Friday Oct 17 – NYC

The last hour of the show, the Drive-By Truckers cooked liked the band its devout fans savor over like a cold Bud on a hot day.  This show was a nice recovery after its lackluster Terminal 5 show (see story) earlier this year during a busy NYC area year.


Crowd Album has posted over 80 photos from the show (click here) if you fancy.

People from out of town were in awe (like all us locals) of the beautifully ornate theatre ceiling

The opening cowboy song “Made up English Oceans” (which reminds of the song “Ringo”, a favorite from my youth), was fun.  The hearty Stones-like rock and roll show we all expected though took some time to evolve, but late is better than never.  It was tale of two halves in my mind. As with many rock shows I catch these days (see Black Crowes at Capital Theatre), the band took some time (too much) to warm up.


Jay Gonzalez, DBT guitarist/piano/music genius, stole the show. Donned in a purple velvet coat, his prowess on the lead guitars was very impressive.  Although, I saw a number of “thumbs-up” from DBT fans about newish bassman Matt Patton, I think the songs themselves can make even an average bass player sound good.  I songs a deeper complexity.  I’m not talking Phil Lesh or Chris Squire, but I hope that he evolves his playing to give the songs more complexity on the deep end.


BTW, the opening band St. Paul and The Broken Bones were as good as billed.  That guy can sing!

One of the most avid DBT fans I know (who by the way won the Relix photo contest with a great shot of his son standing in front of the band during their Asbury gig earlier this summer) told me he was a bit surprised the set list wasn’t stronger considering the band was taking on The Beacon Theatre, a large venue for the band and their first time at the legendary music hall.  Looking back at the setlist, I agree 100%.

I was so happy to get my Relix in the mail and see this on page 8

BUT, the last 6 songs were AWESOME.  All the band members jelled to make rock and roll magic.  The version of “Where the Devil Don’t Stay” was crisp and loud.  I also especially liked the trippy new arrangement on “Used to Be a Cop”, from one of their more recent albums “Go Go Boots”(see album review).


Here is the set list, you be the judge:


Made Up English Oceans


The Righteous Path


A Ghost to Most


Runaway Train


Shit Shots Count


Puttin’ People on the Moon


Uncle Frank


Pauline Hawkins


First Air of Autumn


Box of Spiders


Primer Coat


Play it All Night Long


Where the Devil Don’t Stay


Hell No, I Ain’t Happy



Encore:


Birthday Boy


Used to be a Cop


Women Without Whiskey


Grand Canyon