Walking into Great Scott Thursday night, I realized that I had never seen Alan Sparhawk perform with anyone other than minimalist icons Low, and the last time I had the pleasure was a good five years ago. So expectations for the evening ahead were high.
There’s something about Great Scott. I don’t know if it’s the fact that you can find the headlining band hanging out at the bar prior to their set or if it’s the cheaper-than-usual pints of Guinness or maybe it’s the sheer intimacy of the room. Either way, I have yet to see a bad show at this Allston haunt.
Boston’s own Girlfriends opened the night with a tight and engaging set of their brand of lo-fi fuzz-pop, led by their frantic and bespectacled guitarist. The young trio managed to win the room over with tracks from their self-released Our Very First Cassette, and left me wondering if I still had that old boom box in my garage.
The sharply dressed Retribution Gospel Choir continued the theme set up by their opener and upped the ante with an aural assault of Crazy–Horse inspired hard rock. Alan Sparhawk, still sporting his Neil Young-like mutton chops featured in the “Hide it Away” video, swayed back and forth during “Poor Man’s Daughter” amidst a sea of feedback, pounding drums, and Steve Garrington throbbing bass grooves.
As I scanned the room, I was taken in by the crowd’s response to the performance; the girl next to me sang every word of every song, and another guy was jumping up and down pounding his feet in appreciation. This was pretty far removed from the quiet respectful crowds at any Low shows I’ve seen, but I relished in it.
The set slowed at one point when Sparhawk broke strings on both of his Les Pauls. In his usual workman-like demeanor, he restrung his instrument mid-song and continued unwavered.
The night’s best moment came during “Electric Guitar” off the just released 2 (Sub-Pop). The sinister song filled the small room at Great Scott with its sprawling ebb and flows.
As I exited the building into a frigid January night I noticed the ringing in my ears, a clanging reminder of the dynamic and powerful live performance I had just witnessed.
DOWNLOAD: Retribution Gospel Choir - Hide It Away (MP3) or Follow us for more Retribution Gospel Choir MP3s (Twitter)
The National - 9/11
Marymoor Ampitheatre
The Black Keys - 10/2
The Paramount Theatre
Broken Social Scene - 10/10
Neumos
Broken Social Scene - 10/15
The Paramount Theatre
It was a great show. The energy was intense. I was lucky enough to be right up front.
by Burt on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 05.01 pm from the entry: The Avett Brothers + Langhorne Slim - Crystal Ballroom (Portland-town, OR; Aug. 30, 2010)
lovin trackz #4,13, and 16
by Phoxy Philly on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 04.03 pm from the entry: Chiddy Bang's "The Swelly Express" Mixtape (download)
Nice concerning as better as clarifying position.Gives Thanks for providing for us.I show your article with my delight.
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by jhon on Thu Sep 2, 2010 at 02.35 pm from the entry: Tiny Vipers + Rafael Anton Irisarri + Cars & Trains - Mississippi Studios (Portland; Jul. 14, 2010)
agree with beth! dope stuff on both sides of the review.
by @bosconcertphoto on Wed Sep 1, 2010 at 09.48 am from the entry: DJ /rupture + Tanlines - Whitney Museum (New York, NY; August 27, 2010)
Thanks Nicole!
Just wanted to say that although this may be our last time performing this show, I have many other projects in the works. Info and show schedule is on my website.
- Ben
by Ben Darwish on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 11.47 pm from the entry: Ben Darwish - Afrobeat Tribute to Michael Jackson - Tractor Tavern (Seattle, WA; August, 29, 2010)
Love these photos and review. So, these DJ sets are at 7:30? I don’t really get it. And are these gonna continue once the Whitney moves? And most importantly, where can I attend an “hour-long clinic on shaking ass?”
by beth on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 06.44 pm from the entry: DJ /rupture + Tanlines - Whitney Museum (New York, NY; August 27, 2010)
Super post there! Comprehensive and well collated material. Thanks for sharing.
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by jhon on Tue Aug 31, 2010 at 01.56 pm from the entry: Deerhoof + The Donkeys + Southeast Engine - Berbati's Pan (Portland, OR; July 6, 2010)
I could’ve made an entire slideshow of Steve Garrington crotch photos. It was like those leather pants were screaming out to my camera.