Bet you that you are thinking of the show that was something like April 21, (2002?) when BRMC opened for them. I have no flipping clue why I remember that date. God, I can't believe it was that many years ago! Feels like maybe only about 3 years. That too was one of my all time favorite shows. Some people really hated it but I guess it's like Sonick said, depends on the kind of music you are into. It separated the cerebral droners from everyone else.
They also played the previous September (the 23rd, I think) of 2001 but I had to miss that show because I was teaching at the time and it was just impossible for me. (Or maybe that date was The Charlatans which was postphoned but Spiritualized was very close to then. Maybe something like Oct. 3rd.) Apparently, according to popular opinion, that show sucked. In fact, the conscenses was that the entire tour sucked. If I had to miss one, I'm glad it was that one.
There was another show which was actually their last time in the area and at the 9:30 Club. Phaser opened that show. Spiritualized were playing some festival up in NY and did a handful of other shows in the NE area while over here. It was a very stripped down show and nowhere as good as the show when BRMC opened. In fact, it was very mediocre. It was almost like a Spiritualized unplugged show except they were plugged in. I know that makes no sense but if you were there, you would understand.
Sonick, I agree with you about the new release vs the show. I like A+E but think it has it's weaknesses too. At the momement, it gets about a B+ on my shelf. But live, a whole other story! Damn, that stuff was good! Obviously, this music works wonderfully live but just doesn't translate quite as well recorded. Guess I need to go back and relisten with a whole new perspective.
