Pet Shop Boys - 9/2-6/09 - NYC / AC

Observing Neil's hat. Wanting one for myself.

This was my third Pet Shop Boys tour over the last 15 years and I told myself from the outset "go more than once, asshole. You always regret not doing so". After telling myself to shut the hell up I did just that and purchased tix for both the band's New York and Atlantic City appearances. And I am happy to report it was money well-spent.

There are some bands who are just shockingly good live. PSB is one of those bands. One would assume it would be a rather being boring moment in that Neil and Chris are not the most excitable of characters (both onstage and off). Taking that into consideration they consistently make an effort to surround themselves with dancers, stunning visual effects, and other homosational effluvia. For this round, the backdrop consisted of strategically placed white boxes set up in different dimensional patterns forming a screen of sorts for the op-art, cubist videos being projected upon them. Manipulated in different patterns by both the dancers and "technicians" throughout the show, it reminded me of a futuristic disco fronted by two very English poofs. In other words I want to go to there. Often.

For Atlantic City we procured VIP tix allowing us to interact briefly with the band before the show and affording us prime rail spots. The guys could not have been nicer (droll, witty, making fun of George Michael's sexual exploits = John Love). I reciprocated by becoming disturbingly drunk during the show and making an ass of myself. Yay for video. Or in my parlance "YEEAAAHHHH".

NY / AC Setlist:

1. More Than A Dream (Magical Dub) (truncated)
2. Heart
3. Did You See Me Coming?
4. Pandemonium/Can You Forgive Her? (medley)
5. Love Etc.
6. Building A Wall (incorporating "Integral")
7. Go West (incorporating "Paninaro" and "Opportunites (Let's Make Lots Of Money)")
8. Two Divided By Zero
9. Why Don't We Live Together? (incorporating "Left To My Own Devices")
10. Always On My Mind

11. New York City Boy
12. Closer To Heaven (truncated)
13. Left To My Own Devices
14. Do I Have To?
15. King's Cross
16. The Way It Used To Be
17. Jealousy
18. Suburbia

19. All Over The World
20. Se A Vida É (That's The Way Life Is)
21. Viva La Vida (incorporating "Discoteca" and "Domino Dancing")
22. It's A Sin

23. Being Boring
24. West End Girls

Depeche Mode - 8/1-4/09 - AC / NYC

So I have been completely remiss in updating my blog over the last two months due to outside issues. I know the 4 people who are "following" me on here are now rejoicing, thanking the heavens my nubby little concert reviews are back. Glad to be of service.

First up, Depeche Mode in Atlantic City at the Borgata Resort on August 1. As always, this band live can do no wrong in terms of song selection, quality of presentation, and general nerdy moments for me to scream "YEAAAHHH" at as I'm trying to take video. Coming off of a ho-hum last album (Sounds Of The Universe), DM wisely favored older, more esoteric tracks in their setlist (4 nuggets alone off Black Celebration = Hell To The Yes!!). The concert was cut a full encore short due to Atlantic City's infernal curfew and the venue was more than likely over 100 degrees plus at certain points in the show (thank you Gahan and your delicate voice). Minor complaints compared to the opportunity to see a band of this magnitude in a 2500 capacity ballroom. We sang, we danced, we did waving wheat arms. The world became a better place.

Next up, DM in NYC at MSG on August 4. Not much else to add here with the exception of a full set (inclusive of Master and Servant, Strangelove, and Waiting For The Night. Thank you baby Jesus. Thank You!). I'm still not exactly sure why Madison Square has the reputation it has as the #1 destination venue in the world to see shows. Based on your seat location, the sound can be atrocious. Entering and exiting the place is like maneuvering around the snow covered maze in the Shining (with Nicholson clutching ax chasing you included). Seeing 20,000 New Yorkers lose their shit and sing along to Enjoy The Silence though is something that can always be appreciated, regardless of venue.

AC Setlist:
1. In Chains

2. Wrong
3. Hole To Feed
4. Walking In My Shoes
5. It's No Good

6. A Question Of Time
7. Precious
8. Fly On The Windscreen

9. Jezebel
10. Question of Lust
11. Come Back
12. Policy of Truth
13. In Your Room
14. I Feel You
15. Enjoy The Silence

Encore 1:
16. Stripped
17. Personal Jesus
18. Never Let Me Down Again

MSG Setlist:

1. In Chains

2.Wrong

3. Hole To Feed
4. Walking In My Shoes

5. It's No Good
6. A Question Of Time
7. Precious
8. Fly On The Windscreen
9. Jezebel
10. Question of Lust
11. Miles Away/This Truth Is
12. Policy of Truth
13. In Your Room
14. I Feel You
15. Enjoy The Silence

16. Never Let Me Down Again

Encore 1:
17. Stripped
18. Master And Servant

19. Strangelove

Encore 2:
20. Personal Jesus
21. Waiting For The Night