One of the many things that stood out in the three shows Mike played in the New York area over the last week was how distinctive each one of them was. Each setlist had its own feel and character, as Mike dusted off lots of material and gave each show its own identity.
Before he played his first note, Mike mentioned that he was becoming something of a New Yorker after spending much of the last month here. Then, he mentioned how New York wasn't so much different than Wales with all of the rain we have been having. There was a monster storm on Friday, which included flood warnings.
This one became the "Strength Show" early on as Mike played "Only the Thunder" and "Dawn Chorus," a couple of "non-standard" songs from that fine album, early in the set.
Not sure why, but this show seemed to have a slower pace than the other two. That is, until later in the show. Around one-third of the way through the second half, fans took over the pockets of space in front of the stage and turned the Canal Room from "relaxed music venue" into a place for some kick-ass rock and roll. Not surprisingly, 45 RPM and Simmo were both involved in the energy level's rising.
Mike certainly seized on this and went into overdrive with his song choices. He fed off the crowd's enthusiasm and was giving every bit of it back to us as the energy in the room quickly went through the roof. People were packed in by the stage, dancing, jumping, singing, shouting and really enjoying themselves. And there was Mike on stage, seemingly loving every second of it with a big grin on his face as he launched into another song to fuel the crowd's thirst for more.
Spirit of 76 was followed by 45 RPM and Rescue Me and Three Sevens Clash and Where Were You Hiding, What Kind of Hell, 68 Guns, Room at the Top, Absolute Reality. Get the idea? It was like getting hosed down with Red Bull as the room continued to pulsate until the 10 o'clock hour, which was when the show was contracted to end. Otherwise, I could have seen this going on for at least another hour.
A few highlights (more in the setlist) -- The story of the day was that Barney was celebrating his birthday. He even had a party horn around his neck. Since I arrived later than expected at Nancy Whiskey, I'm not sure if he blew the horn every time he wanted another Magners. But it's a great way to get a bartender's attention. Mike played several songs in honor of Barney's birthday (see setlist below)
Rue and Liz were back. After a side trip on their honeymoon down to Washington, D.C., the happy couple were back for one more night with Mike. This was a well-planned honeymoon. No word on whether they had beers with President Obama during their stay in D.C.
Terri and Matt were in town. After spending some time up in Maine, they came to NYC for the weekend. Back to California on Sunday, if I heard correctly.
Abe was there. I always love seeing Abe at shows. He always has more energy than anybody in the room and isn't afraid to let people know how much of a good time he's having. His enthusiasm is contagious.
I'm going to preface this next bit by saying if you don't like negatives, go right to the setlist. There certainly was something from Friday that I didn't like. As I said to Vamp early in the second half -- quietly -- it was a "Very chatty crowd" at the Canal Room. It definitely impacted the show, and not for the better. I don't know it for a fact, but I am fairly convinced that Mike changed the direction of the show and went back to more "tried and true" Alarm classics, just so the audience would sing the songs and finally shut their pieholes. There were too many people having too many conversations that could be heard by more than just the person they were talking to. And, call me an aging A-hole if you want, but that just shouldn't happen. Check out the second half setlist below. Look at the first seven songs in the second half versus the rest of them. Anyone else notice a remarkable difference in the tone of the show? I'm not saying be dead silent. That's not possible. But to have running and loud conversations during the show is not only annoying, but it's also incredibly rude to those around you and -- especially -- to the man on stage who is busting his ass to entertain you. If you are going to continue to yap it up during the show, go to the back of the venue. Don't stand on the side of the stage or close to the stage, especially if you have a shrill voice that can cut glass and be heard from the front of the room to the back. When Mike Peters or The Alarm are performing, I don't care about your job or your boyfriend/girlfriend or your dog. I'm there to hear the music, not your life story. This is what pre-show meet-ups are for. It's also what post-gig festivities are for. There were plenty of people in the Nancy Whiskey before the show and a couple dozen who made it up to Smith's after the show. Do your talking there. Again, sorry for the criticism (and preaching), but I felt it had to be said. I'll now give the soapbox back to anyone who wants it and prepare to be told where to go.
The setlist Shout to the Devil Elders and Folklore (afterward, Mike mentioned about finding some lost treasure during this show in some rarely played songs and he delivered) Only the Thunder Dawn Chorus Father to Son (dedicated to Jim Tesorerio, who lost his father recently.) Walk Forever By My Side Rain In the Summertime Thoughts of a Young Man, Part 1 (also the first song in the "Tribute to Barney," who was celebrating his birthday on Friday) The Stand/When Everything was Perfect/The Stand (The Stand included the line "Hey, Barney! Where ya goin' boy? Your eyes are feet apart..." Nice touch.)
HALFTIME
Strength Feel Free The Unexplained The Day the Ravens Left the Tower Presence of Love True Life The Rock (dedicated to Rue and Liz) Spirit of 76 45 RPM Rescue Me Three Sevens Clash Where Were You Hiding/What Kind of Hell?/Where Were You Hiding 68 Guns Room at the Top (abbreviated version) Absolute Reality Blaze of Glory Spirit of 76 (yes, Mike came back to it, as he never did finish it when he did it midway through the second half. This likely is the longest version of Spirit of 76 in Alarm history, with nine songs in between the start and finish, but research will be needed to verify that.
