I really dislike shows on weekdays because it's so damned hard to find someone to go and, to be honest, work sucks the next day. But, I was able to convince the ever trusty Andrew B. to miss an ornament party, and RM wanted to make it as well. They made the trip all the way to what would be my first show in my nemesis state of Virginia.
To start the evening, Richard Bauchus opened. His set was brooding, slow, and unapologetically depressing. Andrew made a comment that a guy with just an acoustic guitar just doesn't do it for him anymore. I don't necessarily agree, but if there is just a guy with a guitar, he better be pretty damn sincere- Mr. Bauchus did not strike me as such.
Next, we got to the Rock Show. Jesse Malin and the St. Mark's Social came out and opened with a pretty good rock song- "Burning the Bowery"- which is what my soul desired. He then slid into quite a few songs that couldn't help but sound the same with the same tremelo guitar solos and "Whoas" behind his vocals. He then proceeded to namedrop everyone from J.D. Salinger (he wrote a song called "The Archer" about Salinger) to Bruce Springsteen. However, he redeemed himself, in my opinion, by doing an awesome, AWESOME, cover of "Bastards of Young." Jesse Malin isn't bad by any means- in fact, he's fairly good. But, he just wasn't memorable. I would say only 3-4 songs were impressive. Regardless, he did a much better job of getting the crowd ready for the upcoming rock of Marah!!
Now it was Marah's turn to turn it up! To everyone's festive delight, the set was started with a bagpipe version of "O Holy Night." The bagpipes then gave way to an electric banjo wielding Dave Bielanko and the rest of the crew. They took rock'n'roll exactly where I love it- fast, loud, and sweaty! By the time the first couple of songs were done, Dave Bielanko was drenched in sweat and goading the band (who were completely capable) to keep up. As a side note, Marah had asked for requests via Facebook. Yours truly requested the remarkable songs "Angels of Destruction" and "Freedom Park." "Angels of Destruction" was the first song they played from the choices and I could not have been happier.
Next, Bielanko and keyboardist Christine Smith did a couple of softer numbers including a song off of their newest, bruised album Life is a Problem. The song aforementioned is "Within the Spirit Sagging." Listening to the slower songs was quite an experience. I mean, this is a band that lives and breathes by rock'n'roll. To be able to take on the slower songs so beautifully is quite the testament to this band's ability and songwriting.
Now, back to the Rock Show. The next set of songs were incredible, in-your-f***ing-face rock songs. Midway through this set, they invited a kid of about 14 years old to play guitar on "Roundeye Blues." They were in a "wish granting" mood due to the holiday season. It was an awesome experience for the kid and he was pretty damn good as well! Now we were getting closer to the end and here it was- "Freedom Park." At this point it was hard for anyone to stand still! What energy, charisma, and will to kick rock'n'roll ass!
There were a few Christmas songs sprinkled throughout the Marah set, but the full-fledged Christmas music (not quite traditional) didn't start until Jesse Malin joined Marah on stage. This was a pretty good time and it was a hell of a time to see these rock'n'roll personalities really get into the holiday spirit. I'm not huge on Christmas music, but if everyone played the Christmas tunes I heard last night, I think it would be a completely different story!!
So, was Marah's Facebook comment boastful- yes. Was it completely vaildated? HELL YES!! It took a few days before my ears and body finally got over the full-fledged assault. Marah, you are one of America's unsung rock heroes. Please, please, PLEASE keep doing what you are doing and make the return to D.C. very soon! I already need you back in my life!
VA is not that bad!!! :)
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