Sam Roberts Band, Stills @ Mercury Lounge
When Sam Roberts Band took the stage last night, they looked like quintuplets, all of them with longish brown hair and scruffy beards. All except for the bassist, who was sporting the look of such bassists as those in Arctic Monkeys and Editors. It’s a trend I think. I tried to imagine which band member looked most like a renaissance Jesus, and decided upon the keyboardist’s facial structure and the singer’s hair. Musically, I really liked them. They have an instantaneous likeability, with catchy songs and rocking out. A simple concept, but one easier said than done. Reminds me a little of earlier Wilco.
Listen:
Sam Roberts Band – Don’t Walk Away Eileen (mp3)
Sam Roberts Band – Where Have All the People Gone? (mp3)
Sam Roberts Band – This is How I Live (mp3)
The Stills on the other hand were very good, but less than I was hoping. I’m sure they are headed to Bowery Ballroom and/or Webster Hall, but they didn’t keep me that excited for their 75+ minute set. Go check out the two new tracks Rachael posted… both highly recommended. I’m sure the Stills are the “better band” (I'm told the new album is super) but something made me gravitate to Sam Roberts’ outfit more.
Written from jerry yeti's cave at 12:00 PM
14 Talk to a Yeti
14 Comments:
Oh, oh, I saw them at TT the Bear's in Boston. The Stills' new frontman (or co-frontman, or whatever)--Dave Hamelin, I think?--was unbelievably, bizarrely flat throughout his set. I take it he'd rediscovered keys by the time he hit Mercury?
sam roberts band sells out arenas in canada.. much bigger than the stills jerry.
I did not know that, but it's good to hear. I obviously liked them better. it just seems as if most people in NYC are talking the Stills. I've heard neither of their forthcoming albums, just those two tracks Rach put up.
sam roberts return to the mercury may 10th (or 12th...i'm too lazy to look)
May 9th.
http://www.ticketweb.com/user/?region=nyc&query=detail&event=660965
just put up pics and what i thought from tuesday nite's Stills.
Fun fact: three years ago this summer the Killers opened for Sam Roberts at an outdoor show in Victoria
It's true, The Stills made much more of an impact in the US, but in Canada they are relative unknowns compared to Sam Roberts. "Don't Walk Away Eileen" was a HUGE radio hit here.
I'm kind of glad that SRB is touring with a band with much hype going on around them, hopefully it will give them enough exposure..
I first saw them 3 yrs ago with only about 10 people in the venue yet they rocked nonetheless.
I know they have since become quite popular in Canada yet they remain very,(I can't emphasize this enough) very, down-to-earth. Sam is truly one of the nicest people I've ever met, not just a musician.
thnks for the set times, Yeti (and Nghia)...just got back from the 2nd Merc show. Sam Roberts sounded good; so did the new Stills songs, especially the ones with the brass section. I'm looking forward to hearing the full album and really taking in the new stuff.
ok, so i i went to the 4/4 show and had never seen or heard sam roberts before. pretty good stuff. what was the last song they played? in the middle it sounded like they were paying tribute to pink floyd. thanks.
I've got three other tracks from the new Stills album up on the 'Stamps. Can't really get into 'em.
Saw 'em live Monday night. Old stuf sounded good, new stuff sounded not so good. Banter/Audience interaction was painful/awful. I think they're done.
Saw both New York shows last week. New material is second rate. It is such a shame as the first record was really amazing and without doubt one of the best albums I'd heard in years, it was that good. They have lost the mood and unique sound of 'Logic'. I don't know if the loss of guitarist Greg Paquet has forced them to change their sound but I fear for their future now.
The Stills have unfortuantely lost their way in losing Greg Paquet. Without Feathers is just horrendous. Quite embarassing really! It would be wonderfull if Tim left the band now and teamed up again with Greg. Tim's vocals and Greg's guitar go hand in hand. Has anyone heard what Greg is doing these days??
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