• Avenue A
• Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:28pm

There'a about as much correct information in this editorial as there was courtesy among the Kool Haus concert goers on Tuesday night.

Jesse Malin's hair has been black since before D Generation, I guess he was also attempting to look younger when he was in his early twenties.  Also, they didn't play Broken Radio.  The set opened with Wendy and also consisted of Queen of the Underworld (from the Fine Art of Self Destruction), In the Modern World, Prisoners of Paradise, and Black Haired Girl (from Glitter in the Gutter), Leaving Babylon (Bad Brains cover on Jesse's album, On Your Sleeve), three new not yet released songs for his upcoming studio album, and finally Degenerated (yes, a Reagan Youth cover on the Airheads soundtrack and also on D Generations's "No Lunch".

Not generally a Murder by Death fan, it was undeniable that Adam Turla's solo cover of "Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)" was the most haunting and powerful moment of the night, reminiscent of the amazing version recorded by the wonderful Terry Reid.  We had the pleasure of being in thr first row, and one only needed to look around at the enraptured faces to see that the crowd was mesmerized.   

The Gaslight Anthem's set was incredible, the energy was exhilirating and the crowd was throwing the energy back at the band in a frenzied interplay of sweat, excitement and rock and roll.  This is the fourth time I have seen the Gaslight Anthem this year, including the prior night in Buffalo, and this was on par with the other three.  The Gaslight Anthem is hands down, one of the best live acts I have ever seen, and I have seen many, many live acts.  That being said, I find it hard to lend any credence to your opinion of the show since again, you are mistaken about the set list.  I Coulda been a Contender was not in the set at all. They did, however play We Came to Dance during the encore.  They also played Navesink Banks and I'da Called You Woody, Joe from Sink or Swim and Wherefore Art Thou, Elvis? from the Senor and the Queen EP. I'da Called You Woody, Joe received thunnderous applause from the crowd, and I would have coined that as the most "notable" representation of Sink or Swim, along with the encore of We Came to Dance.

My sole complaint about the show is the discourtesy of Canadian fans.  This being my fourth Gaslight show on this tour, I have NEVER witnessed such rude and inconsiderate fans.  I am a 5'1" female who arrived 1 1/2 hours before doors opened to have a great vantage point to watch the show.  Despite my petite frame, I have held my own in the front row and the pits for many years due to a combination of my own experience and the courtesy of other fans.  Normally, we can all have a great time, dancing, singing, and pumping our fists in the air.  This time, I was surrounded by males, at least a foot taller than me, who only cared about shoving and pushing their way to the front.  Apparently, what these people don't realize is that it's physically impossible to occupy the same physical space as another person.  After countless elbows to my head from people literally climbing over me to be the FIRST person, I began to realize that I could not enjoy the show.  Without being able to match the physical strength of most of the people around me, I had to brace my elbows against the barricade just to stay upright.  There is NO doubt that if I would have fallen, as almost happened many times, I would have been trampled and crushed.  In this position, I could hardly breathe, let alone move and dance and enjoy the music.  And no, my experience has not been at Norah Jones concerts, it has been countless rock and metal shows wrought with moshers and stage divers, and yet I have never before had to actually vacate my EARNED front row position.  We moved to the back during the 5th Gaslight song where we could dance, and breathe to our heart's content. 

Sure, the energy of the crowd may have impressed Brian Fallon, but he wasn't able to accurately judge the specifics from his vantage point, and I guarantee you, it was not what he meant by his weekend vs. week comment....which by the way, did not apply to "the fans", it was a general comment about Canadian society vs. American society and our different lifestyles.  What he couldn't have possible seen was the regrettable mob mentality displayed by the Canadian fans.  One on one, I have a genuine respect and admiration for the Canadian people, but if Tuesday's show was any indication, the group mentality is far from respectable or admirable.  The Americans may be the "week", but at least they are courteous and respectful of other's safety and the right to have a good time.