Canceled: Paul Banks

The lead singer and songwriter for Interpol will not perform at the Granada in Lawrence on Nov. 26. Get your refund where you got your ticket.

Comments

[Geordan]

Liked the first Interpol album, although they were just trying to be a Hip, New York version of Joy Division. So.....as that show is cancelled, let's talk about one that wasn't (my pathetic attempt at a segue). I went to see The Wallflowers at the Midland last night. I first saw them open for Natalie Merchant at Memorial Hall twenty (!) years ago and wasn't all that impressed (Natalie Merchant held the same place in my heart in 1992, that Norah Jones now does in 2012). But when I saw them open for The Counting Crows a few years later on the tour for their breakthrough album, "Bringing Down The Horse," they had vastly improved as a live band. Then, they simply fell off of my radar. Finally, they've released an album that I'm interested in and is quite good. So good, that like the recent Norah Jones show, I was looking forward to hearing a bunch of new stuff as well as the older songs. So, I made my way to The Midland last night.

The floor was GA for this show and the balcony was closed, but still the fans packed the floor. I ended up in the first tier of seats, although the first third of the floor was Standing Room only, so I was kind of close to the stage. The night started with a 35 minute set by My Jerusalem, a band consisting of New Orleans natives who now are based in Austin, Texas. They didn't blow me away, but weren't too shabby. They had a drummer who was really good, a keyboard player who also played guitar, in addition to playing both trombone and trumpet during their brief set, which really propped up a couple of songs. Their Bassist, Geena Spigarelli, well, she was just real nice to look at. What I didn't like about them was their singer, Jeff Klein. His voice reminded me a little of Jim Morrison, but as a front man, he offered very little. In fact, I thought if this band ditched this singer for someone more charismatic and talented, they'd be on their way.

Next up, The Wallflowers hit a rather spartan stage, with no frills or backdrops, to the sounds of The Dave Clark Five's "Glad All Over," which is of course the title of their new record. The 2012 version of the band includes long-standing members Rami Jaffee, a monster on the keyboards, and Greg Richling, the most immobile Bassist this side of Bill Wyman, and of course, the man behind the songs, Jakob Dylan. The two new members are guitarist Stuart Mathis, and accomplished drummer for hire, Jack Irons, who has played with Pearl Jam, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, and Joe Strummer. The band began their 95 minute set (including encores) with "The Devil's Waltz," which was just one of the cool new songs we heard last night. The aforementioned Rami Jaffee, who I got to speak to for a few minutes after My Jerusalem's set, in which Rami sat in for their last three songs, is definitely the band's MVP. His keyboard work was stellar all night. His accordion solo on "6th Avenue Heartache" was just beautiful. Also, the sound for both bands was very good last night.

Of course, the band played all the songs you'd expect. "One Headlight," "The Difference," and "Three Marlenas" got the most applause, but my favorite song of the night was the new "Reboot The Mission." The Clash's Mick Jones sings backup on this song on the new record and live, the song has kind of a "Radio Clash" feel about it. Other new songs that stood out were, "First One In The Car," "Hospital For Sinners," and "Misfits and Lovers." But there were also some surprises. They played a nice cover of Bowie's "Heroes." The song is almost a character in the new film, "The Perks Of Being A Wallflower," so it seemed logical to play it. Also, during the encore, the band played an early favorite of mine, "Shy Of The Moon" from their debut album, and ended the night with a heartfelt version of "(What's So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding?" So, The Wallflowers came into KC with few frills, but kept the ticket prices at a reasonable level and made the night simply about the music....and they rocked! I'm yearning for more shows just like this. Missed running into pellboy last night, darn it, but did see Corky, who posts here and is one hell of a good guy. Had yet another good time last night.

[romo]

another great review, love a fans perspective, thanks.

[Kurt]

On another topic. I read the review for the Bruce Springsteen show in Omaha. It said that they did 3 songs from 1982 Nebraska album for Nebraska. The show drew 12,000 to the Century Link Center and that's a good crowd in a metro smaller then, Kansas City. They keep the ticket prices below the $100 mark also and that helps keep attendance up.

