The Strokes/Eagles Of Death Metal @ Hammerstein Ballroom 3/1/06
Firstly, congratulations to our Strokestakes winner, Dennis Jen. Unfortunately, it turned out he wouldn't be in town tomorrow night, so his friend Andy Cedilnik gets the prize package (autographed everything, tickets, etc) and owes him forever. If tomorrow night's show is anything like last night's, he's in for an amazing time.
Launching into the palm-muted syncopation of "You Only Live Once," the Strokes kicked off their tour with a confident exuberance tonight that, unlike the uneven First Impressions of Earth, never lost stride or focus. Having seen them move from small clubs to successively larger theaters, I've found the band's struggle to convey its abundant charm to be a function of venue size. Perhaps it was the dramatic "Speed Of Sound"-styled trembling light towers, the enthusiastic, fist-pumping crowd, or the ever-improving musicianship of the band, but tonight the Strokes were built for the size of Hammerstein Ballroom.
Seeing Julian these days is a testament to the effect of matrimony and (relative) sobriety. Newly slim (and utterly coherent!), I counted no less than five statements of gratitude through general talkative excitement, framing his committed and impassioned performance. Discarding the previously ubiquitous distorted vocal effect has symbolized Julian's newfound willingness to be available to his audience, and has further revealed a nakedly effective rock voice. His scream -- albeit a marvelous weapon -- did seem to take a toll, evident in the slight strain of the synth duet "Ask Me Anything," and again as he spoke at the evening's close (posing a potential issue for deep in the tour). There's no secret in the sauce here, though: as goes Julian, so go the Strokes, and having replaced indifference with appreciation has made loving this band's every move that much more enjoyable.
The rest of the guys cut a preternaturally stunning image, each member's aesthetic distinct from the group. Once a source of weakness, the rhythm work of the "Fab and Fraiture Show" is now muscularly taut. The guitarists continue to work perfectly in concert: Nic Valensi's new role as gunslinger suits his look, each solo delivered with an effortless yet substantial beauty. Albert Hammond Jr. prods and jerks to the inflections of his jagged rhythm work. With maturity injecting even their classic material with new vitality, the band's dedicated workmanship was apparent and impressive.
As we've seen, a band's setlist can be an issue of contention. No worries tonight, however. The Strokes perfectly chose and sequenced twenty-three songs, pacing six First Impressions standouts throughout a crowd pleasing, Is This It-based set. Predictably raucous cuts like "Last Nite" saw spikes in audience enthusiasm, as the crowd surfers (and girls-on-shoulders) arose. The set also featured The Ramones' "Life Is A Gas," to be released as the B-side of the UK "Heart In A Cage" single. As with any great band performing a cover, the tune managed to sound like a classic Strokes song, a concurrent testament to The Strokes' ability and The Ramones influence.
Casablancas & Co. consistently choose to travel with incredible acts, from the The White Stripes to Kings of Leon, and this tour is no exception. Eagles of Death Metal persuaded early attendance (a smattering of their fans and Strokes die-hards) to cheer for "the ladies" after every deliciously raunchy and fuzz-box drenched cut. Gone was the compressed EQ of Eagles of Death Metal's studio work, replaced with the thunderous, ambidextrous drum kit assault of Samantha Maloney, who joined Jesse "The Devil" Hughes as the band's driving force. Jesse's skin-tight jeans and t-shirt -- accented by a long stache and aviators -- completed the image of a libidinously creepy truck stop Casanova, and his three minute garage rock gems were performed to laughter inducing perfection.
You'll be hard pressed to find yourself at a better show this season. This tour may not convert the unacquainted, but it will definitely inspire unflagging loyalty. Haters be damned. The Strokes fucking rock.
Head over to Village Indian for more concert pics & reviews.
THE STROKES SETLIST:
You Only Live Once
Modern Age
Hawaii
Juice Box
The End Has No End
12:51
Heart In A Cage
Razorblade
Soma
I Can't Win
Life Is A Gas
Alone Together
Last Nite
Hard To Explain
Ize Of The World
Trying Your Luck
Barely Legal
Ask Me Anything
Vision Of Division
Reptila
Encore:
NYC Cops
Someday
Take It Or Leave It
EAGLES OF DEATH METAL SETLIST:
Bad Dream Mama
??
Whorehoppin (S**t Goddam)
I Want You So Hard
??
English Girl
Kiss The Devil
I Only Want You
Flames Go Higher
Speaking In Tongues
Posted at 4:02 PM in Concert
Once again, Amrit, great review. Made with I was there, and the best you can hope for in a review...
Score = 0
Nice. That sounds awesome, wish I could go...:(
Score = 0
oh man.. that sounds so wicked.. great review.
Score = 0
what time did they hit the stage? saturday tix say that doors open at 6:30pm. what do you think is a good time to show up?
Score = 0
when did the strokes start playing encores?
Score = 0
I would imagine it would've been pretty hard for them to encore before now considering the entirety of their pre-First Impressions output totalled maybe an hour in length.
Score = 0
I'm with you-- Julian was amazing! Ask Me Anything still rocked...even if it was kinda strained. Man, what a show!!!!
Score = 0
ooh! This is getting me soo hot for saturday!
Score = 0
I don't know about anyone else, but they played just about every song I wanted to hear. I left the venue feeling, for the first time in a long time, that I got my money's worth at a show. Nick & Albert's guitar work last night was impeccable. I wish the levels of guitar on the cd were as loud as they were last night. Just a special performance all around.
Score = 0
Why did it take so fucking long to find out who won?
Score = 0
Does anyone know what time the Eagles of Death Metal and The Strokes each took the stage?
Score = 0
Can anyone tell me when the Strokes took the stage? Thanks...
