here's some notes on last night's show in New York City...

the band went on promptly at 9pm, and launched into a couple of new songs. most of you have probably seen them from the Pitchfork links, but they're very guitar driven. it was pretty clear from the first that Jarvis was in a very good mood. loads of chatter. long intros. lots of fun. he climbed the monitors multiple times, etc. the new songs seemed to be a tighter overall collection than the 2006 bunch. Girls Like It Too was still the high water mark, but I Want To Be Your Lover seemed like one the catchiest first listens i've ever had (of course i was drinking.) the crowd was a bit mild. there was an awful opening act that actually sucked the life out of the entire block, so it took some time to recover. i did notice that Jarvis' voice seems to be getting a lot stronger. there wasn't very much pulling the mic away on the high and the long notes. he's brought back the heavy breathing and the high squeals (usually the first things to go when the voice is getting thin.) the encore was Cunts and Face It. very good. they played for an hour, forty-five. with vitually no breaks between the sets.

after the show there was a line to get things signed, so i stood around while the tour manager took items backstage and returned them with Jarvis' initials. i went over and talked to Steve while people were waiting around and he was friendly enough. i asked where they were djing afterwards and he said he'd get the address and come back. he didn't. the cynic in me tells me that he was never coming back, but i'd like to believe he's still looking for me with a piece of paper with directions...