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shiny objects

Saturday, October 01, 2005


Last night, I saw Umphrey's McGee for the first time. By and large, I don't enjoy jam bands that much - at least, not nearly as much as repetative, sternum-rupturing, hyper-melodic electronica. But Umphrey's is something really special, something entirely out of this world. It was the best show I've ever been to at the pagent.

My friends and I hung out in the pit, right up against the stage, blinded by stage-lights and deafened by the stacks (earplugs are a must). The band played two beautiful, rollicking, continuous sets of what I can only describe as live techno. Alan told me that most of Umphrey's McGee's music is notated. The band has a score for every song! That explains their symphonic vibe, I guess. Beautiful stuff, prime organization, intense harmonics and rhythms. I would go to another show in a hot second.

And everybody was dancing, dancing, swaying into each other, completely focused on the power of sound. We raised our arms together. We laughed and screamed. The band crushed our shyness between their fingertips. I will not soon forget their passion, their facial expressions. I've never had so much fun at a show. Goddamn.

Gentle readers, if you ever get the chance, you MUST see Umphrey's McGee.


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