Raleigh (Cary) Roll Call

[aaaLady]

I know what you mean..I had kind of an "It's Just That Simple" moment when he busted it out in Nashville.  ;D

[Ruckus]

Koko Boof :-X :-[

This.

I met some wonderful people in the lot including an older couple in their mid 40's that were so excited to see them for the first time after having just discovered them.  They were in that beautiful phase of "that's all we've listened to over and over again for the past 6 months and ordered everything I could that they had out." :)  The employees of the venue were extraordinarily courteous.  The venue was also very nice even if it sat smack in the middle of a suburban business park.

We got in in time to get 1st off the rail dead center for the start of PHJB.  Jim was clowning pretty good when he got on and looked a little goofy.  I guess it was just an act because he was vocally on point all night.

The set started exactly like Charleston and I thought to myself, I could do a similar set again.  Unfortunately, after Tonight and At Dawn, when Gideon came on, I knew I was going to have a major issue with the sound volume.  The sound itself was clean and well mixed and sounded great.  That was the good part.  I noticed that Anaru said that the volume was good once he stepped back.  I had noticed immediately that all the speakers were pointed straight back from the sides of the stage towards the lawn.  To me, volume is an essential part of a great rock experience and it doesn't help that my hearing isn't the best.  The quietness of the rock show zapped much of the energy in the front.  People were able to talk in their "inside voices" to each other while they were playing.  That didn't help when some megadouches were yelling about nothing during Wonderful.  I snapped and told them politely to "Shut your fuckin' faces!"

The glowsticks also seemed to be a much greater problem than at Charleston or perhaps I noticed it more because nothing could have messed with my experience at Charleston.  I saw Jim get hit by at least 3 sticks.  Because he is the man, during one track (forgetting the tune), after just avoiding a stick, he picked it, put it in his mouth while grinning and came front and center as if to dare more clowns to throw them at him.  I had to laugh.

Carried Away was the highlight for me as it was the first time I had heard it live.  Also, receiving my first RAMPANT BADASSERY sticker from Ms. Y was awesome!  Thanks again. :)  

To finish it off, some meathead plowed to the front next to my buddy w/o a wristband and just started acting the fool for the rest of the show.

For me, if Charleston was the best show I'd been to, Cary was an unmitigated disaster.

It's all good cuz be got Merriweather tonight with all these wonderful forum peeps.  Crank it up to 11 Merriweather and we'll be all good!

EDIT:  I had a good feeling we were gonna get Steamdante.  Awesome

EDITEDIT:  I still had a good time.  I should mention that.

[layin low]

Yeah, it was during Off the Record that JJ put the glowstick in his mouth, smiling. There were plenty of chants to "turn it up" but that just wasn't happening. Once you got past that and focused on the show, things were good. Pit was fun times, met some really cool people, even got a good comment on my singing!

Overall that was a great venue and I definitely think the best setlist of the tour so far. Looked like us Koka Booth folk got a little added time than the other shows. Also enjoyed when PHJB came out for the last song to the pit. This group never fails to come through with a mind-blowing show.

[RedPatokaSea]

Wow!

The boys were in top form last night.  

Amazing show... one of the top 3 MMJ shows I've seen.  Koka Booth was great, from the tailgating area to the venue itself.  We showed up at the gate just a few minutes before doors opened at 6:00 and still managed to secure some prime real estate, front left of center on the rail.  

Perfect weather, beautiful setting – lake front sunset followed by a star-filled night sky.  These guys absolutely rocked – shredded it through Magheetah, Steam Engine, Dondante, OBH, and Dancefloors!  I couldn't have asked for more.  I thought the volume was plenty loud, though my ears weren't ringing like they do after getting blasted in an indoor venue.  It was also a pleasant surprise to hear a few oldies, from the opener to At Dawn and The Way That He Sings.  I teared up during The Way That He Sings, singing to my wife, "Why's it so great just to wake every day, alive and by your side."  I sang at the top of my lungs for most of the show (fortunately not into anyone's ears), threw in some righteous air guitar, and did plenty of jumping around when I could no longer contain myself.  The wall of overwhelmingly powerful sound summoned in the middle of Dondante was simply mind-blowing.  Jim's banter consisted of statements about Koka trees at the Koka booth...mostly nonsensical as far as I could tell, but he and all the guys seemed to be having a blast.  Overall, this experience was particularly special because I was finally able to share the live MMJ experience with my brother and sister, who got to see their first MMJ show and loved it.  

