Sloan

F'ing outstanding show! Too bad about the relatively small crowd, but we Philadelphians have mostly unfortunate taste in music. That's the result of constant bombardment with sh*t like dashboard confessional by the fascists at clear channel, and the horrible promotional priorities of American Idol-obsessed U.S. record companies. Real, honest, rock n'roll bands like Sloan DESERVE more exposure. That's my rant. Anyway, my first-ever opportunity to see Sloan was well worth the wait. The set was perfect, though my cries of "Same Old Flame" fell upon deaf ears. Buying Action Pact on import a few months back proved a worthwhile venture. Thanks guys, and thanks for hanging out with the commoners after the show...The complete setlist...

Gimme That
Live On
The Rest of My Life
The Lines You Amend
Hollow Head
Nothing Lasts Forever Anymore
The Great Wall
People of the Sky
Backstabbin'
Coax Me
False Alarm
I Was Wrong
I Am the Cancer
The Good In Everyone
Ready For You
Sensory Deprivation
Step On It, Jean
The Other Man
Money City Maniacs
If It Feels Good Do It (Encore)

Sloan came to rock Philly yesterday at the TLA on South Street. To me, this band is of at least a quality level of anyone who's ever been a favorite performer of yours. If you put a compilation together from all the CDs including bonus tracks and the 4 Nights live release, you'll have a collection that pales to no other band's material.
They played about 7 or eight from Action Pact including a bonus track of Jay's. They played "Sensory Deprivation", "The Great Wall of China" and "People of the Sky" with Andrew shining on those. Jay had another 3 or so songs including "The Lines You Amend" and "Step on it, Jean". Patrick was his usual serious professional self and what can you say about Chris? Chris is a marvel of a frontman and a great down to earth guy. He came right through the front door after the opening act The Kicks finished, stopped at a table to greet friends just 8 feet from me and my fiancee. It was really cool to simply see him in person other than on stage. When the set was prepared, he got on and performed as enthusiastically as ever for his loyal area fans, doing the trademark kick a few times and giving his usual wide array of rockstar poses to the delight of the faithful. I bought Action Pact before the show, just 2 days before US release with the idea of having it signed in addition to finally hearing most of the new material which would be new to me. I was able to take many pictures during the show and we had a great time. After the show, Chris came out in front of the stage and I didn't even know it. My fiancee saw him and said, "there he is, go up there and get something signed!"
I'm a little shy, but Chris has basically been my idol as silly as that may sound for a 40 year old. His songs and spirit have captured me since I first found out about Sloan when Bridges was released. So I went up and there he was with a few other fans surrounding him. I edged up a little starstruck as he made casual comfortable conversation with those people. I had pulled out the liner notes for him to sign, he then suggested that the surface was too glossy, would I mind if he signed the actual CD? I said yes that would be great, and he signed that and our tickets which made me feel awesome. I went back to the table in a haze, then thought about having a photo with him. My fiancee encouraged me again, and so I meekly asked him if I could have a photo with him, to which he said "I don't mind." My fiancee took the camera and I got my happy wish, 2 smiling pix with my musical idol hands on each other's shoulders, very cool! We talked for a little, him asking me who I liked as another band, to which I replied Jet. He said Sloan might tour with them! We'll see, but that pairing would be very good and give Sloan some much deserved exposure. Then Sloan's videographer came up to ask me a couple questions about why I love Sloan to which I went on and on about to which Chris turned to the camera and said, make sure we get him for a publicist! As we made our way out the door to the street, Chris came out there also. I thought it would be great if my fiancee could have a pic with him, and he obliged very nicely, commenting to her "thanks for coming to our show and for your patience, you poor thing." He hugged her and gave her a peck on the cheek, that was again so cool. My fiancee was struck by how down to earth Chris is and it was really awesome to experience all this. I had no idea that we would be able to have this time with him after the show, but was very grateful and obviously I couldn't get any sleep after getting home around 1am but it was well worth the loss of sleep. Chris, you are quite simply, the man. Thank you for all the years of enjoyment you've placed in my life, as well as the added pleasure of last night's experience.
You rawk more than anyone!
A thank you to the fans who commented on my starstruck speech to Chris that they thought was so sweet - You are also a great part of the experience, the fans were without exception wonderful throughout.
Additional comments on listening to the CD afterwards... "Ready For You" is one of 2 completely awesome tracks I hadn't heard, the other being the exquisite "Will You Ever Love Me Again?". If you don't already have this CD, it is a must to acquire quickly!
Take care,
Lee J. King

