Not too many bands put on a live show that includes songs that recall UB40, then Limp Bizkit, then Linkin Park, then a little Run-DMC, then your average generic indie band. 311 is one of them.
Saturday night, more than 5,000 fans flooded the City Market to hear one of Omaha's most successful bands ever perform nearly two dozen songs in 90-plus minutes. And most of those present seemed to get what they came for: a reason to spend a pleasant evening outdoors, drinking adult beverages and dancing whenever the impulse hit.
311 has been a band for about 20 years; its discography comprises nine studio albums; and its resume includes a half-dozen modern-rockradio hits. Its music is overtly derivative and formulaic, a blend of borrowed rock, reggae/ska, hip-hop, rap-rock trends and ideas which has a lot to do with the band's commercial success. No one is trying to make art or reimagine anything here. (You want an example, see the lyrics to "From Chaos.")
The point is more concrete: Make records and tour hard, sell tickets and T-shirts and give fans a good time at the live show. Mission accomplished.
The band has buffed and honed itself into a lean, precise ensemble. No one's delivering any slack or slop. Consequently, there's little room for surprise. Even the solos by drummer Chad Sexton and bassist P-Nut lacked a sense of free-wheeling improvisation. (To the band's credit, both were brief).
One way to keep your franchise healthy is to keep attracting new (and younger) fans; this band appears to have that plank covered. Its audience on Saturday was primarily the under-40 crowd, including plenty of 20-somethings, teens and tweeners, who made the scene look and feel a lot like a Dave Matthews show. When SA Martinez broke into one of his raps, it felt like the days of "Three Dollar Bill, Y'all$" all over again.
There were some short attentions (and loud conversations) towards the back of the venue -- where sight lines can be poor and the sound can get thin. But wherever the sound and sights were clean, the fans were involved all night. And many were familiar with the latest album, "Uplifter," which got plenty of attention (at least six tracks). But they howled loudest for the older material, like "Beautiful Disaster," "All Mixed Up," "Freeze Time" and "Amber."
Throughout the night it was hard for the casual/objective observer (me) not to pick out the many bands and performers that 311 can sound like. Give them credit: They keep the variety going.
On the other hand, there didn't appear to be many casual fans at this show. 311 doesn't generate much luke-warmth. This is a band people seem to love or hate, no matter whom they sound like. Saturday night, they were feeling the love.
Ziggy Marley: Eldest son of Bob and Rita warmed up the place with a set of taproot reggae tunes, including "Is This Love" and "Love Is My Religion." The vibe was (duh) laid-back, so laid-back that his songs gradually became pleasant background music for those still filing in and those in line for bathrooms and beer.
| Timothy Finn, The Star
311 setlist (from 311 Tour) : Never Ending Summer; Beautiful Disaster; All Mixed Up; It's Alright; Come Original; Mix It Up; Freeze Time; Daisy Clutter; Amber; Applied Science; Something Out of Nothing; Beyond the Gray Sky; From Chaos; I Like the Way; Hey You; India Ink; What Was I Thinking; Jackpot; Creatures (For A While). Encore: Omaha Stylee; Feels So Good; Down.
You're an idiot. "Three Dollar Bill, Ya'll$" has NOTHING to do with 311... that's Limp Bizkit (and I'm sure you were only trying to make a "reference", but not even close, dude). This is the problem with reviews from "casual observers". I've been a diehard 311 fan since '93, seen them over 20 times live. Back in the day, they got grief for trying to rip off Chili Peppers, but you know what? Here is... they've been a band for almost 20 years and are still making music that is FRESH. Over he course of their career, they have covered many genres and styles which is what makes them truly unique and virtually unclassifiable. They continue to grow and mature as musicians and I hope they continue putting out musc for a long time. As for the show, this was a CLASSIC 311 live show. The band has never sounded tighter or looked like they were having more fun on stage. Their energy is contagious and they definitely feed off the crowd at every show. I was impressed how well the new songs translated "Live" and especially the reception from the crowd. The only disappointment for a long time fan was the obvious ommissions of songs like "Fat Chance (FTBS)", "Do You Right", "Who's Got the Herb", "Transistor", and "Homebrew". But with an ever increasing catalog, some songs have to get cut and I'm ok with that. 311 could get up on stage and play the same song 20 times and it would still be more entertaining than the crap that gets played on the radio these days.