[Kurt]

I forgot to mention that Trans-Siberian Orchestra started their tour in Council Bluffs, IA and Peoria, IL yesterday also. TSO has 2 touring companies on tour.

That's too bad that TSO and Bruce Springsteen had to compete on the same day. Council Bluffs, IA is only across the Missouri river from Omaha.

[pellboy]

Yeah, I thought the show was great. Didn't even bother with the opener as I sat over at the Indie Bar next door and watched the KU game, but quickly made my way down near the stage just before The Wallflowers came out. Geordan's right, Rami was the man all night. Thought the guitarist was pretty good as well. Whole show was solid, but the highlights for me were 6th Ave.Heartache, Three Marlenas and as mentioned, Reboot The Mission from the new album. And I believe that Peace, Love & Understanding cover was included as a bonus track on the import release of Red Letter Days, it made for a nice closer last night.

[onthemark]

Correction Kurt. Bruce played 6 songs from 'Nebraska' in Omaha last night!

Opened with 'Reason To Believe' 'Johnny 99' and 'Atlantic City', then played 'State Trooper', 'Open All Night' and 'Highway Patrolman' in the main set.

Looking forward to tomorrow night!

[kcmom]

The Omaha show was EPIC. My sister was there and she was blown away. Here is the review from the Omaha paper for those so inclined:

http://www.omaha.com/article/20121115/GO/121119764/1016#springsteen-plays-nebraska-for-nebraska

[Ripper]

What a joke. Nebraska is one of the lamest, saddest, down beat, most depressing albums of all time. It is called Nebraska because of what a shthole state it is, what a shit hole Sprinsteen was in whne he wrote it. Is this another way for this 1%er, this making $100,000 per night, is this another way for Springsqueen's to make fun of what crap hole Nebraska is? And the dumbasses up there dont even realize it?

Springsteen and his worn out schtick are bad enough, but to make fun of paying fans? He is the worst. Springsteen fans and Twilight fans, two peas in a pod, and the producers are getting filthy rich on both.

[Ripper]

and before any of the local girls start whining, I didnt say this, springsqueen did. Here is an article about him whining about how hard it was to become rich, it depressed him.

http://starcasm.net/archives/167259

"The Boss told this month’s New Yorker that he suffered from depression, and even suicidal thoughts during the seventies and eighties. This was also the time that he created some of his greatest music. It’s a sad irony that the best songs usually come from a place of intense emotional pain.

Bruce’s friend and biographer Dave Marsh told the magazine that a lot of these issues arose from his sudden fame. The pressures of overnight success can really be a shock to the system"

awwwwww, what a poor wittle baby.

[Ripper]

""One of his lowest points was in 1982 when his dark stunner Nebraska was released, and he was having suicidal thoughts. He was upset because he couldn’t seem to hold onto a relationship, and he was also being haunted by the past. His father was depressed, and often isolated himself, and Bruce feared he was doing the same thing. He started weeing a psychotherapist that year who helped him sort through...""

BLAH BLAH BLAH, WHA WHA WHA !! LAME!

[pellboy]

Well we can certainly see how your depression manifests itself.

[onthemark]

Sorry Ripper/DT, I must disagree. I think 'Nebraska' is a great album!

More opinions: In 1989, Nebraska was ranked #43 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 greatest albums of the 1980s. In 2003, the album was ranked number 224 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Pitchfork Media listed it the 60th greatest album of the 1980s. In 2006, Q magazine placed the album at #13 in its list of "40 Best Albums of the '80s". In 2012, Slant Magazine listed the album at #57 on its list of "Best Albums of the 1980's.

[pellboy]

Not to mention that it's songs have been covered by artists ranging from Johnny Cash to The Hold Steady.

[Ripper]

OK, as long as we can all agree that Nebraska ( both the state and album) sucks and Springsqueen (who makes $100,000 per night) is a poser whose workingman schtick has worn thin, then OK.

