Boston BoA * August 14 * Roll Call

[iLikeBeer]

I agree with Nuggets.  I used to be so into this band and they are a great live act...but every time I see them I basically feel like it is the same show.  I personally would never see them back to back nights...basically seeing them once on a tour is all I need because I know they are going to play basically the same set.

A perfect example is Wilco.  I saw them at their Solid Sound Festival and on back to back nights they only repeated a few songs.  Wilco is not a jam band..just a great band with enough material to be confident enough to play a good amount of it and give the fans a variety of their material.  I see no reason why MMJ cannot do this espeically after the T5 shows knowing they are capable of playing every song they have.

I don't see this as a perfect example.  Wilco was playing back to back nights at the same venue.  I'd expect them to mix up their set-list in that type of format.  MMJ played 5 shows at T5 and only had one repeat song.  What's your point?

We're talking about back to back nights in different cities with MMJ.  As has been mentioned before, MMJ is touring to back their new album so of course the play-list on this tour is going to be heavy with songs off the new record?!

One thing they DON'T do is take a night off and that is why I don't really get too uptight when I see somewhat similar set-lists because I know they are bringing that energy and intensity that I LOVE to see and hear when seeing this band live.  Maybe they could do a bit better of a job of mixing up their set-lists, but I think you would be hard-pressed to find another band that brings it every night like MMJ does. 

[Tracy 2112]

I saw The Help with my wife Sunday night. Some of you saw MMJ live and are complaining about it.   :-\

[DEmerson]

It starts like this:

The summer's most outstanding outdoor rock concert?

You'd have to go a ways to beat My Morning Jacket's two-and-a-half hour set at Bank of America Pavilion before a near-capacity crowd Sunday night.


http://bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/general/view.bg?articleid=1359102&srvc=edge&position=2

[johnnYYac]

It starts like this:

The summer's most outstanding outdoor rock concert?

You'd have to go a ways to beat My Morning Jacket's two-and-a-half hour set at Bank of America Pavilion before a near-capacity crowd Sunday night.


http://bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/general/view.bg?articleid=1359102&srvc=edge&position=2

I was just coming to post this review, but...

Grain of salt time!   ???

from mid-way into the article

"On the scrim behind the band, there were five rectangular windows, where cloud and sky or sparkling projections were sometimes shown, but that was it for window dressing. This was all about music and emotion, not special effects. Sang James in the first encore, "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)": "I can learn from way back when, but still live right now."

Wonderful was cut from the setlist.   :-\

I agree it was a great show, but question the journalism. 

And the Boston Herald is toilet paper.   :P

EDIT

My comment to the author:

Mr. Sullivan,

My Morning Jacket is the best thing is music these days. I appreciate the positive review of a great show. However, did you actually attend? You quote the encore opener, Wonderful (The Way I Feel), midway through your article. That song was not played, though it was on the pre-show setlist. It was cut, which is too bad for it is a beautiful song. I agree with the spirit of your article, but ask for more solid and truthful journalism from ANY newspaper or news source.

[Tracy 2112]

I guess it's 'cause I come from the "jam band" environment that I get so uptight about stagnant setlists.

You said it right there.

It's b/c they are NOT a "jam band". Sort of like going to see the symphony play Beethoven's 5th and you get all pissy b/c they won't play Beethoven's 9th or do any Mozart. You're looking for a jam band experience but paying for a different show. I don't think that's going to work for you and I don't think they want to be a "jam band". I know I don't want them to be a "jam band".

[Crispy]

It starts like this:

The summer's most outstanding outdoor rock concert?

You'd have to go a ways to beat My Morning Jacket's two-and-a-half hour set at Bank of America Pavilion before a near-capacity crowd Sunday night.


http://bostonherald.com/entertainment/music/general/view.bg?articleid=1359102&srvc=edge&position=2

I was just coming to post this review, but...

Grain of salt time!   ???

from mid-way into the article

"On the scrim behind the band, there were five rectangular windows, where cloud and sky or sparkling projections were sometimes shown, but that was it for window dressing. This was all about music and emotion, not special effects. Sang James in the first encore, "Wonderful (The Way I Feel)": "I can learn from way back when, but still live right now."

Wonderful was cut from the setlist.   :-\

I agree it was a great show, but question the journalism. 

And the Boston Herald is toilet paper.   :P

EDIT

My comment to the author:

Mr. Sullivan,

My Morning Jacket is the best thing is music these days. I appreciate the positive review of a great show. However, did you actually attend? You quote the encore opener, Wonderful (The Way I Feel), midway through your article. That song was not played, though it was on the pre-show setlist. It was cut, which is too bad for it is a beautiful song. I agree with the spirit of your article, but ask for more solid and truthful journalism from ANY newspaper or news source.

