For a long while, Les Savy Fav have been my favorite live act. Every time they play they pull out all the stops, charm you with their wit, and connect with the crowd in a way no other band really can. Yes, in a sweaty, physical way that crosses most people’s boundaries. And I’ve seen them far more times than any other band (it’s in the double digits), because each time the show is a unique & fun experience. With that said, the shock and excitement of seeing them may have passed. It’s not a matter of the crowd; lead singer, Tim Harrington, always finds a unique way of playing off of the best crowds and mocking the lame ones. And their song writing is as good as ever. To a certain extent it may be ticket prices, but I think mainly, any band, even Les Savy Fav, can only hold you for so long before you get too familiar with the act. To their credit, the held me captivated for 2 or so shows a year for 6 years. Pretty incredible.
They played along with label-mates, The Hold Steady and Thunderbirds Are Now! Thunderbirds played with the energy and excitement of an 8-year old at an amusement park. The keyboardist stole the show, jumping, throwing his tamborine and then sommersaulting to retrieve it. But I felt like the whole experience was embodied by the lead singer quieting the crowd by saying “So…” and then realizing that he didn’t have anything to follow it up with. They had my attention, but the music didn’t back up the energy.
I saw The Hold Steady last October, and since they were not initially on the bill, was not expecting another pass at them. They put on a good show, but ever since they added the Gallagher II look-alike keyboardist, their classic rock-feel has felt a bit too Van Halen “Right Now” for me. “Killer Parties,” however, almost killed me.
Les Savy Fav were great as always. Tim was in a constant state of costume change, ending in tight red shorts to accentuate his gut. They worked through a few technical mishaps, and played a new song that was billed as a part 2 to AC/DC’s “Big Balls” (”Raging In The Plague Age”). Indeed.
: Les Savy Fav - The Sweat Descends :
: The Holds Steady - Killer Parties :
[…] I lied. As I should have realized, Les Savy Fav never get old, and much like the Tim’s claims in “We’ll Make A Lover Of You,” you get what you put in at their shows. I’m super thankful that having Andrew Reulard as a 5th member has brought “Scout’s Honor” back into their setlist for the first time in 7 years. Thanks, Santa. I like it so much better when we sweat together. […]