You couldnt pay me to attend this snoozer show on Saturday for free. I have no need to hear 3 hours of lies and BS.

The guy is a ba-zillionaire, but talking BS about "we take care of our own", or maybe he means taking care of himself and his buddies who own Interstate bakeries (Hostess) and Mitt Romney and all the other 1%er scum who are loving breaking the back of the real working people?

Fk springsqueen and all the other scum like him. At least bands like Kiss, Aerosmith and The Stones dont act like something they are not.

[onthemark]

Well Ripper, for someone who professes to despise Springsteen it sure seems you have done a lot of research on him!

C'mon man, it's okay to admit you are a fan. This blog is open to all opinions, pro and con. We will see you at Sprint Center tomorrow night!

[LiveMusicFan]

What is generally considered Springsteen's best year for live shows? There are a lot of his shows available for download from bittorrent sites, but I'm not sure where to start. I'd hate to download something unrepresentative of his work and decide I don't like him based on that.

[Kev]

Excellent review Geordan. I didn't go but you gave me a great impression of the evenings activities therefore I wish I'd gone. BTW - The Wallflowers originally covered Bowies "Heroes" for the remake of Godzilla from 1998. I bought the soundtrack just for that one tune. Which was long before you could pluck one tune off Itunes, Amazon, etc...

Hey I see Alamo Drafthouse will be showing the Rolling Stones film Some Girls on November 26. Might be cool. KC has some pretty cool movie theaters between the Screenland and Alamo Drafthouse.

[yabba]

fkn cool, thanks for the tip.
http://drafthouse.com/movies/some_girls_rolling_stones_live/austin

[yabba]

OOPS!

HERE IS KC INFO

http://drafthouse.com/movies/some_girls_rolling_stones_live/kansas_city

[Geordan]

As this seems to be a good place to throw miscellaneous stuff, just wanted to mention that I received my shiny new 2 CD/1 DVD set of Led Zeppelin's "Celebration Day" in the mail yesterday, which is the live document of their London show in 2007. Was busy last night, but will put aside some time to watch the concert in it's entirety. Listened to much of the first CD earlier today and it's sounding real good. Had to crank up "Trampled Under Foot" as it sounded particularly magnificent.

[Dick]

So we can expect your dreaded opinion coming up on this too, when you write/post an encyclopedia about it?

We know how you love shoving your opinion down everyone's throat and then crying about it if anyone does not bow down to what you proclaim.

[Geordan]

Yep, your name certainly is appropriate.

[onthemark]

Geordan (and any other Led fans) check out this review!

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/165584-led-zeppelin-celebration-day/

[Dick]

Thank otm, that is a good one.

[Dick]

btw- Did people know that the the band actually tuned their instruments down to make up for Plant's lower range these days? I think it actually makes him sound better than back in the day.

[Geordan, signing off]

Hey, all my BTR friends and fellow music lovers. Just wanted to pop in here one last time to say that after several years of enduring almost every thread on this board being ruined by the same troll, I'm finished here. This person told me to go f*ck myself on this blog the other day and not only was it allowed, the offensive post remains out here. That was the deal breaker. Now the troll is attacking every comment I make here, and when that happens, it's time to move on. Life is just too short to suffer fools. Especially fools who contribute nothing worthwhile. On any other message board, the first time someone is called something like a "mellowfest pussy" the red flag goes up and it gets dealt with. Not here, though. Sure, I could ignore it, but every time a thread is interesting and gathering momentum, it is derailed by the same selfish person, who has to ruin it, like everything else in his sad, dull life. For me, it is no longer tolerable to read three positive comments in a thread only to read a fourth nasty one from the same person, day in and day out. The thrill is gone.

