Talk about it here.
Gonna save my full impressions for after tomorrow nights show... but to anyone still considering going but havent quite decided... GO
setlist tonight (out of order, possibly an ommision):
At Dawn
Gideon
I will Sing you Songs
Wordless Chorus
Just one thing
The way that he Sings
Golden
Steam Engine
Bermuda Highway (Just Jim and orchestra)
Run Thru
Steam Engine with an orchestra. Wow. Wow.
Any idea when they went on and when they played until? I am driving up from NYC and can't wait.
I think i would have passed out during a Run Thru with orchestra
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Bermuda Highway (Just Jim and orchestra)
*fainting*
:o
last night was incredible. this was my very first MMJ performance and i think i picked an excellent one to sit in on. now, i hope they come around again and play a proper show, although if they did another orchestra gig i would buy tickets again in a heartbeat.
Some lady reviewed this in the globe and claimed that MMJ and the Pops were both trying not to step on the other's toes and the result was less than inspiring. I would like to hear feedback from real fans about this impression. Did you get this same feeling?
I was at the show last night...and all I can say is that it was epic. It was my 3rd MMJ show, and hands down the best (although I hear Bonnaroo this year was ridiculous). I can see what Boston Globe columnist Joan Anderman is saying about neither side wanting to overpower the other, but I don't think she quite got it. Of course MMJ could unleash some serious rock if they wanted to, just as the Pops could wow everyone with their prowess. But that wasn't the point. The point was a meeting of these two ostensible opposites to create some truly gorgeous music. Nothing about the show was overpowering, except for the emotions of hearing such beautiful sounds. If anything, I would say that MMJ overpowered the Pops - the strings often got drowned out, which was unfortunate, but not that big of a deal. The real showcase of this show was Jim and his voice. The vocals were crystal clear and as haunting as ever as he hit notes high and low across every song.
Steam Engine is, hands down, my favorite MMJ song, and last night's version was happiness in song form. It was that good. Equally incredible were Run Thru and the closer, Bermuda Highway, with Jim and his guitar playing solo with the Pops. The acoustics of Symphony Hall made the clarity of his voice and his guitar truly spectacular.
I personally think there were only two ways the show could have been better: a little more sound on the strings, and a longer set. It was as close to perfection as I have ever seen a live show.
i'm going tonight and i have two questions...
1. what time did it start? i heard 8pm
and
2. is there a dress code?
To anyone who went last night...
What did you think of last night's poster?
Does anyone have a picture of it?
QuoteGonna save my full impressions for after tomorrow nights show... but to anyone still considering going but havent quite decided... GO
setlist tonight (out of order, possibly an ommision):
At Dawn
Gideon
I will Sing you Songs
Wordless Chorus
Just one thing
The way that he Sings
Golden
Steam Engine
Bermuda Highway (Just Jim and orchestra)
Run Thru
right on, Bermuda was indeed the closer tho.
It was sonically amazing... tonight will only get better. The conductor (Keith Lockhart) and Patrick were working together very well. The orchestra was just amazing, definitely try to catch the opening set of just them before MMJ joins if you go tonight. Watching the timpanist tune his drums during the performance and the sight of 20 violins moving in concert (pun) was awe inspiring. Really gave me a huge appreciation for everyone on stage as serious musicians.
Lockhart was having a blast with MMJ. Pat's kit was toned down so that it wouldn't overpower the room, I believe it was really an electronic kit.
The aftershow downstairs with The Slip is worth checking out too, they've really changed their style since the last time I saw them ('99).
I wish I was going tonight, it was that good.
QuoteI was at the show last night...and all I can say is that it was epic. It was my 3rd MMJ show, and hands down the best (although I hear Bonnaroo this year was ridiculous). I can see what Boston Globe columnist Joan Anderman is saying about neither side wanting to overpower the other, but I don't think she quite got it. Of course MMJ could unleash some serious rock if they wanted to, just as the Pops could wow everyone with their prowess. But that wasn't the point. The point was a meeting of these two ostensible opposites to create some truly gorgeous music. Nothing about the show was overpowering, except for the emotions of hearing such beautiful sounds. If anything, I would say that MMJ overpowered the Pops - the strings often got drowned out, which was unfortunate, but not that big of a deal. The real showcase of this show was Jim and his voice. The vocals were crystal clear and as haunting as ever as he hit notes high and low across every song.
Steam Engine is, hands down, my favorite MMJ song, and last night's version was happiness in song form. It was that good. Equally incredible were Run Thru and the closer, Bermuda Highway, with Jim and his guitar playing solo with the Pops. The acoustics of Symphony Hall made the clarity of his voice and his guitar truly spectacular.
