For me, an American Analog Set show is like taking some kind of serious drug... it's a yearly fix that I just physically kinda crave. Every time I've seen 'em, at some point during the set, I can recall the exact moment where I first lose myself... when I get caught up in a repetitive instrumental moment, and I realize that my eyes have been closed for some unknown amount of time. I end up feeling like I'm the only person in the room, letting the layered build wash over me. It's tough to describe, but coming out of it feels a bit like you just woke up with your high school head on your desk, surrounded by the rest of your class staring, as you wonder for a second where the hell you are.

During last Wednesday's show at TTs in Cambridge, that moment came earlier than ever, during their very first song. Even though 'Fuck This... I'm Leaving' is the final track on what may be their last record, they used it to ease us into their set, and it was perfect. What followed was one of the best AmAnSet shows I've seen, with a setlist that wasn't the standard new-album-heavy, but instead pulled from throughout their 10-year discography. The earliest was 'Don't Wake Me', which closes their 1997 second album, and other appreciated surprises included both 'Weather Report' and 'New Drifters II' from their third disc. A lot of people see these first three albums as the band's 'first phase', and since it was during that period that I fell in love with the band, I hold those songs dearest. That said, I think their latest album, 'Set Free', is easily the best of the so-called second phase, and wouldn't have minded a bunch more from it... well, maybe not at the expense of the older stuff. Knowing it was likely the last time I'd see these five guys together on stage, I'd have stayed far into the morning for more.

As it was, I felt more than lucky that we got an encore, something I'd never seen or heard of them doing before, but that they're kindly acquiescing to this final time around. To have their last Boston show end on a song I bashfully requested... well, I'll just say that it meant a hell of a lot. I wrote about that earlier here.

And here's the whole magical set...


And as I share this up, I'll humbly ask a small favor: They're selling a tour-only vinyl EP, which I fully planned on getting at the show... and had I known they were only rationing 10 per night, I'd have gone straight to the merch table. But recording the set and taking photos while holding a 12 inch platter wasn't gonna work... so I waited. And lost out. So if anyone bought two, or ends up going to one of the remaining shows on the tour, could you maybe hook me up? Naturally I'll pay for it and any shipping costs, and I'll throw in a cd burn of this set for good measure. Plus, there's the undying gratitude. Priceless. For a guy that owns nearly everything they've released, missing out on that is fairly painful.

For some excellent photos from the show, and even a video clip of 'Cool Kids Keep', head over to Sid's Too Much Rock site. And if you beg him, he might even put up one of the two other videos he recorded. Also, don't forget to check the recordings section of the AmAnSet site every week, as they've been sharing all the demos from the new album. Oh, and for some very cool AAS posters, head over here. I just ordered one of the 'hearts' print for my wall, and there are lots of other very spiffy designs for other fine bands available, too.

Towards the end of the set above, you'll hear Andrew Kenny thank the Boston crowd for their support, not just for that night, but for treating them so well over the years. And to that I say: No, sir... thank you.

Labels: livemp3s

posted by brad at 7:00 AM | direct link | rss (1:2) | |