There were a few obnoxious drunks in the crowd (even yelling at each other right on through Steam Engine), though the end effectively drowned them in sound.  Another girl started yapping through Carl's "Carried Away" (fantastic song).  I did something totally out of character and gave her a sign to zip it, which worked though I worried it was a little harsh... It was the only way I could think to communicate the sentiment at the time.

To Ms. Y with the "Rampant Badassery!" stickers, it was a pleasure to meet you.  And the guy next to you (was that you Ruckus?), who has been seeing concerts since before I was born, glad to meet you as well.  MMJ is indeed a phenomenon and it's a great feeling to be a part of it.  

We ended up sitting in the far end of the parking lot for a while after the show, pretty much just in awe.  We met a dude that could not, for the life of him, find his car.  He was borderline unintelligible, and was trying to get back to his hotel, which he didn't even know the name of.  He said he had a driver, but after wandering in circles for another ten or so minutes, he returned , repeating "Where is my fucking car?  ... c'mon guys, please tell me where my car is.  You guys are fucking with me.  Pleeease...where is my car?"  

:)

Kyle, if you see this, although your memory of the night may have escaped you (I can't imagine the confusion you awoke to this morning), I'm one of the folks who drove you back to your hotel.  Hope everything worked out for ya.  

[dcdub]

That is an awesome story and a great pic of the flying v!
Unfortunately I had a pretty terrible experience in the end. The venue was great, no problems with the sound, and our neighbors on the lawn were super cool, until MMJ came on and all the "bros" started filtering in. We got there an hour before the gates opened to get a nice spot on the lawn, then these freaking douche bags come along 5 songs into MMJ's set and stand in my spot while I'm up taking a piss. My wife told them I was coming back and they gave her lip. Then when I did come back and politely asked if I could have my spot back the frrrreaked ouuut. "You don't own this spot, I don't see your name anywhere!" "Ummm how bout my mother fuckin chair thats been here since before you were born you little punk ass??" "There's 6 of us and 1 of you, we'll kill you!" That's what they actually said! At that point my hand went into my pocket and I began to grab my knife (this was after repeated threats) but I stopped myself and thought "If I stab one of these bitches I'm gonna miss the show and then I'll really be pissed." I swear to god that was the only thing holding me back. Had it been any other band I don't think I would have been so cool. So, in a way, you could say that My Morning Jacket saved that kid's life (or at least saved him a trip to the emergency room). Whether that's a good thing or not I don't know.
I was so excited for this show. I was in such a good mood as you could  tell from my post from inside the venue before the show started. It's such a shame that people can be like that. I've been to a lot of concerts and I've run across a lot of punks, but I've never had an experience like that with another human being. Absolutely ridiculous. People like that don't deserve the experience of seeing such a wonderful band

[RedPatokaSea]

^That's awful.  I'm sorry you had to experience that.

Any kid that would act like that clearly has some deep seated unhappiness.  

[padfoot20]

That is an awesome story and a great pic of the flying v!
Unfortunately I had a pretty terrible experience in the end. The venue was great, no problems with the sound, and our neighbors on the lawn were super cool, until MMJ came on and all the "bros" started filtering in. We got there an hour before the gates opened to get a nice spot on the lawn, then these freaking douche bags come along 5 songs into MMJ's set and stand in my spot while I'm up taking a piss. My wife told them I was coming back and they gave her lip. Then when I did come back and politely asked if I could have my spot back the frrrreaked ouuut. "You don't own this spot, I don't see your name anywhere!" "Ummm how bout my mother fuckin chair thats been here since before you were born you little punk ass??" "There's 6 of us and 1 of you, we'll kill you!" That's what they actually said! At that point my hand went into my pocket and I began to grab my knife (this was after repeated threats) but I stopped myself and thought "If I stab one of these bitches I'm gonna miss the show and then I'll really be pissed." I swear to god that was the only thing holding me back. Had it been any other band I don't think I would have been so cool. So, in a way, you could say that My Morning Jacket saved that kid's life (or at least saved him a trip to the emergency room). Whether that's a good thing or not I don't know.
I was so excited for this show. I was in such a good mood as you could  tell from my post from inside the venue before the show started. It's such a shame that people can be like that. I've been to a lot of concerts and I've run across a lot of punks, but I've never had an experience like that with another human being. Absolutely ridiculous. People like that don't deserve the experience of seeing such a wonderful band

Wow...its weird that you say that because as my girlfriend and I were walking out there was a group of guys walking behind us talking about how they "almost beat some guys ass" and said something about there being 6 of them and 1 of him. Those guys were completely wasted and were being asses to people as they walked out. My girlfriend turned around and gave them a look and it only encouraged them more so they kept talking about how they killed the person and buried them. I cant believe that was you!