I personally think there were only two ways the show could have been better: a little more sound on the strings, and a longer set. It was as close to perfection as I have ever seen a live show.
thanks for that reiview! i would kill to hear that steam engine. this is currently my all time favorite song and to hear it in a new light would be fantastic. i know it's hard, but describe it to me. please.
so. i do believe, it's the best i'm going to get.
You can wear whatever. People were wearing everything from shorts and t-shirts (under dressed) to suits and ties (over dressed). Somewhere in the middle is good.
The Pops went on at 8 and played until 8:50. MMJ came on just after 9 and played for a little over an hour.
QuoteTo anyone who went last night...
What did you think of last night's poster?
Does anyone have a picture of it?
I liked the poster, picked one up. Have a picture on my cell phone... but don't have bluetooth on this PC.
It's got a 50's Horror/Comic book design. With Lockhart lording over the stage with his baton and lightning shooting everywhere. At first I thought the big figure was Jim James due to the wild hair, but it's clear that its meant to be the conductor. There are also silhouettes of the band playing in front of the stage, very similar to the way it actually was (well without the lightning).
Just FYI, here's a link to the poster.
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/exhibitionist/2006/06/my_morning_jack.html
And here's a link to a quick bite from the show.
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/exhibitionist/
Geoff
QuoteJust FYI, here's a link to the poster.
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/exhibitionist/2006/06/my_morning_jack.html
And here's a link to a quick bite from the show.
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/exhibitionist/
Geoff
They quote Corey!!! That's AWESOME!!!
I sat up in the second balcony area at the far end of the auditorium. Throughout the concert I was thinking to myself that the mix was a little off balance leaning towards Jim's voice, and guitar. I can't imagine what it took for them to hold back as they did, but I was wondering what people sitting in other sections thought.
I really hope they record the shows and release a mastered live disc.
Here is my take of last night's show:
It was phenomenal. Just disgustingly beautiful. And you could tell that Jim was just overwhelmed at having his music performed so fully, and in such an amazing acoustic space. To the reviewer at the Globe: no, it wasn't a full-out blast from either MMJ or the Pops. Can MMJ rock harder? Absolutely. Can the Pops pull off more technically impressive works? Yes. Would either have benefitted the sound of the show? No. It was perfect the way it was.
To be sure, this is a special event, and not a standard MMJ show. So don't go in expecting a reverb-dripped sea of sound, b/c they dial it back to let the strings out. That being said, as someone that loves these songs, and wanted to see them played to their full depth and breadth... this was near nirvana.
Some highlights of the show:
'Run Thru' was the absolute highlight of the night. The middle section of the song was the one point that the Pops attempted to soar and rock with MMJ, and it worked perfectly. Lights flashing everywhere in the room... the full orchestra doing blasts on their instruments right along with the guitars... seeing 50 bows working furiously to match the intensity of the instrumental... it almost wasn't right, how good it was.
'Bermuda Highway' was the most perfect encore surprise possible. Jim, one guitar, and 8 bajillion other instruments just seemed to lift him and his song 3 feet into the air and hold him there.
Watching Jim do his James Brown impression at the end of 'Wordless Chorus' with the conductor trying to turn arond to see what in the world was going on... priceless.
A couple other songs that really benefitted from the orchestra were 'Just One Thing' (backup vocals replaced by extra symphonic elements, and the chorus is soooo much fuller) and 'The Way That He Sings'. That isn't to say that 'Gideon', 'At Dawn', and 'Golden' were bad... but you all already knew how awesome they would be.
And lets not forget a really great first set. The Pops played an overture written by Bjork for 'Dancer in the Dark', as well as an Elvis Costello orchestral piece, an exquisite rendition of Gershwin's 'An American In Paris', and a piece called 'Bump' that is easily the craziest piece of music you have heard live in a long, long time.
One warning: The Slip set at the end of the show sounded pretty muffled and lo-fi after the majesty of the headlining set. The Slip is a great band, but making them follow this performance up might not be fair to them. Give yourself permission to leave this part early if it seems underwhelming.
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They quote Corey!!! That's AWESOME!!!
holy mother!!! i know a famous person!! :) wiggum, have you seen this? :)
hahahaha.... I just saw it. I got quoted and I wasn't even at the show. I read the setlist this morning at about 6:45 and posted that. They must have read it and printed it shortly thereafter. Pretty funny....
[size=10]actually, the more i think about it, the more it freaks me out a little... hm.[/size]
So did they bow the birdcage?
It's funny that someone with a "Free Crack" avatar and a quote that says "I think I'm going to hell" is quoted in something like that. ;D
So... could we get a proper setlist?
Oh - an WHO taped this and when will it pop up???
