It was a sort of homecoming for Dr. Dog, Delta Spirit, and Hacienda at the Middle East. Strange to say, since the bands hail from Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Antonio, places miles away from Central Square, Cambridge. Still here were three groups whose combined Americana soul, blues, and jam-band funk owe much to the aesthetic of Rounder Records and session nights at Toad. And people came ready to dance, shake, and groove, as if it could be helped.
Crisp vocals warmed up the sold out crowd, who came early to take in the textured harmonies of Hacienda. These are some earnest Texans whose charm springs from their close instrumentation and humility on stage. Formed by cousins Abraham Villanueva and Dante Schwebel and Abraham’s brothers Jamie and Rene, the band is a four piece family affair. You, as I was, will be won over by the poppy sing-a-long choruses; try “Baby Don’t Go,” and a time portal opens up to an era when AM radio was king. They might have entered as unknowns, but left with a gaggle of converts. Enjoy Loud is the Night over a plate of fish tacos and a cold Shiner.
Note: when supporting bands play their last song on a Dr. Dog tour, suddenly folks with beards, flannel, and sunglasses overrun the stage. Green room be darned, as both Delta Spirit and Dr. Dog found nooks on stage to rattle a tambourine or sing along. This was a special night, though, as the two month US tour came to a close. It was clear that these guys enjoyed playing together, and this made for a great night of music.
Empty spaces filled up to greet Delta Spirit, evidence of their growing popularity. With lights dimmed and tempo upped, the band launched into music from Ode to Spirit. Possessing the confidence that comes with audience acceptance, they offered a solid set. They have a certifiable hit with “Trashcan,” and rock hard on “People C’mon” to the delight of the packed fans. It was fun, but not lasting. I think the layered voices of Hacienda had set me up with expectations that did not match singer Matthew Vasquez’s live energy.
Note #2: again the band handoff became a five-minute musical baton exchange. I love this idea. The opening act actually matters, not just some lame “let’s hear it for, uh, you know, those guys who were just unplugging their own instruments.”
I hesitated attending a Dr. Dog show for the past year. They have a Wilco, moe., vibe that gives me light hives. That vibe of fans who are in the know, and let you know. Phish or Widespread Panic comes to mind. To my cynical surprise, it was great. There was a fair share of inside jokes with the audience, and a few extended jams, but I felt like dancing. There’s an extensive live and studio catalog for Dr. Dog, and they dipped heavily from the latest Fate. My appreciation for Dr. Dog comes from shared roots in Philly suburbs and Brian Wilson arrangements. Yet, live the band deconstructs much of the lush sounds for straight-ahead rock. Best moment: when two hobbit sized fans danced passed security up a ramp, then darted into the crowd up front. They needed to be close to Dr. Dog, and I agree.
Note #3: even with a large amount of Phillies blue and a Mike Schmidt jersey present that night, it was Sox fans that won the evening. Right when Dr. Dog launched into “The Beach” a roar erupted, and then was sustained longer than song recognition applause. Sox 2, Devil Rays 0. Love that dirty water.
he is amazing bro his style can not be touched....some people dont know what he is talking about caz u dont do what he does he is sickkk bra
by dylyn on Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 11.59 am from the entry: Wiz Khalifa: Burn After Rolling (Mixtape)
Wow,Great post.Thanks for sharing with us. land wi
by wisconsin land on Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 09.53 am from the entry: of Montreal + Gang Gang Dance - Orpheum Theatre (Boston, MA; Oct. 30, 2008)
Ugh. Paste’s profile of Free Energy made me kind of hate them. So does your review. It’s this unctuous defense of good-time rock-and-roll ("we’re just here to party, and we’re awesome!") that seems more self-serving than fun-loving.
by beth on Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 09.41 pm from the entry: Foreign Born + Free Energy - The Knitting Factory (Brooklyn, NY; Mar. 12, 2010)
that inescapable feeling you are referring to, is that like when you hear something and you could have sworn you heard it before because of the nostalgic catchy quality? or is is like when you’ve heard a band exactly like said band?
great post by the way!
by paul on Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 03.15 pm from the entry: The Novel Ideas - "The Sky Is A Field" - Borrow It
Whoa! I had no idea she was enegaged. You would never know with the way she behaves! Wow!
by art on Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 09.48 am from the entry: Nikki Darlin and John McCauley: 1+1=1
This comment stream is so meta. Great review Kelly.
by chris on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 07.50 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
no prob. The whole album is excellent, combining some of the harder sonics of Los Angeles with the meat of his debut and obviously difficult to summarize in only 50 words… 
I’d say it’s on par with the debut, but better than Los Angeles.
by kelly on Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 06.23 pm from the entry: Flying Lotus - "Cosmogramma" - Buy It