I for one was completely shocked in the type of crowd there last night. Ive never had the chance to see MMJ before but having friends that have gone to bonaroo and such I expected mountain men and hippies, not fratboys and sluts. Too much douchebaggery that were acting like they were at a kegger or a bar picking up ass. The chatter kinda blew it for me because I felt like I was missing out from the people yelling and screaming like 9th grade girls.
There was even a couple laying on a blanket in front of us that wouldnt stop sucking face the whole night! I mean... Im all about feelin the music but damn!
Anyways, I thought it was great, felt like it lost its "oomph" a couple times because of the audio and wanted my face to be melted off in a few parts but overall I got chills/goosebumps from the first song to the last. Beautiful weather, couldnt have asked for more, especially considering the venue. I think the merch people were incredibly helpful and were really nice, its not everyday you get someone willing to let you make a good decision on the shirt so that you dont buy one thatll shrink to a dog-sized shirt after the first wash. Wished they threw out more glow sticks for everyone in the back so we could party too. Did Yim take a glow stick and put it on his face like a mustache or was that just me? Also, whats with the cape he kept putting on? I loved it! My kinda stuff! I just wonder why he does it. Interesting night and loved it! We drove up from Wilmington, Nc to make it and it was definitely worth it!

[dcdub]

That's so bizarre that you ran into those idiots! I'm glad that you're able to back me up on the fact that they were assholes. They didn't bury me so don't worry. They were pretty wimpy, right? I think I could have taken them even though I was seriously outnumbered. My wife definitely could have taken a few of them down by herself. I almost wish I had, because I really had a hard time enjoying myself after that, until I busted out my flask at least

[dcdub]

Ruckus were you the dude in the tie died shirt pumping jams from your jeep at the gate?

[eleaf14]

Koko Boof :-X :-[

This is what happens when you leave your computer open and your buds  make funny posts on the forums...then find out a day later. (Shaking my head).

Had a blast and a half at Koko Booth...though I will echo the concerns about the shows volume. I like to leave MMJ shows feeling like my ears are bleeding...so needless to say that was an issue...but it had been a year and a half since I last saw the guys...quiet jacket is better than none (ten fold).

We had pit tickets, but decided to sit on the lawn for the majority of the show, because we had a big group. We went down to the pit for Carried Away>Holiday and the sound was alot louder down there vs. where we were standing (just off the lawn in the long leaf pine blankets).

I got in early and caught the PHJB, great set...and really enjoyed that element of the show. Big ups for bringing these guys along!

Great setlist! And one of my faves...of all that I have seen. I enjoyed Tonite after playing out the valentines day show for a good two weeks. I like that song w/ the chord. Adds a nice touch.

I hadnt seen At Dawn at a Jacket show since 06 (not counting the Monsters shows)...so that was a welcome surprise.

Steam Engine! Nough said.

Enjoyed Wonderful w/ the band and thought Bo added some nice work to this one.

Carried Away>Holiday was some of the most epic stuff I have witnessed at show. Just pure heat!

The encore w/ the PHJB was fantastic. Dancefloors was awesome! I remember being super bummed not being able to make New Years 08 (had to sell my tix :( )
A big reason for being bummed... was missing that Move On Up...so it felt a little redeeming to get to hear that!

All in all great times...hoping for more in 2010.

[kev]

We had a great time.  Got there late though after drinking in the room for a while!  Missed only the first couple songs of the MMJ set.  We had pit lawn, and stayed in the back right corner (near the beer vendor) the whole night and thought the sound was great and the crowd around was good as well.  Thankfully - because the last show we were at (Myrtle Beach HOB) it was too crowded and there was one loser who kind of stumbled in our area right near the end of the show bumping around.  Anyway, the band rocked as usual and I kept saying to my friends "I love being alive and this is the shit that makes life great!"  I did think to myself a couple of times that it will never be like it was a long time ago, like the first time my wife and I saw them at the Orange Peel in Asheville.  That was perfect, and we saw them at NYC RCMH the other summer also.

[Tennessee Jed]

I just got back to Knoxville from the Cary show, and while I'm glad I saw them, I wish they could bring something new to some of these songs. Also, I cannot understand why they wasted precious song time with TMIGTS, Part 1 or Tonight/Celbrate...just weak songs that should have been replaced with some other stuff. The venue was pretty, but the sound was NOT loud enough unless you were in certain parts of the field.

