knowledge that I have preached
at least one great truth:Love-Cars are an incredible band, and their
influence on me will be damn-near indelible.
...and yet, there must be at least one show in a bands career, which
is somehow disappointing. This was that show.
Don't get me wrong; Love-Cars played fantastically, and put on a great
show. They always do; I've never been less than spellbound by Love-Cars,
and I doubt that I ever will be again. My disenchantment by this show
only gives me the opportunity to do the one thing that I do the very
best: BLAME THE SOUND GUY.
Yes, it was the sound support.
Nothing was particularly clear, the guitars were flat and dull, the
bass was overwhelming, and the vocals were distant; whenever the music
got more intense, the sound support didn't really help it--it only made
it muddier. The sound during that set was quite simply a disrespect
to Love-Cars, and a disgrace to the art of sound reinforcement.
...especially after Arlo and Rilo Kiley had good sound support.
Both of the afore-mentioned openers did have great sets.
Arlo put forth a great blend of power pop and 50's influence, while
their vocal arrangements were a divine cloud above them. I could have
done with more expansive guitar arrangements from them--they seemed
chained to power chords and the occassional melody--but, on a whole,
they were really good. ...and they just looked like they were having
fun.
If I get the chance to see Rilo Kiley again, chances are 'strong to
absolute' that I will. That was good, good music. 2 guitars? Guitar,
keys? Front woman playing guitar or keys or bass? It didn't matter--they
knew how to use them. If Cheapo Discs had not been all out of Rilo Kiley
CD's, I would have one by now.
So, definitely see any of these bands, when you get the chance.
Arlo and Rilo Kiley are both Cali bands, so most of my readers won't
get the option very often. Minneapolis is blessed to have the Love-Cars
all to ourselves, though. Anyone and everyone in the area should see
them again and again and again....
...I plan on it.
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