2009 - The Year In Concerts

I made it to 43 shows in 2009. Not as many as some but more than most I think. It was a pretty good year for me live music-wise but I think I need to slow it down a bit in 2010. Some highlights for me...

Bruce Springsteen - Nassau, Giants Stadium Nights 3 & 5, MSG (E. Street Shuffle & The River Live)

What can I say, I love the Boss. I've seen him too many times to count and this tour (as well as the Magic tour which this was really an extension of) featured some of the best shows I've seen him do. Was it 78 or 80, no it wasn't, but certainly the shows were as good as the BITUSA tour and in my opinion better than either the Reunion Tour or The Rising shows (which were also pretty damn good). Let's hope this is not the end.

Railroad Earth - Boulton Center and Music Hall of Williamsburg

These guys are my new favorite "jam band". The acoustic instruments and the "bluegrass"sound are great. Can't wait for the next show in February.

Texas Independence Day - Terminal 5

Robert Earl Keen, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Charlie Robison and Ray Wylie Hubbard. Can I get a Hell Yeah?

Allman Brothers Band - Beacon Theater

One of the best nights I have seen them. Eric Clapton doesn't hurt either. If this is the end then they are going out on a high note.

Randy Rogers Band - Highline Ballroom

Too rock for Nashville, too country for rock. To it's just right. A great live band.

Steely Dan - Beacon Theater

This is the right venue for the Dan. Great songs, great performance, just a great night.

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert - Both Nights

I just found an audio rip of the HBO special. It's funny, I loved being there and Stevie Wonder and Bruce were amazing but much of the others left me pretty ambivalent on re-listening. Somethings are best experienced once and remembered instead of re-lived.

Some Pleasant Surprises:

Patti Smith, The Subdudes & The Cult

Some Disappointments

The Dead, Three Girls and their Buddy (great show but no Buddy Miller - Glad He's better)

It really was a good year. Most of the shows I saw I enjoyed. I was tortured at a few but it was for my son (Buckethead??? Never again) so I can live with it. If you haven't been to a show lately it's time to get out there and see some live music.

Steely Dan - Beacon Theater 8-4-09

I really like Steely Dan. They were the "way cool" rock band back in the day. The albums were so crisp, so perfect with some really fantastic songs. And the playing was always first rate. I saw one of the Rock & Soul reviews back in the 90's that was a sort of mini-reunion then I didn't get to another show until the last tour. In both cases I was a bit disappointed. They played and sounded great but there was a disconnect with me. Too cool, too perfect. Maybe it just didn't work live.

I was still intrigued by this new tour with them playing an album straight through (Aja, Gaucho or Royal Scam) each of 3 nights and then an internet request night where the audience votes on songs for that nights setlist. Hmmm. Well I passed due to the VERY HIGH ticket price. Good seats were $172-240 which is too much for me. I did luckily get an e-mail last week with Orchestra seats going for $99. I bit and am glad I did.

The show was fantastic. Some will say it is too greatest hits, but I for one loved every minute. They need to play in a theater not in some huge outdoor amphitheater. The sound was great, the band was tight and they looked like they were enjoying this. Aside from most of the songs you would expect we got Dr Wu and Any Major Dude which is a favorite. Just an overall excellent night of music. If you get the chance, check it out.

Steely Dan
Beacon Theater
August 4, 2009

Teenies Blues (The Band)
Aja
Hey 18
Peg
Dirty Work
FM
Rikki Don't Lose That Number
Home At Last
Dr. Wu
Any Major Dude Will Tell You
Do It Again
Love Is Like An Itchin' In My Heart
Babylon Sisters
Daddy Don't Live In NYC No More
Black Cow
Josie
Don't Take Me Alive
Kid Charlamagne
Reelin' In The Years
My Old School