Fucked Up

2009-11-05

USA - Brooklyn, NY
Brooklyn Masonic Temple

Version: Audix 1280c micro capsules>Church Active Cables>SPSB-10>R-09HR

Son the Father (with Andrew WK on keyboards)
Magic Word
Golden Seal
Crooked Head
No Epiphany (w/ Vivian Girls)
Black Albino Bones
Crusades
Royal Swan (with Kate Stelmanis)
Twice Born
Peaceable Kingdom
Looking for God
The Chemistry of Common Life

Encore:
Day Becomes To Night(?) (cover)
?
Louie, Louie (with Andrew WK and Vivian Girls)

Length: 79:00 min
Source: FLAC
Sourcenotes: Equipment: Audix 1280c micro capsules>Church Active Cables>SPSB-10>R-09HR (24/48)
Position: FOB, center, about 3/4 back from stage, stealth
Mastering: WAV>Audacity (tracking, downsample, amplify each channel
Recording Type: Audience
File Size: 438mb

Taper: ACIDJACK

This was easily one of the most intense and rewarding shows I have seen. NYC promoter ToddP rarely puts on a bad show, and this night hosted by Toronto's Fucked Up was no exception. Huge frontman Damian Abraham spared nothing in a performance that at various times saw stage-diving audience members jump on his back, drive their skulls into his belly, grab his head, and yank him into the audience. At times it seemed half the crowd was sharing the stage, singing into the mic, hitting the drums, or high-fiving the various on-stage guests, which at various times included resident NYC party maven Andrew W.K. and the Vivian Girls. Abraham brings a true sense of community to his performances - several stage divers hugged him before hurling themselves head-over-heels back into the crowd - which makes the performance something more akin to a night of being with Fucked Up than simply watching them play. What I found most engaging about this band was that although Abraham's antics were straight out of the punk ethos (and also a touch reminiscent of Les Savy Fav), backing him is a big (5 other members) band that shows real musicianship.

The schtick for this show was that it was to be a full run-through of the band's excellent album, "The Chemistry of Common Life." The band didn't quite stick to that, but they did play 80 minutes worth of songs, ending with a hilarious ensemble performance of "Louie, Louie" with all the lights on that ended with Abraham in the audience again, high-fiving and hugging everyone in sight. Fuck the New York Yankees. This was the can't-miss event in this city this week. DO NOT MISS this band if they come to your city. Seriously.

I recorded this show with my new Audix 1280c cardiod capsules, which did an amazing job of cutting through the very, very boomy and muddy room. This actually sounds better recorded than it did live - though sadly for the listener, the experience can't be replicated in ones and zeros. Also, slight apology for my occasional coughing during the show. Have had a cold for about a week that I can't shake. I tried to keep it only to during songs.