Muse - 3/2-5/10 - Philly / NYC - Wachovia / MSG

It feels like I have been waiting forever for a band who can truly match what I saw U2 accomplish back in 92-93 on their Zoo Tv tour. That is, meld fantastic rock music with a truly spectacular, over the top light / video show that leaves audiences minds discombobulated. For me, that wait is over.

I'll admit I was a bit late to the Muse party. Introduced to them via Absolution when the album was released but didn't have the chance to see them live stateside until the Black Holes and Revelations tour (at MSG no less). From that moment on, this band became a must-see live act for moi as it was readily apparent they not only strived to bring it sonically (note for note I can't name a band I've seen live in a long while who matches them in terms of sound) but also visually, incorporating huge video screens, lasers, and compelling stage sets fully integrated into an arena setting.

All you would get from me in a full-blown review of this show / this band is a bunch of fawning adjectives describing how much they do not suck. Therefore, I have attached a more dispassionate yet on-target review from Jon Pareles at the NY Times who checked the same show in NYC.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/08/arts/music/08muse.html?scp=4&sq=Muse&st=cse

One note: It is easy to dismiss Muse as a pastiche of sorts. All of the "real" rock critics tend to do so, but in a begrudgingly admirable manner. "Queen". "Radiohead-esque". "Pink Floyd of the aughts". And on and on and on. And you know what? They aren't necessarily wrong. However, if I was in a band and had to be compared to predecessors, that's not such a shabby list in this reviewers humble opinion. Sorry to say but I'm not looking for Kid A when I go see a live show. I want The Wall. Times 10. That equals Muse!

Setlist:

1. Uprising

2. The Resistance

3. New Born

4. Map of the Problematique

5. Supermassive Black Hole

6. Guiding Light

7. Interlude

8. Hysteria

9. Nishe

10. United States of Eurasia

11. Feeling Good

12. Helsinki Jam

13. Undisclosed Desires

14. MK Ultra

15. Starlight

16. Plug In Baby

17. Time is Running Out

18. Unnatural Selection

Encore:

19. Exogenesis Pt. 1

20. Stockholm Syndrome

21. Knights of Cydonia

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

The Secret Machines - 6/19/09 - Santos Party House

Very rarely would I classify a show as being worth it if all you got was an abbreviated 5 song set from a band I could happily listen to play for 3 + hours. This was definitely one of those "worth it" moments. Setlist: Fire Is Waiting - Nothing new here - Vid. is partial Terrible Light - New song - In my humble opinion, it was brilliant! Like I Can - A revival from the Annex shows - Josh confirmed it's making the new album. Pure psych-pop goodness. Walls Are Starting..Nothing new here but really strong version overall - Vid. is partial Dreaming of Dreaming - By far the most exciting, bass-tastic version of this song I've seen / heard live. It melted hipster faces. Phil tore this shit up at the end! Being a forgetful douche, I forgot to inquire about a drop date for the new material. They are "wrapping up recording now" and I'm assuming we'll see something by fall / winter if hopefully not sooner. Possibility of more live dates soon but don't quote me on that. Viva La TSM!