Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the Key Club

Baby 81 was one of the top albums of 2007 and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club toured relentlessly in its support. I managed to catch a few of those shows at the House of Blues San Diego, Wiltern, Greek Theatre, Shoreline Amphitheatre and their video shoot for "Berlin" at Little Radio. The announcement of a few final shows to close the touring book on Baby 81 led me to immediately purchase tickets for their show at the Key Club.

The Key Club was beyond packed as I was unable to secure a decent vantage point on the floor which led me upstairs for a bird's eye view. Peter Hayes (Guitars/Vocals) came out with a lone Gibson acoustic guitar as he delicately strummed out the chords of the B-Side "Grind My Bones". Peter's guitar slidework was excellent as always giving the song an enhanced loose vibe that would linger for the duration of the night. Unfortunately, some of the upstairs patrons must have been drinking quite heavily as one audience member was yelling in between each song the same string of profanity laced encouragements. "Complicated Situation" highlighted Peter's guitar abilites mixed with some passionate harmonica playing. The full band joined Peter on stage to a large round of yells and howls from the crowd. Robert Levon Been (Bass/Vocals) triggered some feedback loops that decayed into the dark blues of "Shuffle Your Feet". The fuzz started to rain inside as much as it was pouring outside with the start of "Love Burns". I never get tired of hearing "Berlin" even after the fact that they played it twenty times at the video shoot. "Weapon Of Choice" accelerated the pace of the show and was another clinic in how to effectively play slide guitar. "All You Do Is Talk" had Peter reaching for his violin bow to use on his guitar to start the song. The harmonizing of vocals with Peter and Robert on "All You Do Is Talk" was memorable enough that I didn't have to write it down as a note. "666 Conducer" had a more organic loose vibe to the song with bursts of noise and feedback in all the right areas. "Six Barrel Shotgun" is one of my top five BRMC songs and was stretched out to a mini noise jam. Peter triggered his tremolo pedal to start off "Red Eyes and Tears" before Robert dived into the forboding bass line. "Sympathetic Noose" was played by Robert solo and was followed by the Bob Dylan cover "Visions of Johanna" instead of his other Bob Dylan cover "The Lonesome Death of Hattie Carroll". "American X" was epic as always with an extended feedback ending. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club convincingly closed out their set with a fierce version of "Spread Your Love" and "Whatever Happened To My Rock N Roll (Punk Song)". I hope they finish their new album quickly so they can go on tour again.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Setlist at the Key Club (1/24/08)
"Grind My Bones"
"Complicated Situation"
"Shuffle Your Feet"
"Love Burns"
"Berlin"
"Weapon Of Choice"
"Howl"
"All You Do Is Talk"
"666 Conducer"
"Six Barrel Shotgun"
"Red Eyes And Tears"
"Ain't No Easy Way"
"Promise"
"Sympathetic Noose"
"Visions Of Johanna"
"As Sure As The Sun"
"American X"
"Took Out A Loan"
"Killing The Light"
"Spread Your Love"
"Whatever Happened To My Rock N Roll (Punk Song)"

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"

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club at the Wiltern

I knew this was going to be a great show before it even started due to the fact I found street parking by the Wiltern. I was also excited that I could take pictures during the show and not get hassled by the powers that be.




In transit between San Diego and Los Angeles, The Black Angels cd magically dropped in price by five dollars. I decided to congratulate The Black Angels on this decision and purchase a copy. The Black Angels played another strong set that went smoother this time around. I recognized the songs this time around and the sound was mixed nicely. Since I was up closer, I was mesmerized by the appearance of a Rogue Electric Sitar that the band was using. It definitely added a huge psychedelic edge to their sound. I will see them at the cozy Troubadour in a few weeks.





Black Rebel Motorcycle Club (BRMC) appeared onstage to a large ovation from its adopted hometown. Robert Levon Been (Bass,Vocals) remarked that it was the largest headlining sellout crowd that they have played. They started off with "Took Out A Loan" from Baby 81 and the rock show had begun. Nick Jago (Drums) kicked down a disco beat coupled with a propulsive driving guitar riff of "Berlin". The band had more energy onstage and seemed to be enjoying themselves. I was excited to hear "Heart + Soul" again but was pleasantly surprised when Robert started the fuzz bomb bass line of "Stop" instead. Peter Hayes (Guitars/Vocals) was killing it on the harmonica during "Ain't No Easy Way". "Mercy" was fantastic as Robert had requested that the lights to be switched off as he strummed away on his Gibson Acoustic. Peter's massive guitar sound was dominant again running through his Fender Band Master amp heads. They ended their set with a shimmery rendition of "All You Do Is Talk" which was peppered with Peter's weeping guitar lines. Robert also made someone's life complete as he handed out his Gibson Hollowbody Bass. I was on the wrong side of the pit. I guess I would have been rewarded if I played bass.


Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Setlist for the Wiltern (5/8/2007)
"Took out a Loan"
"Berlin"
"Spread Your Love"
"Lien on Your Dreams"
"Stop"
"Weapon of Choice"
"Whatever Happened To My Rock & Roll"
"Red Eyes and Tears"
"Windows"
"Promise"
"Not What You Wanted"
"666 Conducer"
"Need Some Air"
"American X"
"Fault line"
"Devil's Waitin'"
"Mercy"
"Howl"
"Ain't No Easy Way"
"All You Do Is Talk"