Oh, and Mike did mention the possibility of a show at Webster Hall in mid-September, after the LHS event in Union County. But, shhh, keep that quiet for now.
Tim
This message has been edited. Last edited by: NYC Tim,
Nothing lasts forever is all they seem to tell you when you're young
Posts: 369 | Location: New York City | Registered: 12 May 2006
Lovely review Tim. And preach away on the talking issue. Something similiar happened at one of the Alarm 2000 days at Rhyl Town Hall - not only is it mightly distracting to those fans who are there for the music, (although I'm not sure why else you'd be at a show?) but it's the height of bad manners and shows a distinct lack of respect for the performer. So well said.
Glad everyone had a great time.
__________________________
Posts: 212 | Location: Sheffield | Registered: 05 March 2006
Bravo Tim. Another fantastic review. You nailed it once again, and what an amazing fortnight it's been.
I totally agree with you and Pauline. It is such a shame that this goes on. I recently saw this happen at the Manchester Guerilla Tactics tour. I was absolutely incensed. I really don't understand why some people feel such a need to talk and talk while someone is on a stage performing and giving it their all. It's just rude and despicable and moreso extremely disrespectful to the artist and those trying to enjoy the show. What a vibe wrecker.
That being said, I have never seen such a direct connection between Mike and the audience than what happened towards the end of last night's show. That room was ready to explode by the amount of energy that was taking place literally minute by minute and song by song. I really don't think I've witnessed such a direct correlation and such a buildup of emotion from the stage to the floor and back again that was redeeming.
These 3 shows have been such a wonderful time of great music, amazing friends and fantastic moments that won't be forgotten for a long, long time. Can't wait to do it all again in September.
P.S. If anyone has or knows of anyone who happened to record "Only the Thunder" from last night's show, can you please let me know. It would mean alot to me. Thanks.
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Posts: 1079 | Location: Across the Border | Registered: 05 March 2006
I agree with the complaints about the loud talking, but I suggest it was even worse in stages of the first Canal Room show. Perhaps it was just because I was standing closer to the bar for that show, but there was a large group of guys at that show who only seemed to have a passing interest in the gig and more interest in each other's gossip, but it certainly spoiled part of that gig for me. I was pleased to hear some effective shushing this week!
Despite all that, these shows were the first time I had seen Mike for a long, long time, and the first time solo, and I was stunned by his performance each time. He's retained the passion, spirit and honest poetry that raised The Alarm above the rest all those years ago, but also gained a confidence, charm and acceptance of himself that only comes with age, and which allows him to play in a way that connects with people today. Amazing. Can't wait for the September show(s).
Thanks for the support everyone. I thought I was going to come back here and get some guff, but then I realized the people who were doing the talking likely aren't among those who come to this forum on any sort of regular basis.
Doug, the ironic thing is you can see some of the worst noise offfenders on the videos, especially Strength. The women on the other side of the stage from where those videos were shot were talking most of the night. By the way, not sure if you know him, but Abe is the guy in the headband who is also in that back corner.
Bats, I'm with you and was thinking the same thing when I was hearing all of the chatting "What the hell are you doing here if you aren't listening to the music?" If nothing else, after all these years, Mike deserves at least that much respect.
Lily, what may have been trhe best parts of the night for me was when things got energetic and I saw some of the looks on Mike's face as we were all getting crazy in front. He truly was loving the reaction. More than once, he had a big grin on his face, almost like he was saying "OK, we've got it going now" or something to that effect. I thought he really dialed it up after that, refusing to let that energy and vibe go away for even a few seconds. That part of the show was magical.
ESB, I was over on that side of the stage last week and it didn't seem so bad to me. I was up front, directly on the left side right on the stage. I'll assume you were farther back. I was there for a Canal Room show a couple of years ago and do recall that being a very chatty area. Just move forward iunto one of the gaps by the stage if Mike plays there again. There is room up there. Hopefully, if there is a next time there, they can do something about the lights. Red and yellow are not only the worst colors to take pictures in, but they also are painful on the eyes after a while. But I agree 100% with your thoughts on Mike's passion, spirit and honesty still shining through in each pereformance he gives. Those things are what keeps me coming back for more and more.
As for Sept. 17 and 19, shhhhh. Those are still tentative. Oh, and Lily, if a Webster Hall show does happen, I recommend the Grassroots Tavern on St. Marks or even Nevada Smith's on Third Ave. between 11 and 12th. With any luck, we could get West Ham followed by Mike Peters.
Tim
Nothing lasts forever is all they seem to tell you when you're young
Posts: 369 | Location: New York City | Registered: 12 May 2006
I only noticed a some talking during the first set, in quiet moments. We were near the bar and the PA was loud enough to drown out most noise. Then again, he was playing a bar, not a sit-down concert hall as he had played on Long Island.
But I did like the coziness of the room, with couches and the like spread about, and loved the collective energy that took over the room as Mike fed off the crowd. A vert special performance.
Posts: 55 | Location: usa | Registered: 12 July 2008
