Honestly, I was not in the mood to go to a show last night, even if it would be my first time seeing TV On the Radio. Usually however, live music tends to lift me up no matter what, so after some pizza and a few (5) beers, I was ready to give this a shot.
Even though they lost their bassist to cancer this past spring, cancelling their originally planned stops at First Ave, TV On the Radio were not about to make their shows moving forward somber affairs. Yet things started off moody enough with the sultry opener “Young Liars,” as the myriad lights on stage started to swirl to life, illuminating the space-y backdrop on stage.
Then, the energy level took off as Tunde Adebimpe and company launched into “Wrong Way,” which had everyone jumping up and down even if the sound wasn’t that excellent. This signaled the start of a run of songs that, unfortunately, just kind of blended together in a mess of bright, flashing lights, smoke and the occasional horn blast.
Although not a standout song in their catalog my any means, things slowed with “Will Do,” the first single off of Nine Types of Light. You could finally hear all of the instruments on stage and the complex arrangements and beautiful chords that make TV On the Radio a band you can listen to with a more critical ear.
Alas, it seemed that the douche bag heavy bro type with their “girlfriends” crowd was there to party. Even though TV On the Radio’s faster, more “rock” oriented songs have little sonic delights packed into them, all of this was lost in the live setting.
I am glad I went on the second night, as the encore started with one of my favorite song by the group, “Love Dog.” Even this slower, hell, depressing song that should have fit my #dark mood sounded deflated last night, like someone had scooped out the soul and just left the shell of the song to remain as its statement. Or maybe it was just the mix….
I’m not trying to hate. I love TV On the Radio – I guess I was just expecting more after hearing all of the praise that surrounds their live shows. Or perhaps I just needed to be slapped in the face a few times before going into First Ave.
“Love Dog” live from last night…was it just me??
I actually thought Love Dog sounded great last night, just not exactly the same as on record. It is one of my all time favorite TVOTR songs so maybe I was just so pleased with it because I finally got to hear it live. The crowd was better on the first night I’d say. Also, based on the level of talking I can hear in the background of your recording maybe you were just around the wrong people.
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