Pixies & Fuck Buttons @ The New Joint

I listened to Doolittle, my one and only Pixies album, on the drive to the Joint. This is another band I had never really gotten into (not sure why not) but they were a favorite of a favorite of mine (Nirvana), so Erik and I went to check them out.

Firstly though we had to endure the Fuck Buttons. Like Animal Collective, the Fuck Buttons are a couple of guys making electronic noise and boring the shit out of me. I understand that people have a wide variety of music tastes and that some people would like this (I'm looking at you Moz), but there is a time and a place. Surely being a band for 20 plus years, the Pixies could have come up with a better support act. Either that or it was genius to put such an ordinary support on the slot, so that way you look so good it is ridiculous.

The Pixies entrance was accompanied by a video in the background, which was highly surreal. The whole crowd cringed in horror as the clip showed a donkey's eye being slit. I had heard a movie that had this, but it was the only part of the movie I knew of. As it turns out, this was the move. The Luis Bunuel / Salvador Dali "Un Chien Andalou". The surrealists 16 minute silent film was the backdrop to the Pixies taking the stage.

So ignorant was I of the Pixies that as they started I found out that the tour was to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Doolittle. Which means at least I'd know some of the songs. And from the start the band had the crowd partying. A few b-sides and songs before Debaser sent the crowd into a frenzy. Pixies then proceeded to play Doolittle from start to finish. Great sound (the best at the New Joint since No Doubt) and a rockin', visual, quick set. When they finished after Gouge Away they made a big deal about farewelling the crowd. It looked like we were only going to get an hour - not happy (but it would give me the opportunity to possibly get to the Las Vegas Country Saloon to see a mate's band, Ditch Diggers, perform. Wheels were almost in motion until after a short break the Pixies were back on stage for the first of 2 encores.

Overall a great show, considering I wasn't familiar with a lot of their work, but the highlights for me were Debaser, Monkey Gone To Heaven and, from the 2nd encore, Where is My Mind? Another band off the bucket list.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 301st concert.

This is my 6th concert at The New Joint.

This is my 98th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 98th concert in Nevada.

This is my 109th concert in the USA.

Fuck Buttons are the 373rd band I've seen.
The Pixies are the 374th band I've seen.

Viva Elvis @ Aria

Viva Elvis again (the 3rd time). I had to go as part of my job. I need to know how to sell the show. I was actually a little psyched about seeing it in the 3rd last row, to give a different perspective, but after taking our seats an usher moved us closer to the front i.e. the 4th row. Wow! That's pretty close. The show is no different from the last time we saw it, and still enjoyable. As long as people realize this is a musical tribute to Elvis and not as acrobatic as other shows, there is no reason not to love the show.

The Cult & The Black Ryder @ Pearl

15 years.....that's a long time between seeing a band. But not since the 95 Big Day Out had I seen The Cult. And even then I was miles away from the stage, so I assumed seeing them at the intimate Pearl would be a treat. I would be proved right.

Met Spoon there and we were going to see if we could scalp a ticket (this is Spoon's new skill - buying tickets under face value). There were not a lot of people around, and very few people selling tickets, so we lined up to get a ticket and just as we were next in line, someone came to us with floor tickets for $25 (half price).

We walked in to a near empty Pearl just as The Black Ryder hit the stage. This six piece played that shoegazer rock reminiscent of My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Swirl, Swevedriver etc. This is not usually my cup of tea, but these guys were good - and the sound was excellent. It was like they were meant to play this size venue. As it turns out The Black Ryder are an Aussie band, who toured with The Cult in Australia. The Cult liked them so much, they invited them to support in the US.

For some ungodly reason it took The Cult over an hour to come on after The Black Ryder. Maybe it was so the Pearl could fill up a bit more (probably 3/4 full without the upper balcony being used.) But it was well worth the wait. They Rocked! You know how sometimes you wonder whether a band can live up to how good they were - well there is no doubt in my mind The Cult were as good as they have ever been. Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy looked they were having a ball and all their songs were great. I knew a lot more than I expected, but Fire Woman and She Sells Sanctuary were definitely highlights for me. Also enjoyed the visuals projected behind the back of the band on a big screen.

If I wait 15 years again to see The Cult I'll be 52 - but if they come through town again, I'll have no hesitation going to see them.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 300th concert.

This is my 8th concert at The Pearl.

This is my 97th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 97th concert in Nevada.

This is my 108th concert in the USA.

The Black Ryder are the 372nd band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Cult show.