09.15.2008 Bad Religion / The Bronx / The Rebel Spell

Say what you will about Bad Religion, but you can't really deny the fact that it is almost guaranteed they will put on an amazing show at small venue like the Commodore. Having sold out 2 nights in 2005, it was a wonder why only 1 show was set up this time around. The night started off with locals The Rebel Spell. Ok band. Sort of reminded me of Against Me!. At least, I think so; the vocals were a little low in the mix. After a short set change Los Angeles' the Bronx hit the stage immediately stirring up the crowd. Although much suited for even smaller DIY venues, the Bronx were a wealth of energy, especially frontman Matt Caughthran, who was more than eager to have the audience on the stage. Both openers played a standard 30 minute set.

At around 10:30, Bad Religion hit the stage with little fanfare or even intro music. Instead, they played straight into fan favourite "21st Century Digital Boy". The setlist was fairly balanced towards a couple of songs off of their latest release New Maps of Hell and the rest from their previous efforts. Notably absent were songs from How Could Hell..., however their golden era albums (Suffer, Against the Grain, No Control) were well represented. Almost all the fan-favourites were played and for the most part casual and long time fans were happy with the setlist. As usual, singer Greg Graffin and company treated the audience to their witty banter. Most amusing were quips toward Canadian/American politics. Perhaps deviating slightly from a regular Bad Religion show, the writing section of Bad Religion came out for an encore featuring couple of acoustic numbers. The song "Won't Somebody" was also played, for apparently the first time, and not on the setlist. Of note, there was this one lady (and I say this sarcastically), who decided she it would be enduring to accompany Graffin on one of the acoustic numbers. Not only was she completely tone-deaf, (and more than likely inebriated) but she also decided to do add some additional vocals (wailing like a dog would be more correct). Seriously, what is with Vancouver audiences and yapping over acoustic songs? It's probably the most self centered and inconsiderate thing you can do at a show. End rant. Overall the setlist was better than in 2005, just going to show some bands do get better with age.


21st Century Digital Boy
New Dark Ages
Suffer
I Want To Conquer the World
Let Them Eat War
No Control
Stranger Than Fiction
Anesthesia
Epiphany
Punk Rock Song
Come Join Us
God’s Love
News from The Front
Requiem for Dissent
Honest Goodbye
You
A Walk
Big Bang
Before You Die
Flat Earth Society
Recipe for Hate
American Jesus
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Won't Somebody
Dearly Beloved
Bored and Extremely Dangerous
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Generator
Infected
Sorrow

$50/$42

Laziness and apathy in 2008

I don't know what it is about this year that is making me so lazy. So far as of today, I've only been to about 2 shows. Granted January and February are usually slow months for shows, but realistically I did bail on a couple of shows that I probably could of went to. Somehow this apathy even extends to upcoming shows. Maybe it is a lack of commitment or more laziness, but I have even missed a couple of pre-sales that 2007 me would have been all over. Which leaves me the trepidatious task of finding a ticket broker before the shows (yes, I've slept on more than one), and trying to convince him (or her, but I'm assuming they're more rare) to sell me a decent ticket for more or less face.

Why some people shouldn't be allowed to vote.

A couple of days ago, I read that the Deftones are going to do a choose your own setlist for one of the Deftones Commodore shows (from their myspace). Usually this results in one of two things happening. 1) People are smart and choose some rare songs to play - also known as the right thing to do. 2) People aren't very smart and choose their favorite songs. The problem with the latter is that it defeats the purpose of doing a choose your own setlist. I mean, why make a special thing out of it when all people are going to do is pick a setlist that is similiar to every other date that they play on the tour.

As I write, the first twenty picks are setlist staples (My Own Summer. BQAD, Engine no.9, Head Up, etc). Whereas songs that have never been played live, or rarely played live are near the bottom (like Linus, fist, nightboat, acoustic songs). This is an opportunity to hear some rare material - some that may not be played again. So, why aren't people taking advantage of it?

I guess I'm not really suprised. In 2001, Megadeth did a similar sort of deal where you could pick your setlist. As I recall, Vancouver was one of the only cities that were suckered into picking the radio rockers Breadline and Crush 'em, over more credible songs. Democracy, I suppose, is a double edge sword.

/rant