Sloan

show was good...
but not the best...
the shows here last year rocked much
harder than this year....
they played deeper than beauty which
made me happy because I am the
same guy from last year who threatened
Chris to play it....
but overall? Weak...
They closed out the show nicely.

Both of these shows get a 3/4 stars. The sound tonight was MUCH improved from last night and the crowd was much more into it. This show peaked early though, whereas last night's peaked at the right time. Both shows were really heavy on the new record (which isn't my favorite but i have to say that most of the songs translate well live). Next time they swing through NYC they won't feel the need to push the new record and there will be more older songs, I think it's safe to say.

Ok, last years shows were better, I agree, but these were still two fun, rocking nights. Keith Moon style drumming and metal licks courtesy of patrick a plus...

This was my very first Sloan show in NYC, as I usually trek up to Boston to see the boys. I was thrilled that the show was almost all about "Action Pact". The album is a great testament to what rock and roll should have become all the way across the board, and to me, hearing those songs live only strengthens the overall quality of them. I feel that last nights show was absolutely an "A".
The set was well constructed, opening with "Ready For You", one of my favorites from the album, and closing off with "She Say's What She Means." I was astonished at "Underwhelmed" being in the middle of the set, but it only seemed to make the show last longer.
There was a much shorter girl standing next to us at the front of the stage. I found out that this was her first Sloan show, and she'd been into the band for only about 6 months. I talked my friend into snagging Patricks set list from the stage to give to her. It's always nice to see someone smile. All in all, I feel the show was great, mistakes an all. Mistakes are what make rock and roll real, and if there aren't any, it's just not a live show. Keep up the action guys, have a good show in Philly, and come back soon.

Last night was my first Sloan show, I've been waiting years to see them, but living in St. Louis, MO made it really hard. Despite the fact that the consensus seems to be they weren't as good as they could have been, all I really have to gauge it against is the live record, and I still thought it was amazing.

may 9th Guys,great show last night a 10,the lights were so cool,loved them,loved all the songs,picked up some vinyl,and cards,breezy too,

ps I know how those john lennon guitars are too.Im gonna buy one one day,save up.
rock and roll!!!!!!!

What the hell? Sloan ROCK'D the house! All you guys are doing is "nitpicking". They played all the new songs ,since they are supporting a tour for that record, and threw in some classics. As much as you wanted them to play every "song" off every "album" they can't! haha I mean you'd get sick of the same songs after a while wouldn't you?? That's the whole point of going isn't it though? To be suprised about what they are going to play. All I'm trying to say is the band was tight, rocked and I can't wait to see them come back to New York. Awesome show guys, I enjoyed it.

I really enjoyed last night's show.
I wonder how long after the show it was until Chris noticed his fly was open though. hehe

Anywho, I just love seeing these boys live. The energy last night was just fantastic. Very small and intimate. I loved it. I brought one of my friends with me. It was her first time seeing the band. She was literally blown away by them.

Does anyone have the complete setlist or some photos to post? Just Wondering,
Melissa

You know fans im sorry I saw them on the 8th last night at the bowery,really sorry,they were so good,I was blownaway,buy the show,for some reason,I screwed up on the date,again really sorry about that,the 8th at the bowery,also,Im seeing them at the saint.I also,have a rock n roll show tonight.Yes rock n roll!!!!

Definitely an awesome show! I've seen them before a couple of times in Montreal, and their live intensity has not abated. Chris Murphy really rocked the house! He looked like he was having such a fun time last night - it almost made me want to drop everything and become a rock star. ;) Andrew Scott and Patrick Pentland really gave it everything they had, too. Yo, but what was up with Jay Ferguson? He seemed a little dazed and confused up there. (Dude, who's your dealer...?) ;) My only disappointment with the show was that they didn't play my favorite song off of Action Pact, Who Loves Life More? What a wicked song! I guess it'll just be more incentive to seem them again next time! Guys, amazing stuff - when will the American music industry wake up?

