Sloan

It was so great seeing Sloan at a good venue finally after seeing them at lesser places whenever they play DC. It was one of the smaller crowds we've seen at the club (500 or less?) but they were pretty enthusiastic. The guys had all grown their hair out and they all got their chances to sing, as per usual. It's always cool seeing them switch instruments, because they're so talented and they make such a "big" sound. While Andrew's song choices weren't the strongest I've seen from him, it was such an amazing show overall.

They were quite gracious to the crowd and although they played plenty of new songs, the older ones were integrated nicely and the encore of Coax Me and Penpals was just fantastic. An early pleasant surprise was "Snowsuit Sound" as well. They didn't play much off "Between the Bridges," which was not a bad thing necessarily-- just an observation. The talk between songs was amusing and Patrick tended to play riffs in between each song too.

Opening band Sunshine Fix had an odd sound- a mix of power pop and Grateful Dead, played through odd grunge effects on the guitar, despite occasional good riffs. The singing was weak and their set was not impressive.

Sloan was the best concert I had seen in so long -- I hope they come back and continue to play 9:30 Club as headliners, they're just about my favorite band out there.

Setlist:
if it feels good, do it
the other man
iggy and angus
snowsuit sound
marcus said
in the movies
the great wall
the good in everyone
i am the cancer
pretty together
it's in your eyes
keep on thinkin
people of the sky
the n.s.
everything you've done wrong
i love a long goodbye
the lines you amend
g turns to d
money city maniacs

encore:
coax me
penpals