(Hopefully the same taper who got the AMAZING copy of the 1st Radiohead show was there :D)
I'm anxiously awaiting a recording as well... but it seems like I remember reading that the Pops don't allow recording so someone would have had to do it on the fly. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
POPS do not allow recording devices but they don't check either. If anyone happened to record it, I would pay for it. I saw a jazz ensemble play Coltrane's "A Love Supreme " in the old Trinity CHurch in downtown Boston a month or so ago and I will never cease to be amazed at why that kinf od thing, and this show, is not recorded, mastered, and put on iTunes for purchase, with all money going to either the band or the venue or whatever charity both decide are worthy.
Anyway, the Show was just ridiculously good - the article in the Boston Globe talking about them holding back and all that was completely missing the point. Been an MMJ fan for years, was raised a mere mile from the Startime Pavillion in Braintree, MA (no, I know it does not exist, thanks) and this show immediately zoomed up into my top 5 concerts of all time. So so beautiful.
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One warning: The Slip set at the end of the show sounded pretty muffled and lo-fi after the majesty of the headlining set. The Slip is a great band, but making them follow this performance up might not be fair to them. Give yourself permission to leave this part early if it seems underwhelming.
any idea of a setlist?
Quote
any idea of a setlist?
I know there was at least one new song from the upcoming album, probably two. And they played "Even Rats". Past that, I've got nothing.
Oh, also, for those looking for posters, the MMJ poster is $10, and the Slip had artist-signed poster prints for $20.
Braintreeborn - I also grew up in Braintree.
Cheers! Go Wamps!
hey regarding recordings, i'm trying to do it tonight. i went last night but wasn't sure if i'd get turned away bringing my video camera in (records 16-bit CD quality audio) so i left it a home.
but my friend is going tonight so i'm going to try and have him sneak it in. they were searching bags last night but not too thoroughly. so it should work out.
only problem is his seats suck, he's in the last row 2nd balcony center, so i was thinking the strings might be a little soft. i was just thinking if anybody is up front and would want to help the cause, i could provide the equipment. it's easy to operate etc. anyway just ideas.
andrew
I would totally pay for a recording of this to.
Wondering if anyone can help an out-of-towner driving in for the show tonight...
Where to park?
Where to grab pre-show drink and food?
Thanks in advance,
Dave
More pictures from the Pops show.
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/exhibitionist/
Damn, I can't get over this. This is just all so wonderful. Even the bear has on a tux (or at least one of those tux t-shirts).
It says there on boston.com that they are working on sound and video from the show!!!!
Goeff - what's the scoop!!??!?!
QuoteMore pictures from the Pops show.
http://www.boston.com/ae/theater_arts/exhibitionist/
Tommy looks GREAT! Now..if they could just move the camera a liiiiiiitle bit more to the right ;-)
HELL YES, THANK YOU!!!
First one's Golden!
Vanark, you're my hero.
SWEET! Thank you!
can't really hear the pops in those video clips....o well...still friggin awesome
not only is the bear dressed up, but he's rocking a baton
Quote
But, I need the last track title. :-)
run thru
thanks for the clips. 8)
hey dudes it's a go for tonight. my friend is taping tonights show (thursday) on my 3CCD mini DV cam. but he's in the way back so we'll see how it turns out. peace
Thanks for all that you guys are doing with these clips. It's REALLY appreciated.
QuoteThanks for all that you guys are doing with these clips. It's REALLY appreciated.
corey - maybe they'll quote that tomorrow!
or this:
QuoteVanark, you're my hero.
when the shit hits the fan, if you need a place to stay, you know you're welcome in canada. ;)
The Boston Globe published the links to this thread on boston.com and forgive me for being a bit paranoid, but ...
I have no issue sharing with the fan community, but when my stuff shows up on a commercial site like boston.com, I need to think twice about it.
I hope if you are a fan, you know how to get these clips.
Thanks to all for the track titles! :D
It was a great show last night and let's hope everyone gets a good one tonight as well.
The link is gone. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Geoff
Quote
I hope if you are a fan, you know how to get these clips.
If you don't know how, PM me and I'll try to spread the info. The uncompressed AVI files are out there as well.
WMV links
Golden
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=10A548483651FD31
Wordless Chorus
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=1C64DC757F5FFD3A
Run Thru
http://www.yousendit.com/transfer.php?action=download&ufid=9FAC4D636FAF5BF5
Bit Torrent of uncompressed AVI files on dimeadozen.org
http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=100932
If there end up being any objections to these, I'll pull them down. Until then, the fans can have at 'em. Enjoy.
What a nice surprise! :D
Very kind of you to share, vanark.
THANK YOU.
Thank you so much for the links Vanark :)
EDIT: Golden is so beautiful, how can you listen to this & not get chills all over? wow...
Thanks! Run Thru.....oh my gawd.....unreal......I can only imagine how amazing this was in person......... :o
Vanark, there aren't words enough to properly thank you!
