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Post by eddiearmy on Mar 4, 2005 10:48:01 GMT -5
So, we've all seen Paul with a band and without. Which is better?
I saw one of the shows at the Guthrie and it was a brilliant performance. Changed. My. Life. But now I see him with the band and I think, "Wow, he was better off alone." Not that this current band isn't chalk full of talent, but it's almost as if they give Paul an excuse to play a half assed show.
Curious to see what some of you think that have seen a lot more shows than I have.
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Post by Kathy on Mar 4, 2005 10:57:04 GMT -5
Curious to see what some of you think I think you're lucky michael b doesn't have his computer on tour cause I think he'd have something to say about the notion that the band shows are half-assed  |
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Post by scoOter on Mar 4, 2005 11:29:34 GMT -5
i think paul does great in either setting. i think he should write by himself, but record & tour with a band (hey! how about "his only friends"?).
paul is a rock & roller. rock & rollers do better in band settings with drums, bass, and loads of noise. his songs, their sonic devestation.
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Harry
Star Scout
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Post by Harry on Mar 4, 2005 11:46:38 GMT -5
So, we've all seen Paul with a band and without. Which is better? Slam dunk A million times better with a band. I hope he keeps these guys together and comes around every year...... |
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duckfoot
Star Scout
I'm listening to the f*cking song!
Posts: 607
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Post by duckfoot on Mar 4, 2005 11:53:48 GMT -5
I prefer with the band.
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Post by A Regular on Mar 4, 2005 12:05:39 GMT -5
Don't forget that for at least a few songs, PW does play solo while the band takes a break; so in a way, you get the best of both.
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Post by FreeRider on Mar 4, 2005 12:09:33 GMT -5
I think you're lucky michael b doesn't have his computer on tour cause I think he'd have something to say about the notion that the band shows are half-assed yeah, i wouldn't want Mr. Ebony Rhythm Buddha pounding on my head like it was a snare drum either!  |
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zook
Beagle Scout
You be me for awhile and I'll be ewe...
Posts: 1,246
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Post by zook on Mar 4, 2005 12:36:46 GMT -5
You know - his solo shows were not perfect either. Lots of missing lyrics and starts and stops too. But still wonderful shows. As are the ones with the band.
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Post by eddiearmy on Mar 4, 2005 13:25:08 GMT -5
Don't get me wrong... I love the anxiety and honesty of his performances... and I like that he's unpredictable and unpretentious... but hopefully these audience bootlegs I've been downloading aren't the best representation of the shows...
Also... I want it to make two things very clear:
a) I think Michael is one of the best drummers Paul's ever worked with (along with Josh Freese)...
and b) I would love to buy Michael a beer sometime and listen to some of his stories (especially if it meant he wouldn't kick my ass)...
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Post by SnowCover on Mar 4, 2005 13:31:06 GMT -5
I think it would be pretty cool to have an album released by "Paul Westerberg & His Only Friends". Not just the music, but the name as well.
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Post by FirstAveFiend on Mar 4, 2005 13:36:10 GMT -5
Don't get me wrong... I love the anxiety and honesty of his performances... and I like that he's unpredictable and unpretentious... but hopefully these audience bootlegs I've been downloading aren't the best representation of the shows... Also... I want it to make two things very clear: a) I think Michael is one of the best drummers Paul's ever worked with (along with Josh Freese)... and b) I would love to buy Michael a beer sometime and listen to some of his stories (especially if it meant he wouldn't kick my ass)... So is your opinion on the shows with the band coming from these bootlegs only? Because honestly you can only get so much from the bootlegs. The shows on this tour that I went to were so rockin, I can't even begin to tell you. You said you went to the Guthrie show, did you also go to the Pantages shows? Because while they were great the shows in a venue thats not seated have gotten the crowd and the band so much more into it. The solo shows were definitely great but I love the full band. Rock, the way it was meant to be. |
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Nickel
First Class Scout
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Post by Nickel on Mar 4, 2005 14:31:13 GMT -5
Loved the Guthrie shows, but with band wins hands down. I loved the flubbed lyrics and Paul giving other band members a hard time when they mess up. I think he considers it tough love.
It is great to see a band that enjoys playing together. I spoke to the bass player, sorry forget name, after the Bellyup show and he said he would so these gigs for free, it is that much fun.
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Monkey
Beagle Scout
Ninja Republican
Everybody dance like there's ass in your pants
Posts: 2,438
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Post by Monkey on Mar 4, 2005 14:36:05 GMT -5
Likewise loved the Guthrie shows, but at the Pantages concerts there was a lot more energy and the band just blew the roof off the place. I want an official live album and a studio release with the Only Friends and I want them now.
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Post by Christy on Mar 4, 2005 14:44:13 GMT -5
yeah, what monkey said!
the energy at the pantages show was COMPLETELY different than the guthrie shows...
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Post by prozach on Mar 4, 2005 14:54:30 GMT -5
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Post by fungo on Mar 5, 2005 2:54:50 GMT -5
Most of the songs definitely sound better flushed out with a band, especially the rockers. But there was something special about seeing Paul alone on stage with a couch, a lamp, and his guitar playing whatever moved him and singin' from the heart. Even though I was right up on the stage at the Phoenix show, and I was a little farther back at the first Guthrie show, the Guthrie show felt more intimate. Probably the best concert I've seen. This in no way diminished the impact of HOF. I still smile when I think back to last week's show, and I'm grateful to have had the opportunity to see him in both settings.
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Harry
Star Scout
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Post by Harry on Mar 5, 2005 7:38:23 GMT -5
Most of the songs definitely sound better flushed out with a band, especially the rockers. Make that "fleshed out" Flushed out is what would have happened to at least half the songs in the basement era, if he'd had a band in there with him  |
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Post by paulie on Mar 5, 2005 8:50:52 GMT -5
i didnt catch the solo shows but i can see how they would be personal and great but "his only friends" is probaly one of the best, most inspired bands i've ever seen/ heard. i can't wait til he comes to Boston (hopfully ) |
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Post by fungo on Mar 5, 2005 15:19:40 GMT -5
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