SLOOOOOAAAAAANNNN!!!!!!
After my friends and I saw them rock out to a packed house in NYC the night before, I was upset to see such an empty venue at the TLA. But that didn't phase the Sloaners....they rocked just as much as the night before. I have to thank the guys for signing my Vinyl copy of Pretty Together also....
I was turned on to Sloan in early of 2001 by a friend who I can NEVER repay and quickly bought all their albums...since then I've seen them 6 times and they completely blow my mind every time....what a great Rock'N'Roll show! Too bad the rest of Philly missed a great show.
Also, thanks Chris for actually remembering us from the night before and stopping by our table to say hello.

Pass The Sloan!

Sloan was well worth the trip to NYC! They were also worth coming out on a school night in Philly. I'm glad I did, especially since it was a lighter crowd last night. It was sweet of Chris to remember us from the night before. I had a great time. I'll make sure to bring a legion of people with me next show. Rock on, guys!
~Hey Rich, how's your voice doing? Props to Rich for keeping the chant at full volume.

What a great show!!! I am also disappointed at the small crowd. I have seen Sloan at packed venues as well and a large crowd can really jusice it up. The thing that amazed me was the fact that Sloan wasn't fazed by it. They sounded just as good as ever which is about 100% better than most bands today. It was good to Chris walking around talking to the fans. It was very cool to have him stop by our table, be all cool and mellow and then 5 minutes later rock out on Gimme That!

Always will be a big fan!

SLOAAAANNN!

Sloooooaaaaaan!

You guys were simply outstanding at the TLA on Sunday. Not to mention an awesome follow-up from the Bowery show, which made my first experience there an excellent one. I've been transformed into a Sloan fan over the past month and your tunes have grown on me two-fold. I got to see you guys twice in as many days and looking forward to future outings.

Good luck to you all and I apologize for rubbing the Flyers victory over Toronto last night at the TLA. I was also kidding about Mats Sundin sucking!

Abs

The guys rocked as usual. I've seen Sloan live every time they've come to Philly since "One Chord To Another" and they've never disappointed. I think they were annoyed at the shitty turnout but it was Sunday night and Mother's Day to boot.

In any case the set was a nice mix, the new material came across excellent. I had picked up the album on Canadian import when it was first released but the US release apparently has 2 bonus tracks so I might buy it again.

Chris gave me some look when I asked for "I Can Feel It" but other than that I can't really complain. These guys give you a consistently class A product whether you're talking their albums or their live shows. Definitely one of my favorite bands of all time. I'm glad I took the chance way back when to go and see them live after seeing a write-up in the CityPaper for "One Chord..."

Here's to hoping they continue to come and play Philly!!

Bill

Lizzy and I were lucky enough to catch the Sloan show at the TLA on May9th, which was absolutely brilliant. The relatively small crowd filled the venue with chants of "Slooo-aan" and sang along to each and every song...even the new ones. The band were in top form. Chris treated the crowd to a bunch of nifty Michael Jackson-meets-Mick Jagger dance moves throughout. After the show Chris jumped down from the stage where Lizzy and I were standing to say thanks and sign autographs. He signed my ticket and let me tell you his spelling might not be atrocious, but his hand writing is. It was at this point Lizzy felt the need to tell Chris his fly was down the whole show. He said the zipper was broken and brushed it off in a nonchalant Canadian way. I told him I'd get people to buy his album so he can buy some new trousers. On the way home I made fun of her saying she basically admitted to staring at his crotch all night. She was not amused. Go out and buy "Action Pact" now!Chris needs new pants!

p.s. Jay is my Hero

Sloan was amazing! I was sad to see that so few people had come, and of those people very few danced. It was still a very fun show and it was great to see one of my favourite bands live. It was so awesome to meet Chris. He was really nice; he even responded positively to a really stupid story my sister told him. I'm glad I got to turn an otherwise very boring Mother's Day around by going to see Sloan.