The final show on my recent US trip was to see the magnetic and magnificent Father John Misty at the iconic Greek Theatre in Los Angeles. This superb venue is set at the foot of Griffith Park and is a special place to see a show. It was fitting that the show in question was also special. I have seen Father John Misty a few times over the years and he always delivers live. But this was the first time that I have seen him since 2018, so it was extra nice to see him again. Last year he released his sixth album in Mahashmashana, an album that I love. Through the night he played all eight tracks from the album. They all sounded great, especially the title track and the epic 'Screamland'. Of course he delved into his now extensive back catalogue. Songs like 'Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)' and 'God's Favorite Customer' were especially resonant. Josh Tillman is such a commanding performer. He owns the stage with larger than life personality and incredible voice. His band is also wonderful, making for a great night. The two song encore completed a great night with 'I Love You, Honeybear' a perfect closer.

The two support acts were world class too. First up was Hamilton Leithauser, former lead man of The Walkmen. Hamilton has carved out a successful solo career and it was great to hear those songs live. He played a short seven song set, with five songs picked from his latest album in 'This Side of the Island'. Following him was the country legend Lucinda Williams. Lucinda suffered a stroke in 2020, so she needs assistance to walk on stage. But her voice has lost none of her power and it was a true honour to see her live. She played some of her great songs plus a Beatles cover and a Neil Young cover to close. A triple bill of greatness that I will never forget.

Set List
I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All
Josh Tillman and the Accidental Dose
The Night Josh Tillman Came to Our Apt.
Being You
Mr. Tillman
Nancy From Now On
Goodbye Mr. Blue
Chateau Lobby #4 (in C for Two Virgins)
Mental Health
Ballad of the Dying Man
God's Favorite Customer
Nothing Good Ever Happens at the Goddamn Thirsty Crow
She Cleans Up
Screamland
Summer's Gone
Mahashmashana

Holy Shit
I Love You, Honeybear
 

The next stop on my July trip to the US was Milwaukee, a city I had never visited before. I was excited to visit the city and I enjoyed its history, food and beer. But the main reason for visiting was to see two legendary American bands. Yo La Tengo and Built To Spill are icons of the Indie Rock scene and they joined forces to do a co-headlining tour where they would swap who goes last each night. In Milwaukee Yo La Tengo had the last spot. The show was in the impossibly beautiful Pabst Theater. It was built by the Milwaukee beer baron in 1895 and word can't describe its stunning inner beauty. Yo La Yengo as expected put on a stellar show. They have existed for nearly fourty years and show no signs of slowing down. They are as inventive as ever and the New Jersey trio dug deep into their catalogue for a brilliant show. A highlight was Doug Martsch from Built To Spill joining them for an epic rendition of 'I Heard You Looking'. Their encore was beautiful too with them covering a local musician, before paying tribute to the late great Michael Hurley. A wonderful end to a great show.

Set List
Apology Letter
Sinatra Drive Breakdown
Madeline
Stockholm Syndrome
One PM Again
Alyda
Nowhere Near
Tome Courtenay
We're an American Band
Fallout
This Stupid World
I Heard You Looking

Griselda (The Holy Modal Rounders cover)
The End of the Road (Michael Hurley cover)     

 

Built to Spill opened the night and it was perfection in sound. If they are not my favourite band of all time, they are certainly in my top two. They managed to pack 13 brilliant songs into their hour long set. I have seen them several times now and they never disappoint. It was a brilliant display of why they are just so great. I loved every minute but I was especially gratified to hear 'Twin Falls' and 'Randy Described Eternity'. They were just stratospheric. Happily they closed with the blissful 'Carry the Zero', which had everyone standing and dancing to this supreme band.

Set List
Goin' Against Your Mind
Reasons 
Never Be the Same
Bad Light
Hindsight
So
Gonna Lose
Get a Life
I Would Hurt a Fly
Twin Falls
Some
Randy Described Eternity
Carry the Zero 

Red Rocks near Denver was always a venue I long wanted to visit. So when I was in Denver in July I took the opportunity to see a show there with open arms. To make it even better it was The Avett Brothers, one of the best live acts on the planet. This show on a Sunday night was the third of a three night stand. It was a special night, full of fun and joy and happiness. The venue is about 30 minutes outside Denver and I caught a shuttle bus to get there. It holds about 9500 people and my seat was about a third of the way back from the stage. It's truly a spectacular setting. The venue is set amongst massive rocks and as the sun sets it just glows. The Avett Brothers were wonderful as expected. They played for about two hours and it was all wonderful. They are such great entertainers with warm and lovely personalities. They played a long set that gave a good spread from their vast catalogue. Special mention to 'I and Love and You', 'Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise' and 'Laundry Room' which were especially great. They even called on their father Jim to sing a couple of songs with them. This made a wonderful night even a bit more special.  

Set List
Pretty Girl From Feltre
Talk on Indolence
Go to Sleep
Gimmeakiss
February Seven
Pretty Girl From Chile
No Hard Feelings
Movin' Out (Billy Joel cover)
Murder in the City
Shame
Die Die Die
Hard Worker
The Weight of Lies
Ain't No Man
I and Love and You
Here I Am, Lord
Signs
Country Kid
Laundry Room
Old Joe Clark
Head Full of Doubt/Road Full of Promise
Living of Love

We Are Loved
Nothing Short of Thankful
If It's the Beaches