I'm going to go through my records at some point and work on it here
El Vez at U Hall
Ash at DC Nine
Bob Dylan at Wicomico Convention Center
Babasonicos at Howard Theatre (maybe #1)
J Geils Band at Fillmore
PIL at 930
JSBX at U Hall
Now I know why Hutch doesn't like DAR. He only sees bands 30 years past their prime and then blames the bad show on the venue.
I just don't agree that bands are past their prime because people age.. I don't believe you have to be young to play music although you probably have to be young to play music for the young (and those still trying to be).. allowing for the effects of time the great performers only get better as they learn to get every nuance out of their talent.. I'm sure most performers would tell you that at 20 they didn't know jack shit about performing and where basically going on energy... as they get older they learn to perform.
But for the record Babasonicos, JSBX and Ash are in their "prime"...
I saw Pinetop Perkins when he was over 90... a great show... Tony Bennett in his 80s still provided a great show at Wolftrap...
must be sad to be 47 though man... way past your "prime"...
as far as venues not sure what you're talking about... DAR is not a music venue... but I've seen good shows there...just don't believe in supporting venues that are deficient unless I feel I have to.. same goes for Rock and Roll Hotel, Patriot Center, Verizon Center etc... there are enough great venues in town to focus on.
having said all that, it is true that I'm finding it harder to get into the music of newer bands... I don't identify with it...and often when I try, say a Kurt Vile (that reminds me: worst show of the year?), I find it horrifying.. talk about boring and low energy no matter what his age is.... I can't believe people compare this guy to Bruce .. Bruce has more talent in half his smallest toe nail than Vile.
I'm always on the lookout for bands that play what I call Chuck Berry rock and roll (Berry, early Beatles, early Stones, Flamin Groovies, AC DC, Faces, etc.).. any suggestions most welcome !seriously.
Most musicians creative output is done by the time they hit 40. You might find an occasional Johnny Cash or U2. I wish more people could keep putting out great stuff as they get older. But it just doesn't happen. When was the last time Paul McCarntney had a great pop song?
I saw Pete Seeger peform at 92 and it was awesome. Patti Smith wasn't bad last week but the songs she did that were good were from the 70's. If she only did songs from the 70's the show would have been much better. Plus when you are seeing bands you are most likely only seeing part of the bands. Like Jesus and Mary Chain when I saw them the first time they were amazing but Douglas Hart and Bobbie Gillepsie are long gone from that band.
Anyway I find it sad that you have given up on new music at your age. If you like PIL you must have had a zest for new music once. I suggest of Monsters and Men to you. Every song on their album is great.
Well, I think we look at differently... just because an artist isn't necessarily "writing" their best material doesn't mean they can't perform their albeit older material in really great ways... there is a difference between writing and performing...
Definitely have not "given up" on anything... although I don't think "new music" is better than "old music"..its all MUSIC.. I don't care that much when it was made.. I listen to stuff going from the 1920s on... I have 10,000 records in my basement and most of it is "old"..so what?
Also the new JSXB album is great... just because the hipsters moved on doesn't make it not so... and Bob Dylan's Tempest is fabulous.... the fact he is old is irrelevant....its great music.. same for Dr John's Locked Down
I dont' try to live my musical listening life like Pitchfork.. hypes up the one album then the follow up isn't as good and then they are over the hill at 23.
