07-19-2009, 11:07 AM
BT, the first time I saw them was also at Pitchfork in Chicago, before Boxer came out. I think it was 3 years ago now and I was impressed right away, even though I wasn't that familiar with a lot of their stuff at the time. They have mellowed quite a bit since Boxer though - not too many rockers on there but a lot of those songs are much more alive on stage than on record. Funny you should mention Fake Empire - because once they get into the instrumental at the end it really does rock the house. And a lot of their stuff off Alligator they play is the same way - Mr. November, Abel, Secret Meeting - definitely 3 highlights of their live show. I guess I wouldn't ever say that they blew me away any of the times I've seen them, but they really aren't the kind of band to do that. They do put on a great show though and I'd recommend checking them out the next time around.