I’ve probably mentioned this before, but there are only really three things I miss about the states. The first is my friends and family. And the second is the ability to go to shows and see good bands play at least a few times a month.
Besides seeing the local bands in Athens that my friends are in, whom are always excellent, I have only been to one memorable show this year. It was Kristin Hersh, on February 10th, at the Earl in Atlanta. She played solo with only an acoustic guitar and it was one of the most amazing performances I have ever seen. And, not surprisingly, one of the best shows I have ever recorded. Not to pat myself on the back too much, but it sounds absolutely pristine and sometimes I can’t believe that I made it.
2004 wasn’t a great year for shows either. I saw a few fantastic ones, but there just weren’t a lot of bands on tour. Not like in 2003 anyways. Some of the most memorable were Les Savy Fav at the Earl last September — also another stellar recording — and Pinback at the Echo Lounge and Variety Playhouse. The latter Pinback show was especially memorable because one of the band members had heard a Frank Black recording that I did in 2003, and put me on the guestlist and allowed me to record their show. That was fun.
Of course the best show in 2004 — by far — was when Mates of State played on February 20th (my birthday) at the Echo Lounge. I had recorded them 3 or 4 times before, and so they kinda know me, and Jason let me make the set list that night (my only regret is not recording it). It was hilarious… I was a bit drunk, and as I was working my way up to the front of the stage, I ended up in front of this guy and his girlfriend. He said something like “Hey, can you move, my girlfriend can’t see the stage now.” and I was like “Well, ok, if you are going to dance your ass off too, I will switch places with you.”
He said nevermind, and then we started talking. So I told him it was my birthday and that I made the set list. His girlfriend was like “Yeah, really? Well then what’s the first song gonna be?” I told her I couldn’t remember since I was drunk, but I thought it was “Ha Ha”. She obviously didn’t believe me and rolled her eyes.
The joke was on her when they came on stage and Kori said “Tonight is our friend Ben’s birthday, and he made the setlist, so that’s what we’re going to play.” And so they continued, even as people shouted out requests, to play the setlist. Once it was done, they came back out for an encore and played 3 of the requests that I didn’t put on the list. What a night.
Probably one of the most disappointing aspects of 2004 was that +/- (plus/minus) didn’t go on tour — or at least didn’t come to Atlanta. They are one of the best bands ever. Even people who aren’t into indie rock love them. I have seriously tried to get the word out on how good they are… and there hasn’t been one person — not one — who didn’t tell me “I love these guys!” Hopefully their records are selling, cause they deserve it. I only hope they go on tour in the spring.
Oh, and I saw the American Analog Set and they absolutely sucked. Which is hard for me to say about a band that I like that much. Their studio stuff is amazing, but I have yet to see them play a great live show.
The other sad moment of 2004 (or was it early 2005?) is that the Echo Lounge closed. I don’t know the details… I heard something about alcohol licenses and underage drinking… who knows. It was one of my favorite venues, and they seemed to get all the bands that I want to see. The sound guy there was also super nice and let me set up my gear near the front of his booth so that it wouldn’t get trampled. I guess the Drunken Unicorn has taken up the slack, but I’ve heard mixed reviews. The Earl has been getting better shows lately too. I wonder if the Echo will (or has) open up again. I can always hope.
Oh, and the third thing that I miss? Thai of Athens.