Best (and worst) Opening Bands

rincon · Sep 21, 2012, 11:08 PM

Sharon Jones was a kick in the head, and Everest was short and very sweet.

Shug · Sep 22, 2012, 12:25 AM

Rincon, is that (a kick in the head) good or bad in your view ?

Oh, and the current Lucero album that I was telling you about at the Wiltern is called Women and Work. You might dig it, maybe.

rincon · Sep 22, 2012, 01:42 AM

I always heard that term as a positive.

I missed half of her show due to dinner. That was a strange MMJ show.

lucylew · Sep 22, 2012, 01:33 PM

I'd have to say BOH or Everest were my fav openers. I quite liked Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings a lot too. Shabazz least favorite - and I'm not a hip hop hater. Just didn't get 'em.

Jackets N Pones · Sep 22, 2012, 02:04 PM

Best - Yo La Tengo and Delta Spirit

Dream - Trampled by Turtles

Trampled by Turtles - Never Again

rincon · Sep 23, 2012, 03:06 AM

Ugh!! Forgot the train wreck known as Avi Buffalo. OK indie lightweight pop with a singer who looked 12, and sounded like a mix of a 12 year old with a breaking voice, and a cat in heat.

lucylew · Sep 23, 2012, 11:18 AM

Ugh, I forgot about them - they were pretty forgetable. Weren't they the 2010 west coast openers?

e_wind · Sep 23, 2012, 11:56 AM

Quote from: rincon on Sep 23, 2012, 03:06 AM
Ugh!! Forgot the train wreck known as Avi Buffalo. OK indie lightweight pop with a singer who looked 12, and sounded like a mix of a 12 year old with a breaking voice, and a cat in heat.

Yeah that band sucks, a lot.

rincon · Sep 23, 2012, 11:56 AM

Quote from: lucylew on Sep 23, 2012, 11:18 AM
Ugh, I forgot about them - they were pretty forgetable. Weren't they the 2010 west coast openers?

Yup.

GO4IT · Sep 23, 2012, 04:22 PM

Quote from: SaraBananaBear on Sep 21, 2012, 01:41 AM
The Head and the Heart was just pure love, so good! I'd love to see them again or Floating Action.

I agree with Sara - The Head and the Heart were excellent openers for the two UK shows I saw (one with her) last fall. Not only was their music and energy outstanding but it also meshed quite well in style with the main act to follow.

That said, I also agree with all who said no opening act is even better!

e_wind · Sep 23, 2012, 08:05 PM

THATH and Dr. Dog are two of my favorite bands, so they're definitely my favorite two openers (that I never saw).

The Head and The Heart, Dr. Dog, and Houndmouth is my wish for PC openers.

iLikeBeer · Sep 23, 2012, 09:36 PM

I've been a long-time BOH fan. Saw them open for Built To Spill back in 2006 and I've been a fan of them ever since so they were my favorite opener so far. They had a GREAT turnout in Columbus for their opener as well and you could tell Ben was really digging the support.

Prez Hall has to be my sentimental favorite opener though. That was my first Jacket show and they certainly helped making that a memorable night.

Least favorite was some local band at a Pittsburgh show and I can't even remember their name. I heard some of their stuff prior to the show and decided they weren't worth the bother of going in early so we stayed in the lot and drank good beer...

I would also have liked to have been to one of the shows where the Black Keys opened for them. THAT would have been a killer show.

Dream openers would include Dean Wareham (hopefully one night in Port Chester), Dr. Dog, Everest, etc...

Painter · Sep 24, 2012, 12:51 PM

Would love to see JEFF the Brotherhood or FUTUREBIRDS open for them

Ruckus · Sep 24, 2012, 01:23 PM

Two of my favorites that haven't been mentioned are Dungen and the Slip and my least favorite would be Neko, Holly Miranda, and BoH.

I completely get how Shabazz would not be popular among a lot fans. It's not melodic and can sound rhythmically awkward.

Without a doubt, an Evening With were the best shows.

Shug · Sep 27, 2012, 09:58 AM

Dude, how could I forget for my dream opener Heartless Bastards!!!! That'd be crazy eyes!

Northern Neighbour · Sep 27, 2012, 11:09 AM

Oopsss... wrong thread.

LeanneP · Sep 27, 2012, 11:51 AM

I feel bad that there is some much unhappiness with Neko Case! She's a fave artist of mine (and The Sadies have been frequent backing musicians and I luuuuurrrrrve The Sadies). What's the disconnect? I'm curious as I think it makes a great fit.

Fully · Sep 27, 2012, 12:09 PM

Quote from: Shug on Sep 27, 2012, 09:58 AM
Dude, how could I forget for my dream opener Heartless Bastards!!!! That'd be crazy eyes!

They would be awesome, wouldn't they!

itrainmonkeys · Sep 27, 2012, 01:36 PM

Could go for some more Delta Spirit opening dates :) Never saw those shows.

millerjustin · Sep 27, 2012, 07:43 PM

Quote from: itrainmonkeys on Sep 27, 2012, 01:36 PM
Could go for some more Delta Spirit opening dates :) Never saw those shows.

Says the guy who likes the sound of banging trash can lids? Pffft.

Sorry for the harsh, but actually went in early to see them twice in FL last year during December run....the music wasn't terrible, per se, but I think the bass player freaked me out - felt like I had time travelled back to my frat house basement in the early '90's (as opposed to waitin for the best band on earth to play). And they actually broke down their own equipment as MMJ crew was setting up. The whole thing was kinda budget.

Here's a crazy thought - Eddie Vedder has been showing up at tons of shows recently -Tom petty, Bruce etc.....hoping he's in NYC area for Christmas and needs something to do!!