Matthew Good: Commodore Ballroom, November 5th 2005
Taking a break from Langley and from me trying (and failing) to write in spite of a missing Cat, I took luxurias_slave to the last concert in what I'm calling the "Stop Matthew Good Tour" (due to the fact that such a statement appears on tour shirts and pins) for her birthday.
Matthew Good is one of my favourite musicians, and has been a bit of an inspiration to me as far as a local boy making it without compromising it (as he was born and raised in the lower mainland). I was thoroughly entertained by the show, despite the fact that he didn't play the three songs I was really hoping for. (though all three of which are b-sides, and since the tour is promoting his greatest hits album, In a Coma, I was pretty much S.O.L.) It was more than worth the stress and money of trying to get there. Going to this only makes me want to buy my guitar even more.
The opening act was a band from out east titled simply "Ladies and Gentlemen"... they reminded me of a mellower version of Cake (i know, that doesn't seem possible)... they livened up though, and were really good with the crowd. They have potential, at least in my little diseased head.
The Setlist -
01. Near Fantastica
02. Avalanche
03. Load Me Up
04. Hello Time Bomb
05. Oh Be Joyful
06. Suburbia
07. Empty Road
08. Carmelina
09. Alert Status Red
10. The Future is X-Rated
11. Blue Skies Over Bad Lands
12. Weapon
13. Apparitions (acoustic)
The First Encore -
01. Giant
02. Little Terror
03. Everything is Automatic
04. Advertising on Police Cars
The Second Encore -
01. Put Out Your Lights
02. Poor Man's Grey
03. Prime Time Deliverance (acoustic)
04. Generation X-Wing (acoustic)
I found it interesting that the only album he didn't play material from was his very first, Last of the Ghetto Astronauts, but oh well. Would have liked to have heard some of those tracks though.
Also picked up In a Coma (1995-2005) as well. Haven't had the opportunity to watch the music videos on the DVD yet, but have listened to both the three new songs (one of which was played at the show) and the 're-done' oldies (three of which were played at the show, noted by the accoustic marks) and I *really* enjoyed it. Also worth the cash I shelled out for it.
Brought along my digital camera, and thanks to moongate about 102 pictures were taken. It's going to be awhile before I sort through them all, and I may perhaps put more online. I would have loved to have gotten to have met and talked to Matt, but alas this was not the case. Always another time, I guess. I gift you with a couple pictures here.
So, that's one thing to offset the mire of autumn for me. Here's hoping it's not the only thing.