1/23/09: Anthem In perform “Rumours” @ Cake Shop (1/100)
Here we go, 100 bands in 100 days. Exciting. Fun. Exhausting (I’m guessing). Why am I doing this to myself? I used to go to a lot of shows. I used to write about music. I don’t do either as much anymore. That’s all changing for the next 100 days (Jan 23 – May 2).
First off, Anthem In @ Cake Shop – performing Fleetwood Mac’s seminal record Rumours.
I hit Cake Shop with Savoy (he requested a code name — not sure why), pay the $6, get a wrist band that pulls out the hairs on my arm (“damn”) – something I’m going to have to get used to in the next 100 days – and head down to the cavernous basement that is Cake Shop. If you haven’t been, just imagine really claustrophobically low ceilings and a floor slanted toward the stage – creating a “stadium standing” situation.
The opening band finishes up after one more song. Fifteen minutes and 20 Check-one-two’s later, Anthem In is on stage and ready go. I think this is the first time they’re performing Rumours, and they don’t normally sound like Fleetwood Mac – or look like them, save for the bass player who’s dressed like Mick Fleetwood from the cover art. But here we go: Fleetwood Mac, the Cake Shop basement tapes.
The band kicks right into the first track, “Second Hand News.” Ashley and Allen (guitar/vox) are harmonizing pretty well. But it doesn’t seem like Fleetwood Mac is on stage by any stretch of the imagination.
Now, I know Rumours is supposed to be one of the best rock records ever, but I have to admit, it never had any significant impact on me. As a music fan it’s probably expected that I would hold it in high regard, but what can I say? But whatever, what I can’t help thinking about is how weird it must be as a band to play an entire record written by someone else. Especially considering that apart from some minor changes here and there, Anthem In’s version isn’t shaping up to be different enough for them to own it themselves. Anyhow, back to the show…
The acoustics in the Cake Shop basement aren’t doing Anthem In any favors. Ashley’s vox fail to cut through. I hoped they’d figure that out at some point, but sadly never do.
Fast forward to halfway through and it’s sounding pretty decent. Or is that the Jack and cokes? I can’t decide. Savoy likens the show to “glorified karaoke” at one point – but again, I blame Ashley’s vox getting hung up in the foam, soundproofed ceiling. It’s not blowing me away, but it’s a fun, interesting way to kick this project off.
I’m getting anxious for the show to end when they bust into “I Don’t want to know.” Best song so far, tight and solid. There’s one more after that, and then “Go your own way” closes out the night. An ok version, but for whatever reason, they couldn’t nail the transition from verse to chorus. Oh well.
I didn’t realize until today, when I went back to listen to Rumours, that Anthem In didn’t play the tracks in order, since they finished with “Go your own way.” And I think that kind of misses the point. I mean, I get it. It’s a better song to end a set on, as opposed to the sleepy “Gold Dust Woman.” But I don’t know if you can shift stuff around like that unless you are Fleetwood Mac. I mean, if you’re paying homage to a legendary record like this, I just think you kinda gotta keep it real.
January 24th, 2009 at 9:29 pm
sweet show man!
January 26th, 2009 at 10:36 am
If played right, gold dust woman would have been a great closer IMO. Good to see your keeping things fair and balanced
January 27th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
Just checked out your site! Nice work my man!