brooklynvegan: Destroyer played Avalon in NYC

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Posted in music on March 29, 2006

Destroyer played Avalon in NYC

DESTROYER @ AVALON, NYC | MARCH 28, 2006 (from Jen's Flickr)

There were so many shows to choose from last night. It was a tough decision, but New York Dolls' CBGB show was where I ended up. That means I missed Destroyer's show at Avalon (where I saw New York Dolls a month ago).

I saw Destroyer when he played Mercury Lounge in May 2004. Frog Eyes opened and then morphed in to Dan Destroyer's backing band. I vaguely remember thinking I'd stick to Destroyer on record from then on.

Destroyer came back to NYC at least once since then - to open for the band that also employs him (two nights in a row at Webster Hall). I didn't even think twice about missing him then, but, like many others, the new record renewed my interest in his live show. In fact, I'll make a serious effort to catch him next time he comes through NYC - I'm assuming that will be as a headliner. (This time the headliner was Magnolia Electric Co.).

SixEyes saw the Toronto show. Check his site for a review and tons of MP3s.

Previously
Thunder Cloud NOW Swan Lake

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Posted on March 29, 2006 2:05 PM

Comments (9)

I opted for Stellastarr* and Editors at Warsaw. The vibe was great, not too full, lots of people chowing on pieorgies and kielbasa. I was suprised that Stellastarr played prior to Editors, and a lot of other people were too. They sounded great, a nice mixed bag of songs from both records, but I didn't hear anything new (I could be wrong). The lights were amazing: they backlit the band, leaving mostly silhouettes. Sound was crystal clear, but the crowd was largely sedated. Lead vocalist missed a couple of high notes, probably because they've been taking it hard the last 2 nights at Bowery. Editors came on and played an inspired set, but I wasn't as impressed as I was at Rothko. They were incredibly tight, but I just felt that when the songs could have and should have really exploded, they didn't. It was a tough chore to try to top Stellastarr's set, and Editors couldn't live up to it. A good set, but I'm still confused as to why Stellastarr didn't close this show.

Posted by Nineteen-ninety-never | March 29, 2006 2:25 PM

yeah, dan bejar tends to disappoint live, but last nights show was a winner. his new band was the difference - the new material sounded great and some nice re-arrangements on older songs. detroyer was more of a co-headliner than an opening act - they played a full hour plus encore...

Posted by Dave | March 29, 2006 2:40 PM

Did anyone see MECo. last night? I decide to go to the Magic Numbers instead and I kind of wish I had gone to see Magnolia instead. They are always really good live.

Posted by danfun | March 29, 2006 2:44 PM

Both destroyer and magnolia had great sets last nite. I agree, bejar's band sounded terrific, particularly his guitarist and keyboardist. and magnolia really brought it. their cover of "werewolves of london" was fantastic.

Posted by Marty | March 29, 2006 2:55 PM

Veeg, you missed an incredible show last night. Sometimes Dan's really bad, and sometimes Dan's really good. Last night, he was really good.

Posted by catbirdseat | March 29, 2006 3:02 PM

The fact that you found Frog Eyes/Destroyer to be a less than trascendent experience means you shouldn't be allowed to see Destroyer again.

Posted by Steve | March 29, 2006 3:07 PM

i figured destroyer wouldnt translate well live. as for magnolia, i used to be a huge fan but seeing them at knitting last year really ruined it for me. they are such a fake neil young cover band in my opinion. its okay, but man does he need to move in a new direction.

Posted by sam | March 29, 2006 3:13 PM

Man! I actually sat down to listen to Destroyer today only to discover the show was yesterday. What a shame! Next time, for sure.

Posted by camille remarkable | March 29, 2006 3:21 PM

both magnolia and destroyer had great sets...i have some pics here: http://indie-licious.blog.com/

Posted by indie-licious | April 1, 2006 2:08 AM