Seattle Subsonic

Basically, I Just Wanna Say How Cool Dinosaur Jr. Is

August 13th, 2009

Dudes, not much time for canoodling, but I wanted to record some thoughts on one of the more awesome shows I’ve seen this year. The KEXP BBQ was actually free this year (the wife remarked that “it was about time” they offered up some goods here in Seattle; as opposed to New York, where, you know, it’s bigger and cooler and a better radio market or some shit), and with a mostly stellar lineup it was an easy decision.

.

Having seen Champagne Champagne several times and not being enamored with Born Anchors (his voice just bugs me), we timed our arrival for Vancouver, B.C.’s Japandroids‘ 4:30 set. I took an ear gander at the duo’s Post-Nothing the day before and found it both delightful and bothersome. At times, it’s a bit too ‘epic’ for its own good, but on the other hand, the noisy garage balladry often warms the heart (case in point, the “I don’t wanna worry about dyin’!” chorus from “Young Hearts Spark Fire”). I enjoyed their performance more than I thought I would. You can listen to the entire record on their myspace.

.

Cymbals Eat Guitars did nothing of the sort. Blame Cheryl Waters. I do not recommend this band.

.

The Rose City’s Viva Voce sounded polished, heavy, solid, and breezy, their good nature approaching overflow. I hadn’t seen the band play since the summer of aught-seven, so the anticipation I felt was neat. They relied heavily on this year’s Rose City release (it’s good, listen to it here), sprinkling in some of their popular jams off previous records ( “Alive With Pleasure”, for instance, off The Heat Can Melt Your Brain). Anita Robinson is particularly charming and her voice is stunning. Why don’t more women like her lead bands like this? I know, I know, they’re a songwriting duo. Her husband, Kevin, played bass most of the show—which I thought was interesting—including a tongue-in-cheek Dinosaur Jr. cover: him scratching his bass into dissonance for about 20 seconds. It was funny. I hope Portlanders know how excellent this band is.

.

So, yeah, Dinosaur Jr. are just about one of the coolest guitar bands EVER. I’m a bit of a Johnny-come-lately, but there’s just something about J. Mascis’ songwriting that sounds so good. One minute he’s singing in his melodic monotone, some nice rhythm warbling in the mix, and the next he’s covered in hair and absolutely scorching his Fender. (I got a 2 minute video here. Already one comment, suckas.) Standing under the most recognizable Seattle landmark, J. introduced “The Wagon” this way: “when the single came out, Sub Pop treated me to dinner up in the Space Needle. You’re eatin’ dinner and spinnin’ around. It’s pretty cool.” Before the crowd coaxed them out for one final encore, they ended with their Cure cover of “Just Like Heaven”.

.

A few other observations: holy crap, it was LOUD. J. had three Marshall stacks behind him and one off to his right. Who does that? How is he not completely deaf? Lou Barlow’s vocal turns totally changed the sound of the band. And Murph is probably a robot.

.

Hmph, turns out I had more to say than I thought. More pics here.