Thursday, January 14, 2010

A Night with the Cribs

I spent the night of January 13, 2010 rocking out with the Cribs.  I have been a Cribs fan since Men's Needs, Women's Needs, Whatever.  I wimped out on seeing them at the Double Door in 2008.  This time around they have a new album and a new band member, the legendary guitarist Johnny Marr.  That alone would have worth my admission, but I a got a night with a few surprises at Lincoln Hall.

Before the opening band, the incidental music was played by a DJ upstairs.  More venues should do this as it kept me moving and my back from not hurting.  The first opening band was the Dead Trees.  I thought the lyrics were quite great, very introspective.  The music that accompanied the lyrics could have used a bit more work.  It felt like I was watching a well above average bar band.  I don't have any single moment that sticks out from their set except that the bass guitarist had a pretty sweet looking mustache.

After a bit of a break, the next act came on.  It was none other than Adam Green of the Moldy Peaches.  I did not realize this fact until halfway through the set when someone shouted something.  For those who may not know, the Moldy Peaches are responsible for the song that Ellen Page and Michael Cera sing at the end of the movie Juno. Adam was backed by the Dead Trees.  Adam Green was a character.  He moved around the stage as I would expect Iggy Pop or John Lydon to move and act.  I kept waiting for him to fall into the drums or off the front of the stage.  He crowd surfed at the beginning of the last song.  His lyrics were weird if not rude at times but the accompanying music absolutely rocked!  His act grew on me as the performance went on.  He almost sang like Joey Ramone because of the baritone voice and the dark humored lyrics.

After another short break and an equipment change, the Cribs came to the stage playing the only song I know from their new album.  They play with a lot of energy.  Ross Jarmin, the guitarist not know as Johnny Marr, constantly smacked his mouth on his microphone while literally spit out his lyrics like Bill Cowher.  Johnny Marr played with a stoicism like he had been there before because, well, he has.  He looked like a professional on stage with a bunch of young punks.  The Cribs played songs not only from there new album but a bunch of favorites including mine, "Mirror Kissers."  There were only maybe 300 people there to watch this spectacle and rock legend.  I guess it goes to show my more unique music tastes.  Should the Cribs come to town again, I will probably be there.  I will for sure try to pick up their new album when I get the chance.

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