^^^ Nice review, obviously you are a true fan.
Is there anyone cooler in the world than Stuart? Quite simply one of the most brilliant minds and likable people in music. He's always engaging and always in a great mood. It must be hard to do that EVERY SINGLE NIGHT because it is difficult for me to act like that at ALL. Plus he still writes amazing pop songs. Stuart, and the band, have a lot left in the tank. Stuart seems to like DC, he always makes heartfelt observations about the District.
Band was in great form. I disagree with the criticism of Dear Catastrophe Waitress at the end, I was impressed with how well they played it. It seems like a very difficult song to play and they rarely perform it. Setlist was great overall, the band still comes up with surprises, even if you have seen them live a few times. Their setlists are always varied and diverse. I also noticed they played a lot of old stuff for you whiners at the expense of Write About Love, which I love and didn't have any songs played.
I forget how great and underrated the Life Pursuit songs are. Blues are Still Blue is an all time classic live, they should play it more often. Videos on the high-def screen behind the band were a nice touch too, and a little outside the box for B&S, who usually goes with the more staid backdrops at shows, which are fine too.
Oh and Echostage: Get some god damn A/C. Jesus. It was pretty warm in there early on, I'd hate to see how hot the place gets packed with people dancing their asses off and drinking and taking substances. Plus bottled water was $5. Either get A/C or drop the cost of water.
Place has good views and aesthetics, and I thought the sound was great, but the location stinks. I'd trade venue appearance and cleanliness for better location near Metro and dumpier building. Now does Seth own Echostage, or how does that work? I saw a co-owner mentioned in the "Molly death" the other night.
