Cat Power: Terminal 5

I'd been anticipating this night for so long; it came and went not nearly quick enough.

Chan played with the Dirty Delta Blues Band in the middle-of-nowhere space, Terminal 5. I purchased Jukebox immediately upon release and was excited to see her announcement for a show at Terminal 5. This was my first visit to this converted dance club, and I was pleasantly surprised upon entering the venue. The lighting was sweet and the bars were plentiful; the second floor had a nice atmosphere with couches galore. We entered the venue at 7:45pm, with our 7:00pm tickets.

After a long wait, the show began with Appaloosa, a man with a laptop and a french girl in short shorts. We sat on the couches and listened to the trip-hop beats, while waiting anxiously for Cat Power to come on stage. When Appaloosa left the stage, there was little applaud and more waiting. I don't know how long it took for Cat Power to come on stage, but it sure wasn't quick.

Theo and I pushed our way close to the stage, waiting patiently for Chan's arrival, while being pushed left and right by a nasty New York crowd. We had the pleasure of listening to an indi-rock couple behind us argue insensibly. At one point she said, "I just want Cat Power to come on stage." I turned around and said, "Don't we all." She must have shot darts out of her eyes, so I turned around and pretended that I didn't try to stir the pot.

Cat Power began her set with "New York, New York", and this was the most exciting moment of the evening. The crowd did not do, as crowds almost always do, any moving or shifting once she got on stage. There was no energy and even being as close as we were, her words were muted. I tried to dance a bit, move around, but it felt wrong with all of the statues around me.

Now, I had heard all the buzz about Terminal 5 having terrible sound, but I thought that they were just referring to the odd space having little acoustic value. Unfortunately, the ear-crushing feedback came almost immediately. Theo and I decided it was high time to have a cigarette break only three songs into her set. After the break, we went upstairs to a couch, hoping for better sound and more space, and it happened!

We got a nice spot on a couch, near another couple who were plenty nice. There was no view from here, but we had comfy seats and the sound improved ten-fold. You could hear her voice, and while the feedback was still terrible, it mattered less on the couch. Chan took opportunity after opportunity to complain about the spot lights (which were killing us upstairs) to the sound (which killed the crowd). At one point she said, "We're almost done," giving the crowd a sense of relief.

But, with all said and done, I stood up and found a space on the balcony. Chan's sensual voice, and the Delta Dirty Blues Band's music, gave me an experience not to forget. She has talent that is unquestionable, even cleaned up and pretty.

I'd definitely want to see Chan again, but at a smaller and more intimate venue that allows for a more energetic audience. She marched on, despite the feedback, lighting, and terrible acoustics.

So now I have two $100.00 presale Beastie Boy tickets for March 4th at Terminal 5, hosted by Moby. I had no idea that Terminal 5 would be so terrible. The reviews don't do it justice. Look back here for more news, as these might be up for grabs!

[pictures taken from my iPhone]

Sigur Ros

It seems that I did not mention the surprise Sigur Ros appearance I witnessed last (gasp) year (October '07?).

There was a church-- the old kind, the kind that smells beautiful. They played only a few songs, and there were only about 40 people. We sat up front, wondering how those sounds were coming out of him. They played an acoustic set. It was heavenly.

Sometimes I want to go back to this evening. I want to see them again.

Arcade Fire

I was introduced to Arcade Fire in 2005. As soon as I purchased Funeral, I listened to the album obsessively for a year. Not only is the album beautiful, but for me listening to it was a very personal experience. It touched me in ways that were unfathomable (I was going through a rough period in my life). Recently their newest album, Neon Bible, was released. I went to buy it immediately, but as I took a quick listen in the store I was sorely disappointed. I put the album down and left the store a very sad girl.

Well, up to date, they are playing in New York this week and I couldn't get tickets. My friend, Vadim, had tickets and fortunately someone who was going backed out. When I got the call last night I did my "I'm going to see Arcade Fire" dance. Theo drove with me into city because we haven't been able to spend much time together. As we were waiting for Vadim a fellow approached and asked if we needed a ticket. I said, "Sure, how much?" He said, "Take it." (Obviously not a New Yorker. My friend Vadim charged me $45.00; now he's a New Yorker.)

Hands down, the best concert I have ever been to. The projection was incredible. The performance was brilliant. The new songs were original and fun. I was glad to actually hear the new album in concert, otherwise I would have always believed the new album to be shit. I will say, I was really hoping that Bowie would come out, but he was nowhere to be found. Perhaps soon enough.

I didn't bring my camera, and my camera phone was dead. I left there picture-less, but happy as could be. I'd love to catch them in concert again, and hopefully next time sit (read: stand/dance) next to Theo.

Needless to say, I highly suggest purchasing both Funeral and Neon Bible if you have not already done so.