The 40 Watt
Athens, GA, 10th March 2006
Setlist
- Random Rules
- Smith and Jones Forever
- I'm Getting Back Into Getting Back Into You
- Sometimes a Pony Gets Depressed
- Trains Across the Sea
- New Orleans
- How Can I Love You (If You Won't Lie Down)
- Inside the Golden Days of Missing You
- Dallas
- Horseleg Swastikas
- Sleeping is the Only Love
- Slow Education
- Punks in the Beerlight
- I Loved Them Every One (TG Sheppard)
Encore
- Buckingham Rabbit
This was the first show of Silver Jews’ first tour. Spiritual Family Reunion opened the show.
Review
From Cable & Tweed
As I’ve mentioned here a few times lately, last night I attended the first official show of the Silver Jews’ inaugural tour (there was a surprise rehearsal gig in Nashville last week as well). It was a sold-out appearance at the 40 Watt in Athens. Rarely have I attended a show in which the crowd was so filled with anticipation and electricity. Everyone in line outside was excited by the significance of the evening, and many indicated that they had traveled long distances (from California and Virginia, not Atlanta) to be there.
The band took the stage at midnight and played a 15-song set about 68 minutes in duration. The entire evening had the feel of attending a revival. A selection of tracks from throughout their history was played, as was a cover of TG Sheppard’s “I Loved Them Every One. ” It was obvious that the band was still feeling its way through some of the songs, and Berman did flub some lyrics. Berman had a music stand with lyric sheets on stage to help him through the set, and indicated that he has long had trouble remembering the lyrics to even his own tunes. Despite the fact they weren’t polished, it was a hell of a treat getting to see the band play live after all this time. Bob (Nastanovich, ex-Pavement) sat in on a few songs, and is serving as the band’s road manager for the tour. I really enjoyed the show, and it’ll be interesting to see how the band improves over time as they tour and get accustomed to playing live.