What better band to play the last show I will see in 2012 than My Morning Jacket? They are in nearly every conversation of the best live acts going right now, and for good reason. They bring it night in, and night out. They had a 3-night run at the recently re-opened historic Capitol Theatre, and they promised to not repeat any songs during any of the sets. This is an exciting concept, and one that made me nervous. Would they play any of my favorites? Would they do a rarities heavy set? This enhanced my anticipation, as I truly had no idea what to expect.
I would say we lucked out. They delivered a 22-song set, with all the bells & whistles of a MMJ show, plus a few extra treats. They covered Elton John’s historic “Rocket Man” which got an incredible reception, as it deserved. They also treated us to “It Beats 4 U”, “Lowdown”, “I’m Amazed”, a 25-minute version of “Dondante”, and “Highly Suspicious.”
The band really are one of the best live bands at it, delivering a high intensity set full of rock, blues, funk, with a partial jam-band mentality. They played for nearly 2 1/2 hours, and at not one point was I ever bored. Jim James is a true frontman, a good spirit that is a joy to watch.
The encore featured “At Down”, “Highly Suspicious”, “Dancefloors”, “Holdin On To Black Metal”, and “Touch Me I’m Going To Scream Pt. 2.” I really couldn’t complain, even though I had room for “One Big Holiday” and/or “Gideon.”
I don’t think I could have found a better show to end my year with than this. The nearly 1800 capacity venue is really as intimate of a MMJ show that one can ask for, and it was even better than it sounds.
Antibalas opened and definitely took me by surprise. Sporting 11 members, they had a large sound that was largely instrumental based, with some funky world rhythems with influences from all over. I could totally see Tarantino using some of their stuff in a film.
Find some photos posted below.
Antibalas:
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