Beck Amazing, Club Nokia - not so much

So Club Nokia opened it's doors this past Sunday with back to back shows from, none other than "LA's Finest," Beck. I was extremely excited about this show, A) because Club Nokia was brand new and B) because I've seen Beck play numerous times and each show is different experience. The guy is one of the last true performers. So, needless to say, I was optimistic about the event and even more intrigued about the allure of the new venue. I had heard mixed reviews about Nokia Theater, just down the street, also in the newly developed LA Live complex across the street from Staples Center, so interested to see how it's little brother "Club Nokia" turned out.

Walking into Club Nokia was an experience in itself with, something you might find on the Vegas Strip (escalators with neon blue lights - who's ever heard of such a thing...) Once inside you're greeted with a very large bar to your immediate right and very low ceilings that seem to be endless. Jay Reatard (opening act) and yes, I know, very unfortunate last name, was in the middle of his set and the sound seemed very muttled (maybe the music or maybe the low ceilings - I couldn't tell, because I'm not that familiar with his sound.) We walked to the pit and the ceilings finally gave way and revealed the upstairs seating area. The sound quality in the pit circle was much better and very loud.

The lights went black, Beck came out and immediately opened with a 1,2,3 punch of "Where it's at," "Girl," and "Devil's Haircut." I knew immediately it was going to be a great night. (Side note) - I saw Beck perform with Spoon and MGMT this summer at the Hollywood Bowl. I was anticipating that show for nearly 3 months, being a huge Beck fan and crazy about MGMT's full length, debut album, Oracular Spectacular. MGMT is definitely my favorite band of 2008, with Vampire Weekend coming in at a close second - so needless to say I was pumped about the Bowl show and it was kind of a letdown. MGMT and Spoon were both great, but Beck was somewhat of a letdown. I thought the setlist was pretty weak, considering the quiver of hit's/gems he has to choose from. The vibe wasn't there and even though the LA Philharmonic was playing with him, they weren't really an intricate part of the music. I also saw Bright Eyes play with The Phil at the Hollywood Bowl summer of 2007 and that was incredible. Everything I could have asked for and more. Beck not so much.

Well, he completely redeemed himself last night and was the performer I remembered from the Wiltern, 2 years ago and as the surprise guest at KROQ's Almost Acoustic Christmas in 1998 (both memorable shows.) Last nights show definitely joins that elite group of incredible Beck shows. With new hits such as Chemtrails and oldies that I've never heard him play before like, Pay No Mind, back to back, then followed by Loser - I could hardly contain myself. I just hope the other 2299 people at Club Nokia had as good of a time as I did.

Setlist is as follows:

Main set: Where It's At / Girl / Devil's Haircut / Guero / Mixed Bizness > Jam / Nicotine & Gravy / Hell Yes / Black Tambourine / Clap Hands / Modern Guilt / Orphans / Soul of a Man / Think I'm in Love / Star Power (Sonic Youth cover) / Missing / The Golden Age / Lost Cause / Pay No Mind / Chemtrails / Loser / Nausea

Encore: Gamma Ray (w/Jay Reatard) / Time Bomb / Minus / E Pro