REPORTS FROM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN NYE

[AMightyCaporal]

Dondante brought me to tears.

I was at Radio City and Boston in September, and both shows absolutely blew me away, but this particular performance was just earth-shattering to me.

I was left a bit underwhelmed by the set list (outside of the covers of course, the show could have ended after Move On Up and it would've been one of the best shows ever) I was hoping for some oldies, my 3rd show in 2008 and I still haven't seen War Begun. Dancefloors was nice to hear. I remember the solo in Thank You Too! being particularly hot, and Lay Low shredded as usual.

Express Yourself was awesome, definitely a nice inclusion

seriously, my only other gripe is that we got some covers that were already done at Bonnaroo this year in lieu of other Jacket songs or new/different covers

I won't complain though! Quite possibly the best live musical performance I have ever witnessed.

I nearly cried during dondante.  Incredibly emotional.

[kydiddle]

Dondante brought me to tears.

I was at Radio City and Boston in September, and both shows absolutely blew me away, but this particular performance was just earth-shattering to me.

I was left a bit underwhelmed by the set list (outside of the covers of course, the show could have ended after Move On Up and it would've been one of the best shows ever) I was hoping for some oldies, my 3rd show in 2008 and I still haven't seen War Begun. Dancefloors was nice to hear. I remember the solo in Thank You Too! being particularly hot, and Lay Low shredded as usual.

Express Yourself was awesome, definitely a nice inclusion

seriously, my only other gripe is that we got some covers that were already done at Bonnaroo this year in lieu of other Jacket songs or new/different covers

I won't complain though! Quite possibly the best live musical performance I have ever witnessed.

I nearly cried during dondante.  Incredibly emotional.

Yes. Dondante was phenomenal.

[ultravisitor]

The music was great, but the show sucked. Lighting was all overhead and from the side, so faces were all in shadow. There were NO video screens, so you could not appreciate Jim's personality at all, e.g. the cape thing just didn't work. This was my third MMJ concert. There was nothing to watch. Very disappointed.

Video screens?  If this really was your third MMJ show (and not a set of theirs at a festival which has screens set up by main stages), you would know that MMJ doesn't do video screens.  There's plenty to watch at a MMJ show.  Like, say for instance, the people on the stage playing the music.

[el_chode]

No Steam Engine, but I'll get by... hot damn what a show!

My only complaint as well. Well, that and xmas curtain. I also thought that the slower songs from EU sounded much better live, to the point where I finally "got them". I'm not much of a fan of Look at You or Thank You Too.

I was blown away by Nicole Atkins as I had written her off because of her being on an Amex commercial and I assume most bands here in Jersey are either trying to rip off the Boss or Jovi, and usually it's the Jovi (unfortunately)

[the sun and moon]

This was my first NMJ show. I have to admit I came to this band only recently. But I absolutely love them. Wonderful show, lots of energy, enthusiasm, both onstage and in the crowd. I'm an older guy, 50, but still love rock, and especially bands like NMJ. This is a classic rock band, well versed in the history of rock and R&B, yet totally contemporary. Loved the covers, from the opener, "Move on Up" by The Impressions, to Dion's "The Wanderer," Sam Cooke's "Bring it On Home to Me," James Brown's "Cold Sweat,"  "You're All I Need to Get By,"  and even "Celebrate" and "Get Down On It,"  both of which were surprises, but totally apt.  I was blown away by the "Great Dictator" clip during the intermission. Very powerful, and its inclusion in the show speaks volumes about what kind of a band NMJ is. They put out such a positive vibe without being in the least bit preachy or corny.  What I don't get, tho, is why people in the crowd were texting during the show, calling each other on their cell phones, and otherwise paying more attention to their digital devices than what was happening onstage. This certainly wasn't true of everyone, or even most, in the audience. But it was happening enough for me to wonder, WTF? That aside, I had a great time, my best New Year's Eve in years. and I have nothing but admiration and respect for NMJ and ther incredible musicianship.