Ouch! Red-face time for Mr. Sullivan.

[johnnYYac]

http://www.enterprisenews.com/entertainment/x386658824/My-Morning-Jacket-s-incendiary-rock-brew

I haven't checked it for errors yet.  ;)

[bold992006]

I agree with Nuggets.  I used to be so into this band and they are a great live act...but every time I see them I basically feel like it is the same show.  I personally would never see them back to back nights...basically seeing them once on a tour is all I need because I know they are going to play basically the same set.

A perfect example is Wilco.  I saw them at their Solid Sound Festival and on back to back nights they only repeated a few songs.  Wilco is not a jam band..just a great band with enough material to be confident enough to play a good amount of it and give the fans a variety of their material.  I see no reason why MMJ cannot do this espeically after the T5 shows knowing they are capable of playing every song they have.

I don't see this as a perfect example.  Wilco was playing back to back nights at the same venue.  I'd expect them to mix up their set-list in that type of format.  MMJ played 5 shows at T5 and only had one repeat song.  What's your point?

We're talking about back to back nights in different cities with MMJ.  As has been mentioned before, MMJ is touring to back their new album so of course the play-list on this tour is going to be heavy with songs off the new record?!

One thing they DON'T do is take a night off and that is why I don't really get too uptight when I see somewhat similar set-lists because I know they are bringing that energy and intensity that I LOVE to see and hear when seeing this band live.  Maybe they could do a bit better of a job of mixing up their set-lists, but I think you would be hard-pressed to find another band that brings it every night like MMJ does.

I think it is a good example.  I've seen Wilco back to back in different cities too...and i'm pretty sure they were supporting a new album and they still mix it up enough to make it feel like a different experience.  My point was pretty clear.  MMJ does not mix it up enough IMO. 

Yeah you just repeated my point too...the fact that they can do something like T5 and play all those songs makes it clear as day they are capable of playing them.  So why not play them on tour?  I'm not saying I need a completely different set each night but you can almost predict their set every night. 

There are other bands that bring it every night...and ones that also mix things up from Tour to tour...night to night.  I'm just saying.  Not a huge deal but I know from someone that used to be a huge fan...I'm not as into them as I once was for this reason.  Not liking the new album probably does not help I'll admit that.

[bold992006]

I'll also give you another example of a band who "brings it every night" and I know some people are fans of on here.  The Drive-By Truckers.  They mix their sets up every night..whether same city or not...just an example that you don't have to be a jamband to do this...from the post above.

[Tracy 2112]

I'll also give you another example of a band who "brings it every night" and I know some people are fans of on here.  The Drive-By Truckers.  They mix their sets up every night..whether same city or not...just an example that you don't have to be a jamband to do this...from the post above.

Built to Spill does that, too. And I love BTS. My point is if you're coming for a "jam band" experience, then you are at the wrong show. I also think the "jam band" creates a scene of people who travel with the band, so to speak, as they go from city to city. However, I met a guy at a Rush show in May who had seen them like 11 consecutive times on the tour, exact same set list. To each his own...

For whatever reason (and I am trusting YY at this point) they play similiar setlists every night. I get that. I am OK with that. I also think most people who attend their shows are OK with that. I'd say for about 90% of the audience (feel free to disagree) it's their only MMJ show of the year and that's who they are catering towards; not the 5-10% who are complaining about variety. It's not a question of if they can mix it up; they are simply choosing not to. They may lose a couple of fans but overall they are more popular than ever.

[e_wind]

I agree w/ tracy. They don't need to switch it up every night for the (I'd say more than) 10% of people that travel to see them multiple times are seeing them the only time that year or maybe in the past couple years. If RR was your first time since EU tour seeing them, for example, a person wouldve seen 10 or so songs they've never played.


I hear ya, it'd be cool if they played completely different sets, but its completely understand why they dont. On wednesday and friday I'm seeing them for the 8th and 9th time this year, and in no way am I bummed about the set list.

[johnnYYac]

I looked back at the 5 shows I saw this summer.  Three festivals (2 hours, 20 songs, no break)- Mt. Jam, Ottawa, Lolla; and 2 non-fest shows (2.5 hours, 24-26 songs, short break, opening act)- Montreal and Boston.

Here's the combined setlist. 

Victory Dance x5
Circuital x5
The Day Is Coming x5
Off The Record x5
Gideon x5
I'm Amazed x5
Golden x5
Outta My System x5
Holdin On To Black Metal x5
Slow Slow Tune x5
Smokin From Shootin x5
Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt.2 x5
One Big Holiday x5
Wordless Chorus x5
Mahgeetah x5

(end of) Run Thru x4
Dancefloors x4
Dondante x4

You Wanna Freak Out x3
First Light x3

Highly Suspicious x2
Anytime x2
The Way That he Sings x2
It Beats 4 U x2
Honest Man x2

Phone Went West x1
Heartbreakin Man x1
Steam Engine x1
Carnival Time x1
Evil Urges x1
Movin Away x1
I Will Sing You Songs x1
Lay Low x1
Islands In The Stream x1

I would have liked to hear some tunes I've yet to see live in three years and over a dozen shows (War Begun, Just One Thing, The Bear, etc.), but I do not feel shorted. 

