REM absolutely roared during their long set at the Mann Music Center on Wednesday night! I'd never seen them before (not sure how that happened), so when the tour began I told my wife we must must must see them. So I bought the tix,,, we figured out a babysitting plan, etc, and were all set. As events transpired however, it turned into just me going and then contacting an old college friend to join me. So we drove down in the rain, praying it would end, as the Mann is an outdoor venue, and our seats were on the Terrace, not under cover. And, lo, as we arrived, the clouds departed and the sun spread out through suddenly blue skies. The National was playing as we found our seats, and they were good, though I am not a big fan. Modest Mouse rocked it, and I dug the guitars. Mr. Marr is quite skilled, after all. I still owe thanks to one of my former students who recommended them to me (after I had to address some mischief he found himself in...) The bill was an inspired mix all in all.
Check out the pic of the city, glowing in the sunset: 
1. These Days
Other pics are here
A few things struck me as we enjoyed the show:
1. what's the right thing to wear to a concert when you're 45? I chose loose khakis and some layers. It got cool dammit!
2. Ray and I might have been the median age for the audience--- there were equal numbers of teenagers/college age kids and then folks our age. Many parent and teenage combos too. Alas, Cooper at 15 months is likely still too young for a concert that goes to midnight.
3. Michael Stipe has written a lotta songs about LIFE in big capital letters. Life and how to live it type songs...
4. Life and How to Live It: we followed out some teens who enjoyed the show. The boy told the girl, "yeah, its some obscure 80s album." I felt old.
5. I really truly don't get the whole texting thing. The three teens in front of us spent more time looking at their phones and sending messages than they did experiencing the moment. What's up with that? It's why I don't take pictures at such events. I was too busy dancing in the aisle.
6. It's most excellent to hang with an old friend who knows you and knew you when.
Bonus aspects: Eddie Vedder joined the band for "Begin the Begin" and when not singing, danced around very giddily (and non-rhthymically, it must be said). Then Johnny Marr joined the band for Man on the Moon and another song,, I forget what it was.
Highlights: Living Well is the Best Revenge, Ignoreland (he had to explain the hostages and the 80s), Electrolite (damn that is an excellent song), Life and How To Live It, and I'm Gonna DJ)
Set list (from http://remurmur.blogspot.com/2008/06/rem-concert-set-list-philadelphia.html )
2. Living Well Is the Best Revenge
3. What's the Frequency, Kenneth?
4. Wolves, Lower
5. Man-Sized Wreath
6. Turn You Inside-Out
7. Imitation Of Life
8. Staring Down The Barrel
9. Ignoreland
10. Bad Day
11. Hollow Man
12. The Great Beyond
13. Houston
14. Electrolite
15. Walk Unafraid
16. The One I Love
17. Find The River
18. Let Me In
19. Departure
20. Life And How To Live It
21. Orange Crush
22. I'm Gonna DJ
23. Supernatural Superserious
24. Losing My Religion
25. Begin The Begin (w/ Eddie Vedder)
26. Fall On Me (w/ Johnny Marr)
27. Man On The Moon (w/ Johnny Marr)
My Trusted MOGs
Awesome... thrilled you had such a grand time !!!
My Trusted MOGs
I dont think there has been a project Johnny Marr has been apart of that I did not like alot. Electronic is still my favorite, but then again I am a big new order fan. Kids and their cell phones, just another sign of the apocalypse
My Trusted MOGs
Seriously, don't kids know that texting is to be saved for when your supposed to do work? I'm kinda over the whole cell phone at concert thing, but I do like having clips to post when writing about a concert, though I wish the bands would just release them. What concert was this? Quite a bill!
I remember my Mann days fondly. I get to play the cool uncle card and take my neice to Modest mouse on Monday.
There's nothing like teenagers arogant ignorance to make you feel old!
My Trusted MOGs
Sounds like a party....Really nice to see "Wolves, Lower" on the set list. I still have a soft spot for "Chronic Town." In many ways, I'm not sure they've ever bettered it....
My Trusted MOGs
wow. sounds like a blast.
My Trusted MOGs
"What's The Frequency Kenneth" - wooo. That one's my favorite of theirs! Glad it was a good night.