Set List: Of The Girl, Corduroy, Whipping, Grievance, Animal, Gods' Dice, Nothing As It Seems, Given To Fly, Wishlist, Pilate, Last Kiss, Do The Evolution, MFC, (Improv)/Habit, Light Years, Better Man, Even Flow, Porch;
1st encore: Off He Goes, Breakerfall, State of Love and Trust, I Got Shit, Small Town, Leaving Here;
2nd encore: Fuckin' Up, Yellow Ledbetter

Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!!!

I just cannot say thank you to the Ten Club, PJ and the people I met over the past few days. I've just had such a fantastic experience!

I love to travel. I mean people like to travel, I love it!!! I get excited making reservations, checking online for things to do, shows that may be in town while I'm there, etc. Less than 2 weeks ago, my friend backed out. I was about to go it alone (which is how I prefer to travel anyway) when I ran into an old friend who asked if he could join me and I agreed. So we were off and driving north from Rhode Island starting at 3AM on Tues morning.

We had a great time exploring the city and meeting some wonderful people, but little would prepare me for the surprise in store. On Weds, I picked up my ten club tix...FRONT ROW!!! I have literally been to hundreds of shows, but never been officially in the first row (Sleater Kinney, Sonic Youth, Ben Harper last week at the Northampton Fairgrounds yes, but not at a venue with actual seats and security).

Photography, music and travel. These make my heart beat. My heart was beating double time by the time the show started.

Supergrass did a fine job. They had a great beat and the sound was right on. Unfortunately for me, I was still getting accustomed to the idea that I was in the front row. As I had walked in and been waved ahead at every security check point, I waited for someone to stop my movement to the front. Even as I sat in my chair getting a wristband so I could stand up front, I was pretty sure suddenly someone would realize a horrible mistake had been made and send me to the back.

I was right in front of Stone for the show. He was really upset about his equipment not working. He wasn't swearing or anything like that, just clearly frustrated. Later Ed said something about how Stone was the one who had really wanted to be there that night. Stone did get into the show as the night progressed. I don't think he ever really got over it, but at least he started to smile.

Ed laughed a lot. I think he laughed a lot at Stone. It's an odd sensation being this close. You're certain that they can't see you, how could they with the lights in their faces? Sweat pouring from their brows? But you would swear that they were looking right at you. Feeding off your excitement. Knowing how special this one night is. How could they know? Why would they care? There's someone in another town who is going to be standing right where I am tomorrow, the next night and the one after that. Still, it's nicer to believe it's all for you so I suppose I will resign myself to that idea.

Matt just blasted the drums all night. He was in particularly good spirits that night, the man never stopped. When Ed came out to shoot off some Polaroid's he jumped up and started making faces.

After the first few songs the guys seemed to start to get their proverbial shit together. I really liked Animal. Off the top of my head, I think it is the first time I have seen Pilate or Leaving Here. I was able to get over to the other side of the stage for a few songs too. Mike seemed to be enjoying himself. He was making faces and joking around with the people there. Very relaxed and comfortable.

Jeff kinda made me sad. I saw him at a Three Fish show in Boston last year. After an incredibly moving show I was heading to a pub up the road. There was some commotion near the buses across the street. I went with my friend to see what was going on and there were a bunch of people crowded around him. He was real nice and signed things for them, but I watched them pushing and shoving and calling his name. My friend got pretty mad because I wouldn't go over and say hi. Maybe I saw things differently than what was going on, but I just sensed this sadness about him then. I saw it again on Weds night. Has he always stayed so far back? I'd like to tell myself that he's just into the music, just concentrating on jamming, but I don't really believe it. I can only hope that it's like that night in Boston, maybe I'm seeing things differently than what is really going on.

All in all an excellent show. Some people had talked about what they wanted to hear that night and I didn't really have a "wishlist." I didn't need one. I just enjoyed watching the show, listening to the response of the crowd and feeling the music. I will say I was pleased they didn't play a lot off Ten, and particular favorites moments were during NAIS, Light Years, Habit and Leaving Here.

After the show I went for a few drinks and had 3 different people approach me. They said they had seen me in my hat and overalls from their own seats and wished they were me. As a rule I would suggest people rethink that desire, but on Weds night I can't think of anywhere else I would have wanted to be.

Wow, I just went back and realized how long this is. Well, they're my memories and there are a LOT of good ones so how could it be short!

Thanks again for your kindness, the music and the great seats!!!

TEN CLUB ROCKS!!!!
Kris
noel1223@aol.com