Personally, I'll wait until they come back to the beautiful, acoustically perfect Tennessee Theatre before I see them again.

[Tennessee Jed]

Also, I really don't care for tours where the setlist is so damned predictable...surprise me, guys! Surely you get bored playing the same thing in the same order every night for the most part!

[Ruckus]

To Ms. Y with the "Rampant Badassery!" stickers, it was a pleasure to meet you.  And the guy next to you (was that you Ruckus?), who has been seeing concerts since before I was born, glad to meet you as well.

Ruckus were you the dude in the tie died shirt pumping jams from your jeep at the gate?

;D ;D ;D  I must have been everywhere.  Man, I don't think I was either of those guys as I didn't have a jeep and I'm only gonna be 32 years old next week.  I was one of the few in the crowd of non-Caucasian descent with black hair and beard.  I was, however, one off the rail about 20 feet left of Ms. Y the whole time so I'm guessing I was right near both of you guys.

Cheers

[ms. yvon]

Ruckus, you are all.   ;D

[Hatfield]

I saw an old friend at this show.  He had never seen them before but is friends with their sound guy (who lives in Durham, NC) and got tickets through him.

I talked to my friend last Friday and he said the sound guy was incredibly frustrated by the noise restriction and tried to compensate for it all night.  

This show could have been so much more.  Glad Merriweather got rocked though!

[Chief Mageeetah]

Hello fellow die-hards!  I'm not new to the band but I am new to this forum and I would like to give my (belated) thoughts about the show at the Koka Booth, from a guitar gearhead perspective.  First off, let me say that this was my first MMJ show and after seeing them live, I have become a complete fanboy.  As for the sound, maybe it was my location (right in front of Carl on the rail), maybe it was the beer, but I was blown away.  The people around us up front were very cool and very into the music.  The most disgusting behavior I witnessed was an empty beer bottle flying up on stage.  Finally, I don't know if anyone around here is into the gear and rig that the band uses but I'll point out what I noticed.  Carl played an assortment of Gibson Les Paul's and a Dusenberg guitar through two Carr Viseroy Amplifiers (one may have been a backup) and a Top Hat Ambassador Amplifier.  Both Top Hat and Carr are Raleigh, NC area amp builders.  Jim James played his signature Flying V and some other Gibson's through a 3 Monkey's Orangutan Amplifier which is also hand built in Raleigh NC.  Raleigh seems to be a hotbed for amp builders right now.  I didn't get a look at any effect pedals or what kind of lap steel that Carl used.  I hope this gives fans some kind of idea how this great band gets their awesome , one of a kind, tone.   See ya around the forum.  

Here is a great video the guy standing right beside me shot of Lay Low:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIxtvfo4-bU

[Willy]

Ruckus were you the dude in the tie died shirt pumping jams from your jeep at the gate?

haha that would be me....good show, good vibes, good people

i almost wet my pants during steam eng.

[SaraBananaBear]

Hello fellow die-hards!  I'm not new to the band but I am new to this forum and I would like to give my (belated) thoughts about the show at the Koka Booth, from a guitar gearhead perspective.  First off, let me say that this was my first MMJ show and after seeing them live, I have become a complete fanboy.  As for the sound, maybe it was my location (right in front of Carl on the rail), maybe it was the beer, but I was blown away.  The people around us up front were very cool and very into the music.  The most disgusting behavior I witnessed was an empty beer bottle flying up on stage.  Finally, I don't know if anyone around here is into the gear and rig that the band uses but I'll point out what I noticed.  Carl played an assortment of Gibson Les Paul's and a Dusenberg guitar through two Carr Viseroy Amplifiers (one may have been a backup) and a Top Hat Ambassador Amplifier.  Both Top Hat and Carr are Raleigh, NC area amp builders.  Jim James played his signature Flying V and some other Gibson's through a 3 Monkey's Orangutan Amplifier which is also hand built in Raleigh NC.  Raleigh seems to be a hotbed for amp builders right now.  I didn't get a look at any effect pedals or what kind of lap steel that Carl used.  I hope this gives fans some kind of idea how this great band gets their awesome , one of a kind, tone.   See ya around the forum.  

Here is a great video the guy standing right beside me shot of Lay Low:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIxtvfo4-bU

Hello and welcome to the forum! I can't say that I understand the guitar gear stuff really, I'm sure a lot of other people do though and appreciate it, however that video made my day in a lot of ways. Thanks for posting that and happy you enjoyed the show  :)

[Chief Mageeetah]

Yeah, I watch that video everyday.  A friendly reminder of a great night.