I’ve really started getting into the locals bands in the last few months, especially since starting this here blog. There’s a lot of talent in this “scene”.

The other thing is that I get a little obsessive with bands. When I get into a band and I like their material and their live shows, I go to see them again. The question ‘Why wouldn’t I go?’ never seems to have an answer, so I go. I’ve seen David Bazan an embarrassing number of times in his various bands and solo, including once less than a week ago and I’ll probably see him again at the Bottom of the Hill next month. The Mates of State always put on a good show and they tour(ed) a lot so I’ve seen them eight times now. That’s just a little absurd. I’m no Mates-of-State-head or Bazanhead, just a slightly obsessive fan.

But local bands play here, in general, a lot. I could see some bands every two weeks if I wanted, it seems. If I follow in the footsteps of my previous obsessiveness, I could easily amass a few dozen shows by a single band in a couple years. Could the music possibly have any meaning at that point?

The results so far: I’ve seen John Vanderslice seven times (not counting two guest appearances with the Mountain Goats or one with Ben Gibbard) in the last three years; I’ve seen the Light Footwork four times since December. The number of shows of Mark Kozelek, the Dodos, the Finches and others are sure to rise as well.

I’ve heard that there’s something called “moderation.” Perhaps I should investigate this strange concept.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, May 22nd, 2007 at 1:49 pm Posted by adrian in SF bay area, live review. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.