A few personal opinions.
1) Carl's steel on Golden sounded terrific.
2) Jim's wailing at the end of Wordless Chorus was unmatched.
3) Of the four songs I have had the luxury of hearing MMJ with the Pops, I would never have thought that Run Thru would have worked out the BEST. Kick Ass!
Oh dude, I love you man.
Big thanks, Varnak -- best first post ever!
I have a few video as well. Together we could put together a good protion of the concert.
Vanark, thanks so much for the clips! Run Thru really was amazing!
Does anyone know whose idea it was for the band to play with the Boston Pops in the first place? Such a random idea, but a great one. How long did the band collaborate with the orchestra to get the arrangements down, or did they at all? If I could play stuff like this, I'd pull my old flute back out. :P
QuoteI have a few video as well. Together we could put together a good protion of the concert.
Please tell me you got Steam Engine. Please.
Bermuda HWY? Oh man I am overwelmed with Jacketness today. Just burned the 3 bonnaroo discs and now this. My heart can't take it.
(Plus I get to go see the Crowes/DBT/Robert Randolph tonight!) God help me in the AM. I shall be consuming a remedy in large quantities.
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(Plus I get to go see the Crowes/DBT/Robert Randolph tonight!) God help me in the AM. I shall be consuming a remedy in large quantities.
Ah, you'll have to let us know how it is! The Crowes are my most favorite band ever (sorry MMJ), and I won front row seats to the Nashville show on Tuesday night! Have a good time!
QuoteDoes anyone know whose idea it was for the band to play with the Boston Pops in the first place? Such a random idea, but a great one. How long did the band collaborate with the orchestra to get the arrangements down, or did they at all? If I could play stuff like this, I'd pull my old flute back out. :P
Margo Saulnier from the Pops is responsible for these gigs. Here is an article by gedgers from last Sunday's Boston Globe.
http://www.boston.com/news/globe/living/articles/2006/06/18/she_knows_her_brahms_but_also_beck/
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Please tell me you got Steam Engine. Please.
Bermuda HWY? Oh man I am overwelmed with Jacketness today. Just burned the 3 bonnaroo discs and now this. My heart can't take it.
(Plus I get to go see the Crowes/DBT/Robert Randolph tonight!) God help me in the AM. I shall be consuming a remedy in large quantities.
Unfortunately I didn't get Bermuda Highway or Steam Egine. I was going by the setlist that the person posted on the first page and I thought that when they hit Run Thru it was going to be the end so used all of my memory card gettting it. I have Run thru, I will sing, and At Dawn.
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Unfortunately I didn't get Bermuda Highway or Steam Egine. I was going by the setlist that the person posted on the first page and I thought that when they hit Run Thru it was going to be the end so used all of my memory card gettting it. I have Run thru, I will sing, and At Dawn.
Doh! Steam Engine lost forever?!?!?!?!?
That's OK. You and Vanark got 6 more songs than the rest of the entire universe got combined. (So far as we know anyway..........)
Run Thru at symphony hall + old people probably thinking "why am I here?" priceless!
Oh shit, run thru kicks all kinds of ass!!!
I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a full audio from thursday. Please!!!
Hey guys, I'm new to this board, but I went to the show on Wednesday, and i truly was nothing short of amazing. I got free tickets through Newbury Comics and really didn't know what to expect. When I got there with my cousin we were felt really misplaced because there were a bunch of people in suits and whatnot, while we had polos and khaki shorts.
Anyway, as other people have said, "Run Thru" was performed to a level that's simply amazing. And to really close it all out, Jim James alone on stage with his acoustic guitar and the orchestra was just surreal. It seemed like a sense of magic in which two groups of people who listen to two very different types of music can be contained in one room and coincide with each other and enjoy each other's taste in music. It was certainly a phenomenal night. I really hope a dvd or something of the shows on Wednesday and Thursday are released so those not able to go in person, can still get an idea of how it was.
this show did, in fact, rule without mercy. whothrewthecake and i were down in front with some champagne LIVIN' LIFE. the floor was definitely party central with big time fans. this show made me believe in magic and babies and skeletons. EC's spirit also sat in the extra seat at our table.
just got home from a day of travels, so i'll post more later when i can make sense.
first trip to boston and we realized that even the homeless folks were wearing red sox shirts.
ps. steam engine WTFFF. never seen that performed. i think it changed whothrewthecake's religion. ??
Quoteps. steam engine WTFFF. never seen that performed. i think it changed whothrewthecake's religion. ??
i'll see you on sunday.
man that's one church i wouldn't fall asleep in.
QuoteEC's spirit also sat in the extra seat at our table.
i felt the symphonic rock reverberating around my chest, and i saluted you both back.