Dienstag, 25. Sep 2007, 13:17

Mon 24 Sep – Iron & Wine, Arthur & Yu, Sin Ropas

Jammin' & Wine
Iron & Wine, Arthur & Yu, Sin Ropas 9/24/07 (Cleveland, OH)

http://www.themilkcarton.com/forums/showthread.php?p=6580#post6580

Iron & Wine's setlist in Cleveland was the same as Chicago except "Jezebel" was in place of "Woman King". I didn't hear many shouts for requests during the show, but once Sam came back for the encore, shouts of "Trapeze Swinger" were coming from all over the room to which he responded "don't you guys have to work tomorrow or something?" Honestly, I really wanted to hear it although I wasn't a member of the chorus of chanters for it, but "A History of Lovers" was just beautiful. I really enjoyed the quieter songs that were closer to traditional Iron & Wine a lot. It was cool to hear the fuller, alternate versions to "On Your Wings", "Upward Over the Mountain", and "Jezebel", but I agree that the band overpowered his voice and stripped a good chunk of the vocal emotion away at times. I prefer the regular versions, but I can't say I didn't enjoy them here or anything.

I love love loved "The Sea and the Rhythm", "Sodom, South Georgia" (one of my faves), and "Resurrection Ferm". Those were highlights in the slower set as well as "Flightless Bird", which got a great response. Some of the songs I didn't love as much on the record including "Wolves" and "Innocent Bones" got a new life for me once I heard them live, so I'm excited to listen to those a lot more now. "The Devil Never Sleeps", "Pagan Angel", "White Tooth Man", and "Boy With A Coin" felt really good with the full band and a lot of the audience seemed to be moving a little more and dancing during them. Good thing considering most probably expected something more in line with the older shows. The only two songs I wasn't really feeling at all were the first two of the set - "Lovesong of the Buzzard" and "Peace Beneath the City". I don't know if it was the placing of the songs during the set or if they just hadn't kicked into full gear yet. As said about the Chicago show, most of the songs had extended jams and were very rocking. It seems to be set perfectly for a festival like Bonnaroo now, but I hope on his next major tour in 2008, he varies it up a little bit more with at least another song or two from OEND and TCDTC.

By the end of "Innocent Bones", I knew it was going to be an amazing show and was really glad I made the drive up. I probably enjoyed the set at Lollapalooza a little more, but I bet once I've had more time with the new record, the next show I see will by my favorite.

On the opening bands, Arthur & Yu were a very sweet and entertaining folk band. I saw a lot of people swaying and getting into them. I bet we'll hear a lot more about them in the coming months. If anyone knows them and got a setlist, I'd love to hear which songs they played.

Sin Ropas was an experimental rock/folk band that performed their songs to animations I believe were produced by members of the band. I couldn't see the screen the whole time, but I think that's what it said. One of the singers had a nervous quality to his voice and his vocals/lyrical style were bizarre and more stream of consciousness speaking that got really intense at times. The other was older and had a deeper, southern rock/folk singer voice and style. I enjoyed both quite a bit and the crowd seemed to as well. I'd like to hear what other people thought if they caught them.

A couple comments on the venue - the sound was really good and it was the perfect size for the show. I liked their set-up a lot, but I wasn't too thrilled about their lack of parking lots or anything. Luckily there were plenty of spaces on the streets, but I don't know if I'd go out of my way to go to many shows here until that changes. They did have some good acts coming up including Josh Ritter, Ted Leo, The Thermals, Jens Lekman, and Peter Bjorn & John. I think we were lucky to get to see I&W in such a small venue on the second date of this tour.

It was fantastic to hear all of The Shepherd's Dog in one night and then be able to purchase it at midnight with Sam signing the new record. I got a vinyl and a CD and my friend and I got a picture. He let her touch his beard and she loved it haha. The woman taking money and opening the albums for him to sign was cracking up when my friend asked him about it. He was extremely down to earth, thankful for us being there, and very mellow. I wish I could have talked to him longer, but there was a huge line and it was late, but the opportunity was very thoughtful for the fans last night. I can't wait to see him again.

Setlist:
Lovesong of the Buzzard
Peace Beneath the City
Innocent Bones
On Your Wings
Pagan Angel and a Borrowed Car
White Tooth Man
House by the Sea
The Devil Never Sleeps
Boy With a Coin
Sodom, South Georgia
Carousel
Upward Over the Mountain
Jezebel
Wolves (The Song of the Shepherd's Dog)
The Sea and the Rhythm
Resurrection Fern
Flightless Bird, American Mouth
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A History of Lovers