Show #1: Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band at Mercy Lounge
(note: the pictures in this blog are not from the actual show, but rather from various google images).
I was looking forward to seeing Conor Oberst's new project since last year when I caught word that he was doing a solo-esque album. Hearing the new album was being recorded in Mexico only contributed to the mystery. How would an Oberst album sound without the abilities of Mike Mogis? I was intrigued. Luckily, we came across a live version of many of the new songs online...so I was able to hear the music before the show. I heard many of these new songs while still living at the beach, so they had significance. Songs about leaving, moving on, and embracing the new all resonated for me during this stage of my life.
Seeing Oberst perform is also a chance to see an old friend. Or at least it is a hopeful to see an old friend. When you happen to know someone who has managed to achieve a certain amount of success- it can be difficult to get in touch with them. Once "celebrity" takes hold, there are often a network of people that now separate you from the person you use to know. That being said, we decided to try to see Oberst both at the in-store performance at Grimey's and at the formal show at Mercy Lounge.
Arriving at Grimey's, we were met with an already full store. So, we stood on the back porch waiting for the band to arrive for their performance. Apparently, they were coming directly from the airport. Now, waiting...I'm not a fan of waiting. When the band did arrive, they climbed the stairs at the back of Grimey's. What I found interesting was that the crowd was completely silent for their entire trip up the stairs. They all stood staring, silently. Again, when they came back the stairs, silence. As Conor came down the stairs, I was lucky enough to be recognized. He stopped to give me a hug. I thought this might be a good sign about getting the chance to catch up later at the show. I would be wrong. This would be the only interaction I would get to have with my old friend. Those damn networks.
As the porch filled up with people, Tim and I made our way back down to the parking lot. The band sounded great, but assuming we'd have an opportunity to see them later, we decided to grab some much needed food and drinks at Robert's Western World.
The show at Mercy was also pretty packed. I listened to a couple of songs by The Evangelicals, though I was less impressed than I had hoped. I decided instead to imbibe and wait for the Mystic Valley folks. The performance was great. There was little banter between the songs. I think in ways that Oberst is hoping to recreate the rock n' roll band that he misses. Bright Eyes is a huge production with various instrumentation, video, lights, and a whole crew of folks. Maybe Oberst wanted to go out on the road with some dudes, record, and tour...without all the bells and whistles. Not to mention, the new songs have the sound of just that- getting back to the basics.
I've had this conversation with several people and read a few articles about it- but I find the idea of an artist maturing very intriguing. So, what is the process that someone like Oberst (a youngster when he earned his claim to fame) must go through to write music that reflects his maturity? Can a 28 year old Oberst continue to write songs about popping pills and ending up in the hospital? I think if musicians don't change their style and what they write about, we all end up thinking it is a little sad. If Oberst's late 20s and early 30s are anything like mine, it'll be an awkward period of coming to terms with maturing, while still managing not to give in and give up.
#2 Bon Iver and AA Bondy at The Exit/In
Unfortunately we missed AA Bondy, but arrived at The Exit/In right as Justin Vernon of Bon Iver took stage. I can't quite remember if the show was sold out or not, but I am assuming it was because of the lack of movement that this packed club allowed. I honestly was surprised to see this many folks out to see Bon Iver. I had no idea people loved them as much as I did. Vernon has an incredible voice and sense of putting his vocals to music. It was quiet, but moving. Even heartbreaking at times. I haven't had the opportunity yet to listen to the album again, but this is the type of show that I know will make the album sound even better.
#3- The Silver Beats with Prabir and the Substitutes at Mercy Lounge
Awwww, Prabir and the Substitutes. I've known Prabir for almost 10 years now. I've watched his different projects unfold and change. When I lived in Charlotte, I'd help him set up shows to bring him to town. When I lived at the beach, we were lucky enough to bring him to the beach right before I moved. Luckily, when I realized I was moving to Nashville, I discovered that Prabir already played Nashville pretty regular.
Prabir informed me that his show in Nashville would be opening for a band called The Silver Beats, which are a Beatles cover band from Tokyo. I must admit the idea of a Japanese Beatles cover band seemed kitschy and fun, not to mention I'd get the chance to see my old friend, Prabir.
Prabir and the Substitutes were terrific. I just hate there weren't more folks there to see them. One of the things that I think is the most commendable about the band is that regardless of whether there is one person in the crowd (me) or 150...the band puts forth the same energy. They are there to perform. Also, I have seen many incarnations of Prabir and band mates- and I say this without reservation- but, this current group of folks seem to have just the perfect chemistry. Not to mention, they are all incredibly nice and welcoming people. Even if I don't always remember that (sorry, Tyler!)
When The Silver Beats came to stage, I was curious about how much they would sound like and look like The Beatles. I already heard that the Japanese John Lennon looked suspiciously like John Lennon. I also knew that some of the members spoke very limited English- so how would this take place? One song in and I was hooked. Not only is the band spot on in their performance, but they also curiously bring the songs to life, much like I imagine the original Beatles did. As I looked around the crowd, people were signing along, smiling, and just having a great time.
After the show and experiencing for the first time (from a live show) what has been called Beatle-mania, we were lucky enough to meet the members of The Silver Beats. Prabir was nice enough to introduce, as well as we were able to take pictures with them (which hopefully I'll have copies of before too long). Shortly after the show, one of the Substitutes informed me that Michelle Branch was in attendance. I'll be honest, I didn't know that much about her music, but a quick glance around the club and I recognized her. She was standing around with The Silver Beats.
I had a difficult time deciding whether or not to write about what follows. In that, I'm never sure how to talk about famous folks without sounding like I'm bragging or even somehow violating their anonymity. So, what happened with the rest of the evening? For one, I knew if there was one thing that I would like to happen with the rest of the evening it was that I wanted the entire crew (Prabir, The Substitutes, and The Silver Beats) all to make their way down to Lower Broadway in Nashville. This area is known as the Honky Tonk area, where Robert's Western World is located. I think it is pretty obvious I have a soft place for Robert's and I thought it would be great to have the everyone drinking and dancing in a honky tonk bar. Luckily, I was convincing.
Upon arriving to Robert's, we walked up only to run into Branch and her friends. Surprisingly, she recognized us from the show and said hello. One of the things that I found refreshing about Branch is that she was just having a good time. It wasn't like she was out with some entourage. She wasn't expecting folks to treat her differently. She was just out with friends and meeting new friends. Once the bands arrived, the next couple of hours was filled with conversation and beverages. We met some lovely new folks from Nashville, as well as got a few chances to talk with the bands.
At the end of the evening, we all walked outside. Half the folks were heading home or to a hotel (Branch, The Silver Beats), while the other half (Prabir and the Substitutes) were headed to a dance party in East Nashville. Before we all parted ways, we stopped on the sidewalk. One of the fellas from The Silver Beats (from what I remember, it was the Japanese Paul) borrowed a guitar from a guy that was playing on the street. About 15 or so of us gathered around while The Silver Beats performed the song "Michelle." After this, they led us in a sing-a-long version of "In My Life." It was absolutely incredible. And with no doubt, one of my fondest musical memories. We stood on a street in Nashville, belted out the song, all together, as people walked by. I do love a sing-a-long.
If the past week is any indication of the days and weeks to follow, I'm going to feel tired and worn out, but incredibly inspired.
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