What's this NMJ band you speak of?

Ny Morning Jacket, they're the hot new thing. Didn't you know?

[TEO]

No Steam Engine, but I'll get by... hot damn what a show!

My only complaint as well. Well, that and xmas curtain. I also thought that the slower songs from EU sounded much better live, to the point where I finally "got them". I'm not much of a fan of Look at You or Thank You Too.

I was blown away by Nicole Atkins as I had written her off because of her being on an Amex commercial and I assume most bands here in Jersey are either trying to rip off the Boss or Jovi, and usually it's the Jovi (unfortunately)

Agreed. The EU songs I do not really care for seem awesome live.

[goose]

Who can agrre on this with me:  One of the sickest groups of songs ever.  In a row they played:

Dondante
Smokin from Shootin
Touch me 2
Run Thru

I was exhausted after that stretch

[kydiddle]

Who can agrre on this with me:  One of the sickest groups of songs ever.  In a row they played:

Dondante
Smokin from Shootin
Touch me 2
Run Thru

I was exhausted after that stretch

Agreed.  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Penny Lane]

Dondante is always the highlight of the night--that song is so haunting!

[jeckll]

My first MMJ show was Bonnaroo, 2nd was MSG NYE...
I think I picked two good'uns  :D

[retroelectro]

Hi guys, this is my first post here.
I just wanted to respond to the couple of folks complaining about the crowd, or comment, rather.
My boyfriend and I are really big fans (he's been listening since 2001, its my 3rd show, etc) and we've always had a great time seeing mmj together.
However, in section 8 on the floor (row B), we were trampled by a bunch of sloppy drunk assholes who climbed over chairs and pushed everyone and stole seats all while talking the whole time and trying to hit on me during songs while i danced. there was absolutely no security (which i hate dealing with, but, they serve their purpose and come on, its the garden on NYE) and the usher was 90 years old. finally, some guy fell over/passed out over the back of my boyfriend's chair during librarian and hit him in the back of the head and knocked my boyfriend out for a few. we had to leave and make sure he didnt have a concussion. his whole neck is bruised and he's having xrays and an MRI today.
so, yeah, the best new years ever turned into the worst.
anyone know where i can get a boot (if thats kosher on these boards; if not, pretend i didn't say that) since we missed most of the show?

[doEVILslittle]

Who can agrre on this with me:  One of the sickest groups of songs ever.  In a row they played:

Dondante
Smokin from Shootin
Touch me 2
Run Thru

I was exhausted after that stretch

thank god for the intermission that soon followed

[Sassbox]

Hi guys, this is my first post here.
I just wanted to respond to the couple of folks complaining about the crowd, or comment, rather.
My boyfriend and I are really big fans (he's been listening since 2001, its my 3rd show, etc) and we've always had a great time seeing mmj together.
However, in section 8 on the floor (row B), we were trampled by a bunch of sloppy drunk assholes who climbed over chairs and pushed everyone and stole seats all while talking the whole time and trying to hit on me during songs while i danced. there was absolutely no security (which i hate dealing with, but, they serve their purpose and come on, its the garden on NYE) and the usher was 90 years old. finally, some guy fell over/pass out over the back of my boyfriend's chair during librarian and hit in in the back of the head. we had to leave and make sure he didnt have a concussion. his whole neck is bruised and he's having xrays and an MRI today.
so, yeah, the best new years ever turned into the worst.
anyone know where i can get a boot (if thats kosher on these boards; if not, pretend i didn't say that) since we missed most of the show?

Aw, I'm really sorry this happened to y'all.  

[manicfanatic]

Sorry that happened to your boyfriend, hope he is ok.  I guess this can't be said enough on this board, but, these assholes who are turning up at their shows are a pain in the ass to say the least.  They have absolutely no respect for anyone especially the band.  They are there basically to get drunk, talk to their equally asshole friends and to cause trouble.  I guess as the band gets more and more popular, this is what we have to look forward to.

