Review: Sam Champion, Tapes 'n Tapes at Rothko

Last night Rothko went from being barren at 9:05 to full at 9:25, just about the time Sam Champion, aka Noah and the Army of Miscreants, took the stage. Now, Iike you, I’ve seen these lads hundreds, even thousands of times. I must say: they were tight with a capitol “G”. Even if you don’t think much of their music –probably because you are just lazy, you fool- there was no denying that every note was played to its utmost intensity. I really can’t think of another word other that “tight.” When they go into a jam, not a single note is lost in the noise. “Quality musicianship”, that’s what they call it out West. Maybe they’ve always had it, and I just missed it. Either way, they are probably the best perpetual opener in this great city. I hope that’s not a curse, because they deserve more.

Tapes ‘n Tapes took over from there, and while everyone compares their shows to each other, I must say I can’t really say I prefer one over the other. The Delancey show left me in awe, the Mercury Lounge got me bouncing around, and Rothko left me in shear enjoyment. Did anyone do all four? I have a medal for you.

TnT played my favorites, primarily and most importantly "Ten Gallon Ascots." They played "Omaha", which I think is one of their weakest tunes, but it's the only one audiences will call out for. It puzzles me a little. Ang, Rach, and I left after that, as they started into "Manitoba", and we hightailed it to the Bowery Ballroom for the second half of our doubleheader. We missed Group Sounds, but I'll just spam them to play again soon.