Yeah Indeed

Strangely, for a sold out concert at Webster Hall by a pretty well known band, I had a tough time finding a partner to take hold of my second ticket. Looking back at it now, I suppose I had more options than I thought and I almost wish I woke up that day hoping that someone would drop out of the sky and want to go with me, but then again, that’s the case with most things. I guess I’m just so incredibly well traveled that I’m constantly finding fun things to do but no one fun enough to do them with—or willing to put me first in their “busy” schedule. Then again, I’m partly joking and partly exaggerating.

Regardless, I found myself getting ready for this show knowing for a fact that my friend would not know a single song, and probably won’t like most—which is an incredibly discouraging thought when you’re going to a show. Your concert-going partner is a very big part of the event. They could totally bring down your mood, leave you standing in an area you would rather not be, or worse, would want to leave before the lights come on. People don’t seem to appreciate being invited to these events, and if they don’t know the band, it’s almost like a chore for them. They are there to be impressed and in your mind you spend the night hoping that they are feeling what you’re feeling. It’s tough, and I know I can’t be the only person who goes through this.

Another thing I want to get off my chest. I’m going to say this and I don’t want you to freak out or close the window. I just need to say it.

I like Webster Hall.

There it is. I did it.

I’ve been there thirteen times so I think I have a pretty good idea of what a Webster Hall experience consists of, and every time I’ve enjoyed the concert, the atmosphere, usually the crowd, and pretty much everything else. I’ve never waited outside long, sure drinks are expensive but I usually can get them quickly, the sound is better than everyone says, and the crowd is pretty much always into it, if it’s sold out or not.

Now, I arrived at the show at 9:15pm when it said 7:00pm Doors on the ticket, and I was slightly concerned that the main event might be starting at nine, and I had originally planned to be there at eight. But, much to my delight and surprise, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs weren’t schedule to take the stage until ten!

So, my companion and I walk into the main room after getting a couple of beers and there are two twelve-year-olds on stage singing “Jump Around.” Now I thought this might have been the coolest thing ever—like ever. My friend did not show the same unbridled excitement as I did, so I knew that I should not let my expectations for the evening get too high.

Now this was my first Yeah Yeah Yeahs show and honestly, when I first heard Fever to Tell in full I was not impressed, in fact I kind of hated it. Maybe my tastes changed, maybe it grew on me, maybe I didn’t give it a chance originally, but listening to it now—it’s excellent. Show Your Bones is decent, but I actually like Fever more. When I got the tickets to see Karen O. and her duo, I’m not sure what I was thinking. I liked listening to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, but I wasn’t a huge fan, and I didn’t have anyone in mind to go. But, I bought them. I wanted to see them. That was it. Worst case, I could sell them.

Ha.

But, then I downloaded Is Is [EP] and I was completely blown away. If there next album sounds anything like this, they might be one of my new favorite bands.

So, the show was incredible. Karen O. lifted Webster Hall to a level I was completely not expecting and she did it all while wearing tinsel which was also unexpected. The set list was great, the crowd rocked to it, and I felt satisfied. It would have even better if I had come alone. [Which I will clarify right now]

Natalie Portman apparently likes the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. You know how I know this?

She was there.

Not in the VIP balcony, not backstage, just hanging out on the floor, in the crowd—towards the side. I find this to be another reason why this girl is absolutely perfect. She’s Jewish, went to Harvard, is a famous and talented actress, and is unbelievably stunning (shaved head or not).

Well, someone I know actually talked to her at the show, and I wasn’t introduced, set up, or allowed to sweep her off her feet, which is a darn shame for her.

I should have come alone, I could have moshed to Karen and talked to Natalie and all would have been right with the world. Instead I stood and pondered an alternate existence while listening to some pretty solid rock.

All in all, not that bad.

Set list below: (Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Webster Hall - 8/7/07)

Sealings

New Untitled Song
Honeybear
Rockers to Swallow
Phenomena
Cheated Hearts
Gold Lion
Pin
Kiss, Kiss
Down Boy
Art Star
Maps
Turn Into
Date With the Night

--Encore--
Y Control
Black Tongue
Our Time
Tick

aMuse Me

I arrived at the Garden as the Cold War Kids were about four songs into their set, but just in time to see ‘Hang Me Up to Dry,’ one of their catchier melodies. As they wrapped up the final song, they lunged into an instrumental fray forcing every possible screech and slam out of their tools.

Almost battling for sound, in what felt like something Modest Mouse has mastered, Cold War Kids yelled and banged their way to completion—somehow making music worth nodding to, but it felt more self-serving than crowd pleasing as each member attempted to milk the seconds on this grand stage that they will probably never play in their own right.

