September 12, 2005 | Reminder: I am Bad at Reviewing Things
To the tall guy standing in front of me for a good portion of the Decemberists show last night: You suck.
I'm sorry, but if you're going to get that close to the stage, at least DO SOMETHING while the band is playing. A foot tap, a head bob, SOMETHING. Don't just stand there like a 6 foot tall totem pole. If you really can't be bothered to show any sort of emotion, at least have the decency to stand at the back of the room and let the short people enjoy the show.
Other than totem pole guy (who did eventually move out of the way a little bit), the Decemberists show last night was fantastic. The first opening band Sons and Daughters were very rockin'. I even bought one of their cds at the show. The next opener, the Sellouts featuring Petra Haden, consisted of 10 lovely ladies and their voices. They sang some very cute and amusing a capella songs, but it felt like the audience lost interest about 15 minutes before they were done. The Decemberists were fabulous. They sang most of my favorite songs, and played a good selection from all their albums. There was a little bit of banter between band members which was amusing. They are also the first band I've ever seen to get the entire audience to kneel down on the floor and be quiet. Definitely a very fun and entertaining show.
Last night was the kick-off for their tour. Go see 'em if you get the chance.
ok. so i went to see the decemberists at ACL, and i thought they were fantastic.
favourite songs were probably sporting life and chimbley sweep. also liked both go down together. actually, it was all very good.
First off, I wasn't that close to the stage. I was probably 7 or 8 feet back. So kind of near the front, but not in the front. So if you were up near the stage, I doubt it was you. Please don't feel insulted, that's the last thing I intended to do.
Since all I really saw was the back of this guy's head, I can't tell you much. Short brown hair, glasses, and a black t-shirt, which pretty much describes half the guys at the show.
Hi whitney,
I would like to know who the totem pole guy looked like. If it was me I feel insulted as I did get involved in the gig, but there were very few other tall people at the front of the stage. A short description would be nice!
Thanks
I understand how non-seated shows work. You get there early, you get to stand near the front. I'm aware of this. My issue wasn't necessarily that he was tall and blocking my view. My issue was that he WASN'T DOING ANYTHING. He was standing there like a tree trunk. No swaying, no head bob, no foot tapping, nothing. If he had been doing at least one of those things to demostrate that he was actually happy to be there, I wouldn't have minded that he was in the way.
I too was at the Decemberists gig on the 11th and it was a brilliant gig and have to say I got an incredible view of the bands, but that's what you get if you arrive nice and early...
were you at fillmore night 1? where did you stand
i am the 'totem pole'/guy in this picture:
http://www.twilightdye.com/photography/sf/portfolio.php?pwd=091105&index=7
if you mean me, quit complaining, i was into the gig, head bobbing, clapping, chearing, singing along et al - I thoroughly enjoyed the gig, and it was one of my favourite ever, they kicked ass. Most other people at the front probably were/actually were (those i could see as well). If not, well they did get there first, and thats kinda how it works when it comes to gigs. A shame it may be, but thats how it works...
Nice picture!
The Decemberists is a great band! I saw them for the first time back in may in Asheville, NC and they had everyone get down on their knees at that show, too. And you're right about the banter—they seemed like they really enjoyed what they were doing! I'm planning on seeing them again later in the month when they are back at the Orangepeel! Oh, and for kristen, "16 Military Wives" and "Los Angeles, I'm Yours" are great tunes. They are from Picaresque and Her Majesty The Decemberists, respectively.
Love the photo doll!
I'm so jealous of you right now, I'm sick. The only times they're close to me is either in Boston or Montréal, both nights on which I have Bakeshop the following day (the class that starts at 4 a.m.).
I'm glad you had a good time though. =)
My introduction to the Decemberists was the album "Her Majesty The Decemberists", and admittedly, it took me a while to get into it. But once I did, I couldn't stop listening to it. On that album, I would recommend the songs Billy Liar, The Bachelor and the Bride, and Red Right Ankle.
Their earlier album "Castaways and Cutouts" is quickly becoming a favorite. Recommended songs: Here I dreamt I Was an Architect and July, July! So far, my favorite on the new album, "Picaresque", is Sporting Life.
I hope that helps!
i've heard from a few people that the decemberists are good, and they are playing the day i have tickets to ACL, but i've never really listened to any of their music before.
do you have any recomendations for a good intro to their music? which album and/or song(s) do you think would be good for pre-ACL prep?
so I checked out the decemberists web site and all. interesting. I don't listen to the radio to much (the stations suck here) and I'm not familiar with them. but I'll have to give them a try. now, I personally get bugged too, by people at a concert who just stand there...or sit there. if your gonna be up front, you better be moving. that's what the artists want to see. people moved by the sound, not zombie land.