Open Your Arms

Sorry for the lateness of today's post. I was on a plane most of the day (more on that later). First things first.

Much has been said (rightfully or not) of Editors and their sound, i.e. it's not that original, etc. And I'm not arguing that. I'm the first person to admit they aren't exactly reinventing the wheel. But they do what they do very well and they are, simply put, an amazing live act. They have poise and stage presence beyond their years. Last night was the second time I had seen them this year and they were just brilliant. No matter what you think of the record, you owe it to yourself to go see this band in the live arena. They sound huuuuge. Whatever they're paying their sound man, he deserves a raise. Last night was, sonically, one of the best sounding shows I've ever heard at the 9:30 Club. My only complaint is that they played "Open Your Arms" a bit too fast and it kinda lost its slow burn feel/appeal. That song was a big standout for me last time I saw them and this time it just got lumped in with the rest of the set. On the other hand, "Camera" which was the quintessential, "Time to go to the loo" tune last time out was much, much better due to some lively drumming. It sounded very "Columbia," one of my favorite Oasis tunes (and likely another song left of the upcoming compilation). Editors rock, go see for yourself.

Cedars played a great set to start off the night. Their new material sounds amazing and it's easy to tell they are getting more and more comfortable playing their new stuff. There could be big things in the works for these guys, so keep your eyes on them. Lake Trout were beyond horrible. Everyone that tells you they've outgrown their jamband phase is lying. They just went prog. And they still suck. Big time.

Today's flight to Chicago went smooth as could be until we landed. We sat on the tarmac for 30 minutes after we landed waiting for a gate to open up. And then took about an hour to get our bags because they sent us to the wrong baggage claim and since there are no functioning signs in that whole area, we had to wait in line for another 20 minutes just to find out what carousel are bags were sent to. It was very frustrating. So the flight took less time that than it took to deplane and claim our bags. Wonderful. But we're here dammit. And I have a gin and tonic in hand and am feeling much better, although I feel like a bit of a dork for blogging from the hotel lobby. The crowd here is weird. Part businessmen, part hipster, part jock(Cards v. Cubs this weekend).

Pitchfork tomorrow! Expect muchos fotografias throughout the weekend.