review 1:

An indifferent crowd and a problem-laden set, that's how I would describe this show. I staked out a place in the front row and waited. The first song suffered from a bad mix, all bass no organ. After getting back in a groove, 4 or 5 songs in, watt broke the E string on his bass (not an easy thing to do without a pick). It clearly rattled watt and killed the momentum of the set. The first few songs sounded disjointed, like the bass and organ were just a half-step off. But, being the first time I'd heard these songs, I gave them the benefit of the doubt. Numerous times watt gave disapproving looks to the organ player and shouted instructions at the drummer. After finishing the new songs they went straight into a mellow version of "walking the cow." Athens has sort of gotten a reputation for being a shitty bar crowd (just ask Yo La Tengo), and tonight was no exception. Surrounding me were people too interested in their beers and talking about their social lives than paying attention. watt noticed this and seemed incredulous, even making the "chatterbox" hand sign (you know the one).

Walking the cow" was followed by a great version of "big bang theory" and a mellower version of "chinese firedrill." The first set ended with an Iraq spiel and the watt standby "the red and the black." They came back for an encore with a spiel about the upcoming Stooges reunion show, and watt saying "so let's play some stooges songs." They went into "funhouse" and after a minute or so, watt stopped the song, saying to the organist, "do you even know the song???" watt had to sing the organ part to him then get him to play it back. They kicked back into it but the guy still didn't get it right. watt, almost angry at this point, stopped the song midway through again, muttered, and then gave us a spiel about nina simone's recent death and they played one of her songs (sorry, my knowledge of these cover songs isn't what it should be). television's "little johnny jewel" was next up, and the band seemed to be having some fun again. To close the show, they gave "funhouse" another try and the organist, with some prodding from the drummer and some serious concentration, finished it out.

Overall, it wasn't as bad a show as I've made it out to be. I can't wait to hear the new songs recorded, I'm sure they'll tune up nicely. watt had some shirts, some tour posters, the crimony 7", and stickers. I wanted to apologize for the shitty crowd, but I just shook his hand and said "thank you for coming" like I meant it. Anyone else who was there, feel free to correct, as it's been a couple of days and i probably missed some things. thanks.

john