The Manhattan Center Grand Ballroom was so different than the basement of the Unitarian Church in Philadelphia. It’s hard to believe that the band I saw in 2006 filled up almost entire ballroom, not just with people, but with an incredibly grand sound that’s evolved so far since Snake’s Got A Leg. Krug has taken his songwriting skills from making eccentric, weird music with unexpected melodies and strange lyrics to epic performance pieces, worthy of such a large venue. It’s no surprise, either, that one of the most creative and prolific musicians in indie rock would take his music in this direction. It’s just that I’m not sure it’s better. It’s certainly not worse, but it didn’t feel like progress to me on Friday night, listening to beautiful versions of “Idiot Heart” and “Dragonslayer.” I don’t get the same emotional reaction as I do from “Stadiums and Shrines.” I’m not saying that the new material or the evolution in the band’s scope is a bad thing, I just miss their humble, quirky roots. Plus, it makes me feel more like anything is possible next, which I wouldn’t feel if there were some sort of musical progressive continuum. Anyways, it was a good show and it’s always worth the trip to see Sunset Rubdown. New Villager opened, and they didn’t play “Rich Doors.” I was disappointed. They were good, but couldn’t properly fill the space. I may try to catch them during CMJ. A few, mediocre photos below.
New Villager:
Sunset Rubdown:
