A three-concert week

I know this is kind of late, but a couple weeks ago I packed in three separate concerts into one week. It was tiring, and my ears were ringing pretty consistently after it was all over, but it was ultimately a very rewarding decision.

First up was Band of Horses at the Riviera. As could be assumed from my previous post, due to the band's new album, I wasn't super excited for this show. I got there in the middle of the second song, and the Riv was pretty packed. They sprinkled in new songs throughout the set, while a PowerPoint presentation flashed random images on the wall behind the band. At one point, they went strictly with songs from their first two albums, and I was having a good time singing along. They wrapped up with "Is There A Ghost" and "Funeral" before taking an encore break. They came out and played the first track from their first album -- aptly named "The First Song." I figured this would be the end. And it should've been. (So clever playing "The First Song" last.) However, they ended with "Georgia," a Cee-Lo cover that I felt really let the air out of the building. Weak ending to a below-average show.

A few days later I went to see Deerhunter at Metro. This show was outstanding. They played mostly tunes from their newest album, Halcyon Digest, but they also tossed in some songs from Microcastle -- the highlight being "Nothing Ever Happened," which they turned into probably a 10-minute (at least) jam. The band was tight and they sounded better than most acts at Metro. I'd definitely go see Deerhunter again, given the opportunity.

Rounding out the long week of music was the heavyweight billing of Hot Chip and LCD Soundsystem at the Aragon Ballroom. Hot Chip started promptly at 8, and they killed it. We were up close, and the sound was great for the Aragon. They played a decent mix of songs from their three most recent albums, comprising a set that was longer than your average opening act. It was a perfect lead-in to LCD. I saw LCD twice this summer, and they played the exact same set both times -- noticeably omitting two of my favorite songs off their newest album This Is Happening -- "Dance Yrself Clean" and "Home."

Luckily, I didn't have to wait long to find out if they'd leave these stand-outs off the setlist once again. The "Dance Yrself Clean" opener was one of the best live songs I've seen. Ever. Amazing buildup, with an explosion of energy when the drums kicked in. They played a number of favorites they also played this summer ("All My Friends," "Losing My Edge," "Yeah," etc.) before closing with one of my favorite songs of the year -- "Home." By the time LCD was wrapping up the set, I was pretty exhausted and sweaty. But it was all worth it.

It was a great week of music.