tangara

But...if there's plenty of space, why can't the OP and his girlfriend be close to the front? If this was one of those things where there's ten inches of space in front of you and someone squeezes into it, blocking your view and drunkenly stepping on your toes and elbowing you in the gut while doing so...well, that's one thing. But it doesn't sound like that was necessarily the case here. I'm not down for the territorialism. The benefits are negligible.

My 5th and 6th shows of the year too Well, the "Second Show Rule" was clearly in effect last night. Better setlist, and better energy, especially in the second set. The jam in "Handshake Drugs" was one of the best I've heard, followed up nicely by a lovely, pastoral "Far, Far Away". I also looooved Poor Places>>>>>Spiders. That was incendiary. My one complaint is that I wish they would throw in a few more rarities for the hometown crowd. We can handle it, I promise...

I was standing a ways back, but I could see that there were big pockets of space all over the floor, both nights. It was really odd. There were times when you could see people leave, and I mean a whole group would put on their coats, pack up and go, and no one would move up into their spots. It was not a crowded floor by any means. I arrived at the end of Tortoise and though I think I probably could have moved a little closer to the stage, I don't think I could or would have edged into the third row without at least feeling a little awkward about it. That's a little pushy. And that

I got there a little late and wondered if there had been some kind of announcement about cameras. I was standing back by the soundboard and only saw two or three iPhones/cell phones/amateur digital photographers on the floor all night, which was SO pleasant. I was honestly amazed that more people weren't taking pictures. This was my first visit to the UIC Pavilion and I thought it was a really noisy venue. I wear pretty decent earplugs to shows and when the guy next to me dropped his empty plastic beer cup it rang out like a bell. The mix was off at times - I actually thought Mike was

Yes, it's a really solid record. The touring band is great, filled out with a fiddle player and a gospel-harmonizing drummer. Saw them earlier this summer and it was possibly one of my favorite shows of the year. They do a mean cover of "Helpless":

I'll be at the Madison show with my whole family Can't wait!

Grand Archives and the Black Whales are playing Schubas on Saturday...that's where I'll be

This. But this, too, unfortunately. I can't stand Karen O. Can't wait to see them tour on this record; I hope they leave the hamster ball at home and just do what they did last night on Conan.

Agreed.

I'm a Pearl Jam diehard (and often find myself in the role of Pearl Jam apologist) but I have to say this record is...just not very good. It's really, really poppy - and I'm fine with poppy - but what bothers me most is how formulaic it is. As the Pitchfork reviewer says, it really does sound tossed off. Lots of cringe-worthy moments on this record, but perhaps the worst is "Just Breathe". While listening to this track for the first time, I thought "ah, so this is why people make fun of Eddie Vedder's vocals." There's an article in SPIN this month and Mike McCready says something

Up to four shows now.

Here's the link. http://www.austinchronicle.com/gyrobase/Issue/column?oid=oid%3A862638 I'm pretty excited for it too.

Auerbach and the Fast Five...

Brilliant stuff. I saw them at Roo, Lolla and will be seeing them at ACL...really powerful live band. The vocal has a bit of Shannon Hoon feel at times, which I personally love. The new record has some 80's hair band moments, but in all the best possible ways.

I am LOVING this. Despite Karen O's squawking

For those of you living in or near Chicago, we're having another Pearl Jam party at the Ashland (2824 N. Ashland) to celebrate the release of Backspacer. It's this Saturday, September 19 from about 7 p.m. on. We'll be spinning the new record, raffling off some Pearl Jam goodies (including a Chicago '06 poster), and mostly just enjoying some drinks with fellow fans. If you can, bring some nonperishable/canned goods (proceeds from the evening will benefit the Greater Chicago Food Depository). Hope you can join us! Feel free to PM me with any questions.

Oddly enough I'm listening to the Bon Iver bootleg from Bonnaroo whilst reading this thread. Yes, a Bon Iver set can be pretty quiet, and yes, festival crowds are a whole 'nother animal, but whyyyyy are these stupid dudes standing next to the taper and discussing Scarlett Johanssen at the top of their lungs? My general rule of thumb is that if I have my earplugs in and I can still hear 'em yappin', I'm gonna say something.

I just got two GA tickets for the Chicago show for $60. Definitely not selling strong on the secondary market. I really enjoyed the Bonnaroo and Alpine Valley shows earlier this summer...I thought the band sounded great, much better than I remembered from the 90s and 00s gigs I'd seen, in fact. The soloing was really focused (though a bit more so the first night, both times...seemed like they gave themselves a little more rein on the second night of each stand) and overall I was really impressed. Definitely looking forward to some more dates this fall.

I think I might go to this instead of the Philly Pearl Jam shows. Hrm.

Dancefloor both nights! Woohoo!

Was anyone at the Feelies show at the Pritzker earlier this month? Pretty damn good show.

I'm hoping they'll add a third.

Agreed on all counts. See you in Philly!

Cool. I only have Crazy Rhythms, never been able to find The Good Earth.

I actually thought it would be more. I'm really surprised it's at the Auditorium- that place is huge. I'll be shocked if they sell it out. I'll be in Philly at the Pearl Jam shows at the Spectrum that week. Ah well. I hope MoF are added to ACL.