I came here only with intentions of discussing music with the many great fans here in KC, who are as enthusiastic as I am. I enjoyed getting tips on shows, albums, and reading others rational thoughts on music, as much as I liked giving it back (I even had a decent 'Top 10 Albums of 2012' list I wanted to share next month. Oh, well.....) As with most message boards, it always takes one fool to destroy it. I left an Elvis Costello board several years ago as one person was ruining it, and never looked back. So congrats, troll of a thousand names. You win. Hope it was worth it. I apologize if I bored anyone here with my long-winded reviews and comments, but like most of you, I'm passionate about music. I love writing about it and sharing opinions with so many bright people here. I hope that was apparent. I never claimed to be any kind of critic. I just wanted to give anyone who couldn't make it to a show a detailed description of what they missed in the best way I could. But now you will have to endure more brilliant dump troll commentary on "Goddamn wood chips," "that phony SpringsQueen," "Mellowfest pussies," "Don't start nuthin', won't be nuthin'" and if you're lucky, he might even tell to to go f*ck yourself, with absolute impunity! Lucky you.....

Anyway, I am completely blessed and thankful to have even met a few of the BTR faithful along the way. Onthemark, Pellboy, Corky, Kev, TK, and a few others I might have missed. I truly regret that I never got to meet so many others, like (and forgive me if I miss you), Green, New, Endtro, Musicgal, kcmom, Bubba Brown, KC Jones, jjskck, LiveMusicFan, Bewlay, etc. I've enjoyed all of your input here. As for Tim Finn, whose reviews are always terrific, I've never even said hello to him at a show. Probably won't now. What would be the point? He can't (or won't) even stop one troll from ruining this blog. Shit, man, I'm not even going to visit this site again, as it will only make me want to post something, and I'm through with that. Besides, the very thought of stumbling upon even one more of the dump troll's creepy posts, quite frankly nauseates me. So, to the BTR faithful, it's been (mostly) fun and infinitely informative. Keep supporting live music in KC, and music in general. Music is sustenance. Music is dreams. Music is life. But then, you didn't need me to tell you that. So long, friends.......

Happy listening,

Geordan in KCMO

[onthemark]

Geordan, I will miss your reviews. We will surely run into each other at various shows around town. You have my e-mail, drop me a line any time!

[KC Jones]

Well, that's too bad. Geordan probably won't see this, but I'm not sure that TF has the time, nor the ability to block individual users. Since we do not have to log in or anything like that, there really is no way to control who/what posts. All that can be done (as far as I know) is to delete individual posts, possibly IP addresses can be blocked, but that just gives incentive for trolls to find workarounds. I personally would like to have to log in, but that's just me. Sorry that DT chased Geordan off, his reviews were pretty great.

[Guy]

poor whats-his-name... maybe he should not have gotten so serious about it all. I advised him that starting trouble would probably not end well for him... you know swiping at air never does.

I have been interacting with folks on this board for a long long time.... as anyone here, and I will continue to do so. It is not like I showed up here last month, we have been having fun for years.

And IT IS usually all good fun, until someone wants it to get ugly and nasty... then they can expect the same in return.

I dont attack people personally ((unless they come at me like whats-his-name did, and then it is no holds barred))..... as a matter of fact I ALWAYS defend people here against attacks on them based on their music choices... no matter how stupid the choice.

but anyway....
I have a feeling whats-his-name
had an agenda, and made a choice to gather some sympathy and then start his own review web site... so... good luck to him... but he better toughen up his thin skin.

As for the rest of you heathens, stick around the fun will continue.... I am not that bad of a poster... I do my best to not cross that line, until someone else does.

I gave what-his-name every opportunity to back off but he just kept coming, he was begging for it.... so... oh well for him.

Heck I have bashed heads with a couple of people here, the most fun with otm, and he never ran off like a little sissy..... good for you otm.... not to compliment you or anything. ;)

I know there is a line, and I never cross it.

[NEW]

You are so full of crap, DT. Trust me, everyone here knows your game and no one is buying this BS of yours. You are not fooling anyone. I would cite more examples than one could count of you attacking other poster unprovoked but it just isn't worth my time.

Geordan, are you really going to let this clown get the best of you? He has spewed his bile at me, OTM (especially OTM for some reason), PB and numerous others at one time or another. Just ignore the troll and continue to share your concert experiences with the rest of the posters. Have a great holiday.