[Kenny76]

Hi guys, this is my first post here.
I just wanted to respond to the couple of folks complaining about the crowd, or comment, rather.
My boyfriend and I are really big fans (he's been listening since 2001, its my 3rd show, etc) and we've always had a great time seeing mmj together.
However, in section 8 on the floor (row B), we were trampled by a bunch of sloppy drunk assholes who climbed over chairs and pushed everyone and stole seats all while talking the whole time and trying to hit on me during songs while i danced. there was absolutely no security (which i hate dealing with, but, they serve their purpose and come on, its the garden on NYE) and the usher was 90 years old. finally, some guy fell over/passed out over the back of my boyfriend's chair during librarian and hit him in the back of the head and knocked my boyfriend out for a few. we had to leave and make sure he didnt have a concussion. his whole neck is bruised and he's having xrays and an MRI today.
so, yeah, the best new years ever turned into the worst.
anyone know where i can get a boot (if thats kosher on these boards; if not, pretend i didn't say that) since we missed most of the show?

that is awful, awful, awful.  god i hate people who dont know when to stop, and who have no regard for others.  

i just checked out www.archive.org for bootlegs.  nothing there yet, but you can check later.

[JacketGal]

Sassbox, we will make SURE you get a copy of this show. So sorry about that. Keep us posted on your boyfriend.

We sat in a pretty decent area. (Although saw a girl get physically sick before the show even started. yuck.) What I did not know is that we were right by LoveDog and his buddy. I got a pic of them because I loved their suit and tails so much. Y'all looked GREAT!! :)

I am still in that foggy mode - I wish it wasn't over either. What a great show, a great time. Wish we would have made it to meet some of you -- seems like it was a great time.

[kydiddle]

That really stinks about your boyfriend -- I hope he's okay!

THere is talk on another thread about whether the guys are going to take a break after the Aussie shows, like Jim implied in that one interview. And I got to thinking that maybe a break would shake loose some of these fratboy, drunken a-holes that have latched on to the hype of the band and don't care about being respectful at shows.

I'm really sorry that happened...

[NoVa_NoLa]

Hi guys, this is my first post here.
I just wanted to respond to the couple of folks complaining about the crowd, or comment, rather.
My boyfriend and I are really big fans (he's been listening since 2001, its my 3rd show, etc) and we've always had a great time seeing mmj together.
However, in section 8 on the floor (row B), we were trampled by a bunch of sloppy drunk assholes who climbed over chairs and pushed everyone and stole seats all while talking the whole time and trying to hit on me during songs while i danced. there was absolutely no security (which i hate dealing with, but, they serve their purpose and come on, its the garden on NYE) and the usher was 90 years old. finally, some guy fell over/passed out over the back of my boyfriend's chair during librarian and hit him in the back of the head and knocked my boyfriend out for a few. we had to leave and make sure he didnt have a concussion. his whole neck is bruised and he's having xrays and an MRI today.
so, yeah, the best new years ever turned into the worst.
anyone know where i can get a boot (if thats kosher on these boards; if not, pretend i didn't say that) since we missed most of the show?

Yikes.  That sucks.  But, my friend Scott taped the show and should have it ready shortly...I'll post the link here when it arrives and if you can't download, I'd be happy to mail a copy to ya!

Hope that your bf feels better soon!

[NoVa_NoLa]

Who can agrre on this with me:  One of the sickest groups of songs ever.  In a row they played:

Dondante
Smokin from Shootin
Touch me 2
Run Thru

I was exhausted after that stretch

;D

OK, this explains why my feet still hurt.  I think I may have sprained my big toe or something b/c it has not been right since the show.   ;D

Danced so much, I think my new year's resolution to exercise more has already been fulfilled!  ;)

[Sassbox]

Mine too, NoVa_NoLa.  Actually I'm sore everywhere.  My feet hurt so badly after the show that I literally could not walk...we had to pedicab it the two blocks back to the hotel.  WEAK!

Hey, we should catch up re: JazzFest.