Its not just the name of the songs on the set list.  Its the performance, the crowd, the town, the weather, the chemicals (or not), how full your bladder gets, your age, the amount of money in your wallet.  If you like what you see, great.  Come back for more.  If you don't, I'll take your spot. 

I respect everyone's opinion and (believe me) feel a bit disappointed by setlists like Boston.. but only to a point.  I'll never see another show like it, even though I've seen every song on that setlist at least twice already (only "new" song for me in Boston was Islands in the Stream; only one Movin' Away in 5 shows!).

[Jahmazed]

Honestly how much to you expect a 20oz (?) beer to cost at a concert?

Yeah ok, I get it. Same as other venues. Seeing $10 for Bud Light just rubbed me the wrong way. Never used to drink, so I guess it's all just sticker shock. Glad there are more and more BYOB venues in my area these days 'cause those kinda prices are ridiculous.

Didn't you say you came down from NH?  Where are these BYOB venues you are referring too?  As much as I would enjoy it I don't see MMJ coming to a field north of Concord where you can bring your own beer anytime soon..   

There are about 5 or 6 in the NH/VT area. No, none of them could hold MMJ. A concert in a field north of Concord does sound good though.

More specifics please... I live in northern NH and would love to hear of BYoB venues that aren't a private party..

[Crispy]

Its not just the name of the songs on the set list.  Its the performance, the crowd, the town, the weather, the chemicals (or not), how full your bladder gets, your age, the amount of money in your wallet.  If you like what you see, great.  Come back for more.  If you don't, I'll take your spot. 

THIS, especially the performance. And don't forget the venue! Every show I see is different for all of these reasons, for all of the variables. I'll gladly join Johnny filling the spots of those who tire of seeing the same songs again, because when I see and HEAR them, it's never the same. And if it ever gets to be that way, then I'll be happy seeing one show per tour.

[bold992006]

I have seen MMJ tons of times and I totally understand that is it the intensity and the experience..but I think if you have seen them a bunch it kind of gets a little old hearing the same stuff...that is probably what turns me off I guess.  For someone seeing them the first few times I could see how it wouldn't matter.

[nuggets]

Honestly how much to you expect a 20oz (?) beer to cost at a concert?

Yeah ok, I get it. Same as other venues. Seeing $10 for Bud Light just rubbed me the wrong way. Never used to drink, so I guess it's all just sticker shock. Glad there are more and more BYOB venues in my area these days 'cause those kinda prices are ridiculous.

Didn't you say you came down from NH?  Where are these BYOB venues you are referring too?  As much as I would enjoy it I don't see MMJ coming to a field north of Concord where you can bring your own beer anytime soon..   

There are about 5 or 6 in the NH/VT area. No, none of them could hold MMJ. A concert in a field north of Concord does sound good though.

More specifics please... I live in northern NH and would love to hear of BYoB venues that aren't a private party..

NH & VT- http://www.tupelohall.com/
MA- http://www.ncfta.org/
Flying Monkey in Plymouth has done a few byob concerts.
There a few more in the Littleton/St. Johnsbury area as well.

[Crispy]

I have seen MMJ tons of times and I totally understand that is it the intensity and the experience..but I think if you have seen them a bunch it kind of gets a little old hearing the same stuff...that is probably what turns me off I guess.  For someone seeing them the first few times I could see how it wouldn't matter.

Yeah, I haven't been to tons or even a bunch of shows, so it's all still new to me. 

[mahg33ta]

http://wzlx.radio.com/2011/08/16/my-morning-jacket-boston-concert-review-august-14-bank-of-america-pavilion-setlist-pictures-video-pics-photo-gallery-wbcn/


...For an amazing combination of quality songs, palpable intensity and remarkable endurance, they are tough to top.

