Dr. Dog + Delta Spirit + Hacienda - Middle East Downstairs (Cambridge, MA; Oct. 10, 2008)

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. 

review to your liking? You'll sweat:

Delta Spirit + Hacienda - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA; Sept, 24, 2008)

Fleet Foxes - Middle East Upstairs (Cambridge, MA; July 14, 2008)

Holy Shit - Radiohead Videos (St. Louis, MO; May 14, 2008)

Top 10 Best Youtube Cover Music Videos

0 comments thus far ...

melophobe sponsors

Connect To melophobe

1. melophobe
2. concert reviews
3. fifty-word reviews
4. articles
5. links
6.