synagogue rock

last night i saw a really good concert at the 6th and I st synagogue. Elbow played with Jesca Hoop opening up, and both play really good songs. its kind of anti-pop in that they are more complex and not sing along ditties, but really nice, more intricate, songs. at one point, Jesca said 'i think somewhere we all lost track of songs.' and its true.

it was also really nice for me to see artists that im not familiar with. there are a couple elbow songs i really like, but its not a band i listen to all that often, but it was awesome to hear them live. they can join ranks with Okkervil River and the rest in that their live performance was as good, if not better, than their recordings. Grounds for Divorce is probably their best know song today, and they played it live better than on the record. i really like when a band changes up the way the play a song. and since i have never heard of Jesca Hoop before last night, it was full of new songs and sounds, but all very good.

the synagogue was an interesting place for a show. we all sat in pews in this really beautiful building accented with Hebrew script, stars of David, and menorahs. i am used to dark and dirty clubs, and this was the opposite, but it worked. it was a good venue for the generally chill tunes of elbow. Jesca took advantage of the acoustics and played some really pretty songs. she is way outside of my musical comfort zone, but it was amazing and i like that. i have to say i was skeptical of the venue, but was really pleased with the whole experience.

if you happen to get a chance, check out both elbow and Jesca. though elbow doesnt tour much in the states. and this is the first ive heard of Jesca. check out live music in general. i feel it is a great way to spend your entertainment dollars. up next for me is the Black Keys in a couple weeks. im real excited for that.