[pellboy]

I'm with NEW on this one, Geordan, don't let him run you off, he's actually proud of that and you shouldn't give him that opportunity to gloat, he doesn't deserve it. He used to get to me sometimes too, but I pretty much ignore the exchanges anymore (outside of the occasional comeback, can't always resist) and am better off for it. Speaking for myself and probably most others, your contributions were appreciated and are still welcome if you ever feel compelled to return. I'm sure I'll see you around at Knuckleheads and the like so I guess we can still share some musical thoughts that way. Peace.

[Guy]

You two self proclaimed saints realize that you are now spewing as much hate as anyone here?

Let ye without sin cast the first stone.... and if you dont have some examples, then dont act like you can. Give it a rest boy.... trouble is easy to find if you go looking for it.

[Guy]

This place would be boring if it was nothing but knitting and agreeing with each other..... hmmmm then again there are lots of mellow fest fans around, so maybe ya'll like being bored.

[Guy]

and dont worry whats-his-name will come waddling back sooner or later...they always do.... he will realize that there was much ado about nothing, and that most of his trouble was self inflicted.... and hopefully on his next go around he will be more polite, versus trying to be a lightning rod attracting trouble.

And you girls can console her and talk about what an evil doer others here are, and before you know it, you will be giggling and laughing like school girls again.

kiss kisss

[pellboy]

Hate on what, because we cut on an Aerosmith or 38 Special's MUSIC? I'm far from saintly, but if you consider posters personal opinion critiques of bands they don't like on the same level as the venom you often spew, then you really don't get it, do you? Wait, is that a personal attack too? My wife and some others may think I'm a jerk, but I'm pretty sure that I haven't personally attacked you or any other poster on this board in near the same way that you have with Geordan and some others. I'm sorry you're so thin-skinned about having some of your hard rocking teenage idols dissed a bit from a strictly musical standpoint, but that's no reason to go near postal. Wait, is that another personal attack? I can take anything you can dish out, but obviously some others can't or more likely, just don't care to mess with it so with that in mind, why not try and tone it down some or at least pick your spots (the dreaded Crossroads). Just a suggestion, not an a god forbid, personal attack.

[Guy]

Look pal, I havent been that bad, but if you wanna keep accusing me of things, then there is no reason to hold back... are so you wanna keep accusing me of things I dont do, yet?

Your buddy thought things were bad, until he wouldnt back the fk off, and then he got REALLY trolled.... and then he ran off with his tail between his legs.

Things are not that bad, stop making things up. I am pretty polite.

[Guy]

Lets just let this drop...
and everyone go fight with their brothers and sister and extended family(talk about aasholes) and then come back here later to be (relatively) coddled by you fellow posters at BTR.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving.

[pellboy]

On that we can certainly agree, Happy Thanksgiving to all.

[LiveMusicFan]

It's unfortunate to see good people like Geordan trolled to death. I enjoyed reading his reviews and this blog will be worse off without him. I hope that a long holiday weekend will help him reconsider his decision to leave.

[Ted]

He'll be back. They always come back when they realize that the real world is much worse than anything here. BTR is like shelter from the storm, although I am not sure Tim Finn will ever forgive him for not saying hello. That was just plain, old fashioned rude.

[Kurt]

There sure is a lot of posts for Paul Banks and who is he? What's going to happen to BTR is that it could become a read only site. There will be no postings and TF warned us about our comments before. He said if we wanted to flame people then, start your own blog.

[gsp]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troll_(Internet)

[Fran]

wow gsp! Thank you so much. I had no idea, but now you that have posted that link it is all clear. What would we ever do without your many many contributions here on BTR? and coming from wiki too! That is the gold standard for good info online, do you have a special pas to be able to go to wiki? Wow, you are so cool.

Thanks again gsp, you are the best!

[gsp]

http://i.imgur.com/Yy0ah.gif

[gsp]

and at this point gsp is the troll.