The Strokes – The Tabernacle
I still feel The Strokes are one of the most important bands making music, and my expectations are always high, so walking over to the Tabernacle from my always-reliable secret downtown parking spot I was hoping for some magic, for a show that would take its rightful place in my all-time top five.

It didn’t happen. It was a really great concert, but as a live band The Strokes are five Charlie Watts instead of a Mick and Keef or Lizard King or Hendrix. They were somewhat boring despite the great material. Nothing surprising, nothing off-book. Any energy in the room was provided by the crowd, trying their best (but in vain) to will the band to new heights.

A Josh Homme-less Eagles of Death Metal were the opening act, and showed what a little enthusiasm and charisma can do for a live performance. Their Stealers Wheel cover, "Stuck In The Metal With You", was a standout. And there’s always a place in my heart for a chick drummer.

To the surprise of exactly no one, The Strokes opened with "You Only Live Once", the first track on First Impressions of Earth. The first third of the set was heavy on the First Impressions stuff, but thankfully they omitted "On The Other Side". Overall, the setlist mined most of the best off of all three albums, and the encore opened with "New York City Cops", much to my delight. No "You Talk Way Too Much" was a bummer for me, however.

Here’s what I have to take issue with, though. Every song sounded almost exactly like it does on the record. No covers, no jams, no improv, no surprises. Julian Casablancas is a Floyd lead singer, but the band needs Clarence and Alabama. Were they consistent and relentless the whole show? Absolutely, and it seemed like the crowd got a little fatigued by the end of it all. But there was nothing mindblowing, nothing truly memorable or jawdropping. I got my $42.10 worth, but I don’t think I’ll be telling the grandkids about this concert (unlike my top five, for example).

The light setup was pretty cool, heavy on the brightasfuck LEDs, but not as good as muse’s from last spring. As for the crowd, I must say, that was the highest proportion of hot chicks I have ever seen at a rock concert. I don’t think I’ve been to a club in Atlanta with that many gorgeous women in one room, and it was a lovely variety, unlike the Southern Stepford clone thing you find at most places. I was glad to see that both Nick and Nikolai noticed the smokin’ hottie brunette with the strapless green shirt in the front row of the side balcony about the same time I did. And to the stunning blonde in the strapless top who continually tried to grind her ass through my jeans the last hour of the set (seriously, am I the only person this always happens to? Y’all may as well start calling me the Ass Magnet), thank you for the contact high from your joint.
- posted by Liebs @ 9:45 PM