Finn, if you're not a fan, keep your opinions to yourself and don't try to compare an accomplished band to a flash in the pan (i.e. limp bizkit)
Posted by: Scotty 311 | June 15, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Good review, Tim - looks like from Scotty's take you are spot on about people loving or hating them....
Posted by: aquaman | June 15, 2009 at 10:41 AM
Scotty 311, I feel your love for 311 as I too am a fan but as someone who has seen them live about a half-dozen times (unfortunately, not this time), I don't think TF was too far off in his general take on a 311 show, especially as a casual observer, as he indicated he was. My continued attraction to 311 is mostly due to the positive vibes generated at their live shows although I also appreciate how their sound has evolved over the years.
I guess I just don't know what some of you folks want from a music reviewer. Do you want them to be a fan of EVERY band they review and subsequently only print glowing reviews that those bands fans can applaud or do you (like me)appreciate a more honest assessment of what the reviewer felt took place at that particular performance?
Posted by: pellboy | June 15, 2009 at 10:55 AM
whoah there scotty!
this must be the first time that scotty has ever been on this board, because as pellboy said, not everything here is going to be sunshine & kittens. i think it's funny he tells the REVIEWER to keep his opinions to himself.
oh, and tell me, what are the various styles/genres that 311 has mastered, other than rap, rock, funk and reggae?
Posted by: andrew | June 15, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Ok... I need to clarify myself a little bit and justify my post, it seems. I'm not trying to start a "verbal war" and realize part of my previous post was a little harsh. I wrote it in the "heat of the moment" afte beeing a little peeved at Finn's review. To clarify, this is what set me off: "Its music is overtly derivative and formulaic, a blend of borrowed rock, reggae/ska, hip-hop, rap-rock trends and ideas which has a lot to do with the band's commercial success. No one is trying to make art or reimagine anything here." The reason I go to a concert is because I'm a fan of that particular band. That comment just irritates me beyond belief because you CANNOT sit there and say "no one is trying to make art". What do you think making music is??? It's an ART! And listen to any one of their albums (Transistor specifically) and tell me the band doesn't put every ounce of their being into making/performing it. If that's not art, then you and I have very different meanings of the word. What do you consider art?? American Idol, where so-called "artists" make a name for themselves by performing other people's music? Sadly... I digress. This comment is supposed to be about the show, not the reviewers opinion about the band. "On the other hand, there didn't appear to be many casual fans at this show. 311 doesn't generate much luke-warmth. This is a band people seem to love or hate" You are absolutely right. But, again... as a fan... I would rather read an honest review of someone who actually ENJOYS the music, rather than from someone who can't recognize the originality of the band and only seems to focus on that. That's all I'm sayin'. Peace.
(and I apologize for calling you an idiot. it was uncalled for)
Posted by: Scotty 311 | June 15, 2009 at 12:00 PM
I will start a war, with this beeeatch...
FK YOU scotty!!!
TF is a professional music reviewer. He does a great job ( except for his habit of promoting ageism ; ) ( while ignoring the other demographics, which are just as important )
What the fk do you want? HUH?
He posted a set list, he told the vibe, ... ah never mind, go fk yourself.
TF is the best, nationwide ,,,, NO, he is the best WORLDWIDE ,,, NO, he is the best in the Universe ,,,, YEAH ..
TF IS THE BEST MUSIC REVIEWER IN THE UNIVERSE, and I dont even agree with most of his views, or, reviews, but he does a great job of telling it as he sees it, WHAT ELSE IS THERE??
I am serious, I apprecitate Tim Finn.
He does a great job.
FK YOU SCOTTY!!! Go piss somehwere else you KKK snob,
yeah, thats right, 311 = 3x11th letter of the alphabet.
Posted by: TFrulzTheUniverse | June 15, 2009 at 12:27 PM
You can say that 311 makes "ART", but I won 8 gold medals.
Posted by: mikeyphelpy | June 17, 2009 at 09:35 AM
I'm not a 311 fan, but I agree that it was probably too harsh to say that 311 isn't "trying to make art". I would contend that virtually all original music is art. It' just that a lot of it isn't GOOD art.
Posted by: Vandelay | June 17, 2009 at 10:38 AM
...or original
Posted by: aquaman | June 17, 2009 at 12:23 PM