Sunday, September 09, 2007

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club and Kings of Leon at the Greek Theatre

It was a chilly night at the Greek Theatre that was warmed up by the triple bill of Kings Of Leon, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and Manchester Orchestra. I kept hearing from some friends that the Kings Of Leon gave a stellar performance at Coachella and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club always puts on a solid show.



 
Manchester Orchestra were up first. They hail from Atlanta, Georgia and played some tracks off their debut album "I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child". Andy Hull (Guitars/Vocals) had a gold Gretsch guitar that had an abrasive scratchy sound which suited their songs well. Overall their sound was similar to Hot Rod Circuit crossed with Band of Horses. Unfortunately they had a short set, so they were warmed up by the time they left the stage. They will be back with the Annuals at the Troubadour on November 15th.




Black Rebel Motorcycle Club continues to tour behind its solid fourth album "Baby 81". The album features a smooth blend of all their previous styles yet manages to show continued song writing growth. The Greek theatre has a decibel limit level in order to not offend its neighbors. This didn't bode well for Black Rebel Motorcycle Club because they need to have their amps dimed. The quieter songs sounded good "Ain't No Easy Way" and "Promise" but I missed the usual ear drum blowing sounds of "Spread Your Love" and "American X". They still played a great set, but Black Rebel Motorcycle Club needs to be seen in a dark and smoky club with the floors shaking.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Setlist for the Greek Theatre (9/7/07)
"Took Out A Loan"
"Berlin"
"Ain't No Easy Way"
"Weapon Of Choice"
"What Ever Hapennend To My Rock'N Roll"
"Spread Your Love"
"666 Conducer"
"Promise"
"American X"

Kings Of Leon have gone a long way since I saw them open for the Strokes while supporting their first album "Youth & Young Manhood" back in 2003. They have slowly changed their looks and sound to overcome being lumped as the "Southern Strokes" that they were originally tagged as. The Kings Of Leon had a strong follow up sophomore album with "Aha Shake Heartbreak" and their equally impressive current release is "Because of The Times". I was curious to see how many people would leave after Black Rebel Motorcycle Club since they are the local favorites. The crowd responded very well to the Kings Of Leon and sang/slurred along to most of the songs. Caleb Followill (Guitars/Vocals) was the ringleader of the show front and center stage with his Gibson Hollowbody guitar and Matchless amps. Caleb was more rock and less talk only taking time to thank the crowd near the ending of their set. They sprinkled a few tracks of their first album but focused heavily on their recent releases that features a more straight up rock vibe. Jared Followill (Bass) was thumping away on his Gibson Thunderbird bass and even managed to hit a few notes on his MicroKorg. After an hour and a half set, closing the night with "Slow Night, So Long" was a fitting end.

Kings Of Leon setlist for The Greek Theatre (9/7/07)
"Black Thumbnail"
"Charmer"
"Taper Jean Girl"
"King of the Rodeo"
"My Party"
"Soft"
"True Love Way"
"Fans"
"Arizona"
"McFearless"
"Molly’s Chambers"
"The Bucket
"Milk"
"On Call"
"California Waiting"
"Spiral Staircase"
"Trani"
"Knocked Up"
"Four Kicks"
"Slow Night, So Long"

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