House lights up.

The crowd is eclectic—ranging from coifed wannabe hipsters sporting iPhones paid for with parental funding no doubt to jocks waving to their not so lucky pals sitting in the rafters, with all the requisite skater chicks, aging rockers, and gleam-eyed first time concert goers that you’d spot at any arena show worth a damn. But, like any New York concert, pairs of black and grey converse line the floor—the uniform of our youth and our city.

The Klaxons “Magick” starts up on the house stereo—those who recognized the beat looked to each other with a knowing glance. Perhaps they saw the band at Bowery and were looking for a reason to strike up a conversation.

Oddly, a handicapped person motors his way into the center of the pit, squashing any chance of a pit worthy of the considerable rock that was ahead; but wait—he’s moving.

AC/DC's “Back in Black” hums as the drum kit is unveiled and the crowd’s cheers grow louder. Now I can feel it in the air, this is going to be one of those shows. These people are ready to be here.

In front of me, a girl says to her friend, “You should sign up for eHarmony.com.” And from the looks of it, I don’t even think that would help her.

Minutes later, the crowd is truly back in black as the lights start shutting off throughout the arena. Row by row, Madison Square Garden is enveloped in darkness.

Suddenly, a familiar voice blares over the loudspeaker, speaking of secret societies and man’s need to be free and independent. For a brief second, I feel like Zach De La Rocha is going to march onstage. While most bands’ usage of political rhetoric to may come off as out of place—John F. Kennedy’s speech excerpt actually worked. Matt Bellamy has stated that his music has become more influenced by politics but he never wanted to come off preachy.

In a time where rock music is no longer the counterculture and cannot generate mass protest like it once did because it is the mainstream—the return of Rage and moments like this at Muse are refreshing for those of us who feel helpless in our desire to get the word out there.

But then again, it’s no secret that corporations and governments are corrupt—and the t-shirts are $30 and the tickets are $50—so what exactly are we selling here?

Regardless, the moment fit.

They blasted into Knights of Cydonia to open the set, setting the stage for a special evening as this song is usually used in encores.

The energy was electric as each song resonated with the crowd and you realize how many solid works that this band has put together. The three opening songs could have very well been the three closing songs.

After attending the White Stripes at the Garden and being thoroughly disappointed with the demeanor of the General Admission crowd, (I mean how could you stand still when Jack pulls out Fell in Love with a Girl and Seven Nation Army in the same set? This is from a guy who shies away from “hits”). But this crowd was going to be different. One girl behind me hoped it wasn’t as crazy as the Red Hot Chili Peppers show here in 2003. I quietly hoped it was.

The rest of the set played out as only one could wish. Solid song after solid song—finished with an amazing rendition of New Born, a track that is even better live than recorded, and Plug In Baby—one of the more metal songs in their collection that was accompanied by giant balloons filled with confetti, a trick I saw them pull at a show in North Carolina that never gets old.

They thanked the crowd and walked off. Now came one of the most moving sights I’ve ever seen at a show and reminded me of what it could have felt like seeing Van Halen or Led Zeppelin in an enormous arena.

Slowly the audience began to light up, but not with the house lights indicated the completion of the show, but rather with glowing LCD lights from cell phones, blackberries, and the old fashioned lighter. It was a true light show and when the band reappeared on stage you could tell that they knew this was not the normal reception for a Garden show. Dominic turned toward Matt and you could read his lips as he said, “Man, check out all the lights.”

The encore started slowly with Soldier’s Poem, but then fast-forwarded to one of the greatest rarely-played songs in their catalogue. Matt even said into the microphone, “I think this is the first time we’re playing this song in the United States.” Unintended was exactly what this crowd deserved, and even though it was written on the set list, you had to hope that they pulled it out only because we gave them no choice. We were different.

With the crowd simultaneously subdued and charged—Matt lurched in Stockholm Syndrome; eleven minutes worth and finally closed with Take a Bow accompanied by an incredible laser display and CO2 explosions on the final chord.

Exit stage left. Lights on for real this time.

I can’t hear, but can’t stop smiling---that was a show.

Set list below: (Muse - Madison Square Garden - 8/6/07)

Knights of Cydonia
Map of the Problematique
Hysteria
Supermassive Black Hole
City of Delusion
Butterflies and Hurricanes
Hoodoo
Apocalypse Please
Feeling Good
Sunburn
Invincible
Starlight
Time is Running Out
New Born
Plug in Baby
--Encore--
Soldier's Poem
Unintended
Stockholm Syndrome
Take a Bow