The reunited Jesus & Marry Chain took the Webster Hall stage at 10pm for their first New York City in almost a decade and it was a major disappointment.
For some reason, the sound was low and clean that it was hard to get into the music. I'm sorry, but a Jesus and Mary Chain show needs to be loud with a wall of distortion blowing your head back.
While the band have never had an energetic stage presence, they have always bashed out their songs twice as hard as they have on record. Last night though, the mega one-two hit of "Head On" and "Far Gone And Out" were played at a crawl. It was like the life had been sucked out of them.
About halfway through their set, my friend James handed the soundguy a note saying "Make everything louder" and it seemed to work. The energy did pick up around "Blues from a Gun" but it never hit the level you would have thought it would.
Also, the show lasted barely an hour! For $60 (including service fees), I expected something more than a festival-size setlist........
JESUS & MARY CHAIN | WEBSTER HALL | MAY 21, 2007
Never Understand / Head On / Far Gone and Out / Sidewalking / Snakedriver / Happy When it Rains / Some Candy Talking / Between Planets / Blues from a Gun / Cracking Up / All Things Must Pass / Teenage Lust / Just Like Honey / Reverence // Vegetable Man
More photographs after the jump.........
Comments (8)
You are right on the money. It did sound somewhat better as they went along but overall it didn't even sound like JAMC. They souned like a weak cover band. Sidewalking was awful. Never Understand with no feedback? C'mon!
Posted on May 22, 2007 12:31 PM
I like how they give the key on the setlist... all their songs are the same so need for the hired hands to actually learn them. That said, Phil King is awesome (as is former Ride drummer Loz).
Posted on May 22, 2007 12:31 PM
I agree that the show was weak but I also would like to place some of the blame on Webster Hall themselves. I can't remember ever seeing a mind blowing performance at that place. It seems that the sound is always bad and off a bit.
Posted on May 22, 2007 7:25 PM
I've seen at least 2 great shows at Webster Hall, Sleater Kinney were great on their farewell tour, and Mogwai was pretty great when they came around. However, I've seen at least 10 shows their, so it is not a good percentage. Though it is one of my least favorite venues (expensive drinks, always sweltering), it seems to be the place many of my favorite bands play, so I have to grin and bear it.
Posted on May 22, 2007 11:59 PM
i went last night and it was totally good. no clue if it was different than the first night but if not it might be that you are just kind of a prick.
expensive drinks? - yes, always.
good show? - i think yes always.
i've never had a problem w/ the sound...maaaayyybe once or twice but i've seen like 40 shows there.
whatever.
Posted on May 23, 2007 7:24 PM
i love JAMC but the last time i saw them (irving plaza) they were terrible as well.
i just don't think they've really cared for some time....
Posted on May 24, 2007 9:22 AM
steel bands wedding
Posted on March 25, 2008 5:48 PM
steel bands wedding
Posted on March 25, 2008 5:48 PM