Last week, me and the Lady went to the Metro twice for two absolutely stellar rock and roll shows. First, on Monday the 3rd we attended a Clap Your Hands Say Yeah concert. This was her last birthday gift of this year, and the show was suitably rockin'. The opening band, the Brunettes, were surprisingly great. They're from New Zealand and have a total Architecture in Helsinki thing going on, which was fabulous to witness. They finished the show with the all-time creepiest thing I have ever seen at a concert. During their last song, they began some sort of chant that involved Mary-Kate and Ashley; and while they were playing this song they donned Full House era Mary-Kate and Ashley masks with the eyes cut out and finished the last 2 minutes of the song. It was surreally terrific. CYHSY eventually took the stage and played their entire debut album (save for the instrumentals) along with 2 new songs. One of the new songs, "Satan Said Dance," was unbelievably groovy and absolutely fantastic. You can find a live take on the internet somewhere, because I have it and you should too. They even played "Clap Your Hands!," which I was extremely curious to hear. Essentially, it was made in to a more standard song that maintained the circus-like appeal of the original. Go see them if you can.
On Saturday, we went back to the Metro (and miraculously avoided being towed again) to see Gogol Bordello. The opening band, Dub Trio, was terrible and a strong candidate for worst opening band I have ever seen. But they headliners were totally ridiculous. The only way to properly describe them is by stating their musical style (Ukranian Gypsy Punk -- their description) and providing a link to a picture (here). They were just bonkers from beginning to end, culminating in the moustachioed lead singer and backup chick riding around the crowd on an enormous marching bass drum. Before that, there was a lot of jumping, sweating, squeezeboxing, and general mayhem. I agree with the Lady when she states that it may have been the best low budget show that she has seen. Another strong recommendation if you get the chance.
Lastly, the Metro is even more awesome now that they have banned smoking. This means you do not smell like an ashtray for 72 hours after enjoying a concert. Go there often.
