Tag: The Warfield Theatre

Rilo Kiley @ The Warfield Theatre (09.06.07)


www.rilokiley.com
www.myspace.com/rilokiley

I don’t even know where to begin. There are concerts that rock (Muse), and there are concerts that just make you feel good (Dylan)…

Rilo Kiley falls gracefully between glory and groove.

From power-pop folk affairs like, “Portions for Foxes” and “Spectacular Views,” to uber-love ballads, “I Never” and “Does He Love You?” Rilo Kiley succeeds on all fronts and never fails to please. Amazing vocals by Jenny Lewis; their collective instrumentals, superb. The ambiance was perfect.

“We can see the stars, from where the birds make their homes, staring back at us….”

This was Rilo’s first show after playing overseas, and you could tell they were pumped to be back home. Ever-charismatic lead guitarist, Blake Sennett, contributed a healthy share of the entertainment. Bassist, Pierre de Reeder, and drummer, Jason Boesel¸ established a strong rhythm with which the audience flowed with no restriction.

“Indifferent, but distanced perfectly…”

Opening acts, Jonathan Rice and Grand Ole Party, were excellent as well. And when someone yelled, “Rilo Kiley!” near the end of Rice’s set, he cuttingly replied, “Yeah, I like them better than YOUR band too…” Suh-sizzle, snap.

“Projected endlessly…”

But I remember you, dear Jenny, though you may not remember me. You see, I was a dopey kid enthused with, “The Wizard,” a movie about an even dopier kid who excels at playing Nintendo. You were hot then and, damn it all, you are hotter now. But, seeing you on stage…

How did you put it?

Oh, yeah…

“It’s so fucking beautiful.”

Chris Cornell @ The Warfield Theatre (07.10.07)


www.chriscornell.com
www.myspace.com/chriscornell

“Who fucking cares about the All-Star game?!”

And so began Chris Cornell’s glorious set of songs spanning from Sub Pop Soundgarden, through Audioslave, and finally to his solo career. You can’t really imagine how much his music has changed until you hear “Jesus Christ Pose” juxtaposed before “Sunshower.” He missed a few cues… or maybe it just seemed like he did. You can never tell with these rock types. It’s called “artistic license” (aka “getting high before the show”). He was literally “Like a Stone”: a little clunky on stage, but ultimately solid throughout.

That said, this man is my musical hero and he taught me how to sing. “When I’m Down” is still my favorite song of all time.

Warfield is a decent enough venue. The floor isn’t sloped and there always seem to be tall, balding men hoarding the front rows, so you’re guaranteed the urge of wanting to get a little Sleepy Hollow on a few Ichabod Cranes.

But one thing I cannot forgive…

“This is a song about a man.”

It was Spoonman.

I didn’t see a single fucking spoon.

What the hell…