[jervin007]

Sorry I missed everyone at Remy's. Traffic was brutal. Backed up from Concord to the MA line. Got parked around 6:45 and headed in. Think I passed some of you guys in front of Remy's taking pics(thought I recognized Yac). Bummer.
Thought the show was fairly pedestrian. Super basic setlist. Seemed like they were looking for a comfort zone with Patrick back. It Beats is always really nice. Surprised at a back to back night Dondontes. Really enjoy that they are stretching that tune out more and more these days. Was cool t hear it move and build a bit different that usual. This end of Run Thru shit is annoying. At least transition into it out of something and make it interesting. Just starting the end jam from nowhere is a complete waste. The whole power of that tune and the end jam is lost when they do that imo. By far the highlight for me was the Honest Man. Crazy big version. Carl was absolutely killing it. Best version I've seen. Was really glad to see Jim leave some of the scripted theatrics out of Worldless (no stage slide). Thank you. That was getting really annoying. Just be honest on stage. I, for one, could live without the theatrics. If it's honest and you're just moving and acting the way the music moves you, great. If you doing a schtick, stop. It's cheap and silly. Band sounded great. Could have been louder, but they nailed everything as usual.
As for the venue, never again. $10-12 beers? FUCK YOU! No smoking anywhere in the venue? FUCK YOU! Thought the sound inside was really boomy even though it managed to hold the low end really well. And good lord, how bout a little space in the seating. You can barely move if your row is full. Finally moved to some open space so I could dance. Don't get me wrong, I'm not a flailer, but I would like to be able to move more than my head.
I love this band and to me it has the potential to become one of the most powerful live acts ever, but they have got to start changing up the set lists. They are so stagnant. Why would anyone see them on consecutive nights? So many repeats. MMJ has more than enough material and have been playing live together long enough to start performing without the net of a set list. It really makes the shows feel generic and predictable. Would love to be surprised more than once every few shows. Getting bored.

Agree about the beers.  12 bucks for a 24 PBR is quite the markup.  As far as smoking cigarettes in the venue, its Massachusetts state law that you can't smoke inside any venues.  In fact, i think thats pretty much the norm for most venues I go to these days.  I was fine on the space in my row and that was with the people around me sneaking friends down.  Everyone was dancing and having a great time.

Personally I love the BOA Pavilion and have never been disappointed by a show there.  IMO you can't beat being right on Boston harbor, being outside and being covered from the elements. Also its very easy to get in and out of if you are driving.  There are far worse venue in the Boston area they could have played at.

Great show all around in my eyes.

[Natonate99]

I looked back at the 5 shows I saw this summer.  Three festivals (2 hours, 20 songs, no break)- Mt. Jam, Ottawa, Lolla; and 2 non-fest shows (2.5 hours, 24-26 songs, short break, opening act)- Montreal and Boston.

Here's the combined setlist. 

Victory Dance x5
Circuital x5
The Day Is Coming x5
Off The Record x5
Gideon x5
I'm Amazed x5
Golden x5
Outta My System x5
Holdin On To Black Metal x5
Slow Slow Tune x5
Smokin From Shootin x5
Touch Me I'm Going To Scream Pt.2 x5
One Big Holiday x5
Wordless Chorus x5
Mahgeetah x5

(end of) Run Thru x4
Dancefloors x4
Dondante x4

You Wanna Freak Out x3
First Light x3

Highly Suspicious x2
Anytime x2
The Way That he Sings x2
It Beats 4 U x2
Honest Man x2

Phone Went West x1
Heartbreakin Man x1
Steam Engine x1
Carnival Time x1
Evil Urges x1
Movin Away x1
I Will Sing You Songs x1
Lay Low x1
Islands In The Stream x1

I would have liked to hear some tunes I've yet to see live in three years and over a dozen shows (War Begun, Just One Thing, The Bear, etc.), but I do not feel shorted. 

Its not just the name of the songs on the set list.  Its the performance, the crowd, the town, the weather, the chemicals (or not), how full your bladder gets, your age, the amount of money in your wallet.  If you like what you see, great.  Come back for more.  If you don't, I'll take your spot. 

I respect everyone's opinion and (believe me) feel a bit disappointed by setlists like Boston.. but only to a point.  I'll never see another show like it, even though I've seen every song on that setlist at least twice already (only "new" song for me in Boston was Islands in the Stream; only one Movin' Away in 5 shows!).

i agree with u johnny and maybe its just because you did it but ive seen 3 shows on this tour so far and it breaks down like this:

victory dance x3
circuital x3
off the record x3
im amazed x3
gideon x3
smokin from shootin x3
first light x3
run thru(end of) x3
touch me pt 2 x3
mahgeetah x3
wordless chorus x3
black metal x3
one big holiday x3

lay low x2
outta my system x2
wonderful x2
golden x2
anytime x2
you wanna freak out x2
slow slow tune x2
honest man x2
dondante x2
movin away x2

the way that he sings
the dark
phone went west
the day is coming
touch me pt 1
highly suspicious
the bear
steam engine
strangulation
knot comes loose
evelyn is not real
islands in the stream

i really think thats pretty good variety. and like crispy said, if i ever start to get bored with the band or their setlists, ill move on. but i dont see that happening anytime soon for me