Score = 0
Door opened around 6:45, Eagles started around 8 and ended their set at 8:40, The Strokes went on at 9:25.
The Strokes were amazing!
Score = 0
does anyone know if the eagles of death metal played cherry cola?
Score = 0
sounds like the strokes have changed alot.. i saw them back in the day in miami of all places.. a short 30 minute set with lots of slurred speech!
Score = 0
i don't know why.....but i just can't get excited about the strokes anymore. i used to love 'em when they were on their way up, but they just really irked me the past couple of years. i considered them to be trust-fund trailer trash. but reading this makes me want to go see them again....almost.
Score = 0
did security check for cameras.......cuz the ticket says no cameras....
Score = 0
yes, they were so good. i had to bit my tongue to keep them from trembling so much.
Score = 0
I can't believe you have Wolfmother's self-titled album under your "sterogum suggests" heading. They are probably the worst band to come out of Australia in 20 years.
Score = 0
this will be my first time at hammerstein. we got tix for seated area...not floor. does anyone know how the seating is??
Score = 0
I agree, it was a great show. The band sounded tight and the adoring crowd definitely heightened the experience. Reptilia was my personal highlight. Some of the duds from the new cd suddenly sound better to me. Also, it was a great show for Gawker Stalking. Watching the VIP sections boogie down was a fantastic side show.
Score = 0
Very insightful take on the Strokes and very well written. Kudos to Amrit. – J
Score = 0
Fuck these guys. Their shit was cute a few years ago, but seems really boring now. "NYC Cops" as an encore? who gives a fuck. That song, like all of their songs, grows tired after a few listens. These guys are past their expiration date and they're not going to hold up over time. Fuck the Strokes and the white horse they rode in on.
Score = 0
Wrong. The new album shows that the Strokes are here to stay. Some of the songs (see Electricityscape) showcase some amazing songwriting. They could never have a song like that a few years ago. Plus, there is a new depth to Jules' lyrics. They may never be mainstream darlings again but they will retain their loyal, music-savvy following.
Score = 0
Wrong!? Time will tell Johnny Boy, time will tell. . .
Score = 0
. . . Oh, and please don't use music-savvy when talking about the strokes following, for christ's sake.
Score = 0
Amrit said it best, haters be damned Dilly D.
Score = 0
the show was amazing...really. the strokes are so much bigger and better than any of the music that their original sound spawned. they have grown, matured, and blown me away.
Score = 0
This review got me pumped for the tour. I'll be seeing them in minneapolis. I hear that the band doesn't move a whole lot. Were they like this or have they loosened up?
Score = 0
saw them last nite @ hammerstein.. unbelieveable. when the haters here begin to make music and play out..let us know, we'll have to come watch.
Score = 0
I saw them once and was not pleased because of the drunken display and how rude Julian was. Sounds like they have cleaned things up. Your review makes me wish I had seen them. Peace
Score = 0
March 1st Hammertein show was great. The Strokes seemed a lot more mature and in control. The music and vocals were delivered clear and with lots of energy. A good selection from all three albums. "Ask me Anything" was incredible, Julian handled it very well. I can't believe they played 23 songs. By the end I actually got a bit overwhelmed by all the lights and sounds. Good comeback.
Score = 0
hey everyone, i went to the show last night, 3/4, and it was amazing. i only wish i had the setlist because i was wasted and it was mostly a blurr. if anyone has that let me know.
P.S. best encore ever......NYC Cops into I Can't Win Into Take It Or Leave It. goodnight
Score = 0
what a review! i can just close my eyes and see it all in front of me... although i still wish i was there in person. next time!!
Score = 0
Check out Editors here; http://editorsofficial.com You'll be the first to tell all of your friends about them and they'll think you're cool.
Score = 0
WAT A SHOW IT WAS !!!!!!
SOOOO GOOOOOD!!
it was a great show followed with a good review on it but it was a FAB show!!!
Score = 0
Julian sang "Ask Me Anything" at the first Hammerstein show like the lounge lizard lovely we all knew he could be if he were lucid. It was profound.
[R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means, Dilly D]
The precision and artistry were disarming. I've seen them several times over the years. This show was different -- this band is different. They're reaching for something; I hope they do only please themselves -- it's the right way to go. It's gonna be great to watch.
Score = 0
Why do i have to live in new zealand damn nabit! I missed my chance to see these guys when they came with the big day out years ago. i hope they decide to come back down under some time. Bah to all the negitive comments about the band (notice how none came from ppl who went to the show) the strokes rock and always will even if the never release another album. 3 cds of gold i tell you, i have yet to find a song that i "hate" of theres, and even my less favoret of songs have there monents in the right mood.
Score = 0
Hopefully they'll swing through Vancouver sometime soon...
Two really great albums & one so-so album. I don't see much reason to hate them. Sure they're jerks (or "were" according to recent accounts, whatever), too pretty & cool for their own good, and way too indifferent, but unless you're into bands for reasons other than their musical output none of that should really matter.
kyle
kyletompkins.com
Score = 0
Hopefully they'll swing through Vancouver sometime soon...
Two really great albums & one so-so album. I don't see much reason to hate them. Sure they're jerks (or "were" according to recent accounts, whatever), too pretty & cool for their own good, and way too indifferent, but unless you're into bands for reasons other than their musical output none of that should really matter.
kyle
kyletompkins.com
Score = 0
Hopefully they'll swing through Vancouver sometime soon...
Two really great albums & one so-so album. I don't see much reason to hate them. Sure they're jerks (or "were" according to recent accounts, whatever), too pretty & cool for their own good, and way too indifferent, but unless you're into bands for reasons other than their musical output none of that should really matter.
kyle
kyletompkins.com
Score = 0