Wednesday night I saw the Decemberists play. If they had anything to overcome with me it was the fact I was exhausted. Friday night I headed back to the same venue to see Jet. If they had anything to overcome with me it was the fact I was still exhausted and now I'd seen a kick ass show by the Decemberists. It's just two days later. Am I really in the mood for some sweaty, fist-pumping, guitar rock? Honestly, no. I'd like some more mandolin please. Bring that on back.
But I threw myself into the show, getting much closer to the stage than I had on Wednesday. Nic Cester seems to have perfected his "I am a rock god" stance, often going to the very edge of the stage and standing with his hands behind his back and letting the girls' screams wash over him. His brother Chris appears to be working on his own "I am the Lizard King" persona as well.
It took a few songs before I really warmed up to the rock and roll show and it certainly helped their cause when Nic said they had enjoyed spending their day off here. Once again, you can't go wrong telling me you like my hometown and sounding sincere about it. Of course, it also doesn't hurt to say, "No wonder the fucking King lived here!" as Chris did, because that's just funny.
This was their first show in Memphis and they played a nice mixture of tracks from both albums. It was great to finally hear my fave songs from Get Born live and it really made me like the new stuff even more, especially "Rip It Up". Of course "Are You Gonna Be My Girl" got the biggest response, but I was really waiting to hear "Rollover DJ" and "Cold Hard Bitch" and wasn't disappointed. I did feel slightly old when they threw a bit of the Stooges "T.V. Eye" into a song and no one else seemed to recognize it.
The encore started out with just Nic playing a beautiful version of "Shine On." I'm always impressed when someone can come out with just a guitar and mesmerize me. Say what you want about Jet, that's talent right there.
All in all I probably didn't need every single "YEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH" they threw at me, but I enjoyed the sweaty guitar rock. I even pumped my fist a few times.
My Trusted MOGs
great review! i know how you feel, being too exhausted to go out. i think this has become the artists' biggest challenge - how to get people to buy a ticket/show up for a show. i can't count how many times i have been so excited about a show, only to stay home that night because i just couldn't make it out the door. good for you for being so supportive!
My Trusted MOGs
I think there's always a place for a straight-up rock show. JET get slagged off a lot, but hey, we can't all be AC/DC. I would go see them.