Built to Spill Friday, Low Saturday, Blog Sunday

Built to Spill played at the Crystal Ballroom, with Camper Van Beethoven opening. It was good, though the Crystal is situated atop a dance club, so between numbers there was an annoying thumping from below. Turns out I'm not a big fan of the Crystal...

Low at the Doug Fir:

Low played an amazing set, mixing the old with the new, and they seemed happy to be there. The new bassist doesn't give the audience a view of his behind as Zak Sally used to, but he has the musical patience to continue in Sally's tradition of minimally complimenting Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker's sparse, open compositions, allowing the music to flow majestically through the air and into the ears and consciousnesses of the listeners. It was truly a sight to behold. Low was comfortable on stage, and they've matured well. When I saw them play in support of The Great Destroyer album, Sparhawk was visibly wired and agitated, and there was a sense that it could all unravel at any minute. This time he was comfortable onstage, joking with the audience, and he just seemed to be enjoying himself.

The audience was very receptive. I've gotten used to listening to Low under the obnoxious hum of hundreds of competing conversations. It's something I've come to expect. But Low at the Doug Fir had none of that. The appreciation and understanding of the audience was noted and appreciated. I did hear people telling others to be quiet, but the people-who-like-to-pay-to-go-somewhere-and-talk were in the minority.

EPILOGUE

*Deleted due to the deafening sound of crickets*