Here's the setlist (copied from the one I managed to snag after the show):

Ready For You
I Was Wrong
Rest Of My Life
Lines You Amend
Hollow Head
Nothing Lasts Forever Anymore
Live On
Underwhelmed

People Of The Sky
The Great Wall
Never Seeing The Ground For The Sky

Backstabbin'
Step On It Jean
The Good In Everyone
Gimmie That
Reach Out
False Alarm
The Other Man
Money City Maniacs

Deeper Than Beauty
Losing California
She Says What She Means

It was really cool to be at the first show they played Step On It Jean, and seeing Patrick on drums made me happy.

Sweet!
I have to make some Sloan greatness on my wall and print that out. (Damn Bowery didn't give me a ticket>> downfall of willcall)

There was a crapload of people there with cameras (wish i brought mine but it distracts me)
Hopefully someone will post photos soon lol

Phil-
you snagged a setlist?
we were probably standing two feet from each other :>)

Melissa

(my review-- edited-- originally posted on Yorn board)

Once again, I was quite taken by these fellas from the north.

The thing I love about Sloan more than any other band is their togetherness-- they truly are a band's "band" in every sense of the word.

Blessed with one total showman (chris), two true RAWK talents (patrick-- awesome metalhead solo on the SG-- and andrew on drums) along with the rock-steady calm of jay, it does make other bands pale in comparison-- whether it be their longevity (together now for 13+ years), versatility (how they take turns on instruments and lead vocals with virtually no effort), their longstanding friendship or their love of music straight from the heart.

So far these fan reviews have been very luke warm, but I found them to truly bring rock 'n roll to the forefront Saturday.

And Sloan even at their worst is better than most bands at their best.

They did focus primarily on the new "Action Pact," and "Pretty Together," I.E., (not much room for the piano/keyboard standouts from "BTB or "OCTA" eras.)

Sob!!!!

Though there was an f'n great version of "Losing California."

Made me ecstactic.

But watching them onstage I felt like I was witnessing the ultimate melding of The Who, Queen, Beach Boys and Beatles all in one.

And truly no other group can ever beat the harmonies that these guys dish out over the years.

OH-- and great light show a la "Tron" behind them.

PS-- The tour's going to be extended out west, too.

Definitely one not to miss for music fans everywhere!

It still amazes me how this band has never hit bigger.

Check 'em out.
You'll be glad you did.

Saturday night was my 11th Sloan show since '98 and it had more energy than Friday night. But when a band plays 2 shows back to back in the same venue i'd only expect them to save more of it for the SECOND/LAST night of that city. Its too bad you didn't come Friday night too b/c they played Who loves life more? But WAIT for the next show and request it if you must :) I must admit, for the FIRST TIME EVER I was only really into half of the album but after hearing most of it live I have to say its REALLY SO GREAT! I also give this show an A! ..SLOANING EVERY WHICH WAY IN NYC..

I thought this show was awesome! These guys should be more famous than they are....they certainly deserve it! I've done my part to "Pass the Sloan" and will continue to do so. I don't know any band other than Sloan that can give you this much ROCK for only $12.00!!! It should be a crime.

I also have to thank them for signing my vinyl copy of Pretty Together!

Here's a hint for the NYC fans....if you want to see the guys as much as possible, in a cool venue where not many people show up....drive the 90 mins. down to Philly and catch them ROCK just as hard for 150 people as they did at the Bowery. You won't regret it! Most of Philadelphia has their musical heads up their you-know-what!

Disclaimer: I'm from Philadelphia

I went to both shows and thought they were great. For anyone to suggest that the band lacked enthusiasm,or "phoned in" their performance, you obviously left before Sloan took the stage. After the Friday show, I talked to Chris, and he felt the crowd wasn't enthused, but from where we were in the balcony, the crowd looked pretty psyched.

Anyway, Saturday's show had a larger crowd, which appeared to energize the band, and they did not disappoint. While we'd all love to hear "the classics" from prior albums, it's surprising to hear people bitch about hearing too many songs off of the new album. That's the point of touring when you have a new release, folks.

To sum up, the band was on the mark both nights, and it was great that they mixed up the setlists for the two shows, considering that they had some repeat attendees for both shows. After all this time, it would be nice for the U.S. to open its ears and eyes to Sloan, instead of having them remain one of the best kept secrets in rock.

Keep up the good work, guys!

nice pictures :D

hey Phil
if you are reading this....i keep getting a 'permenant fatal error" when i try to reply to your last email :/
Melissa