Interesting Evolution

Big Package. Little Box.

What in the world do people do in New York - and hasn't anyone been reading the news? I thought the world was coming apart at the seems. Apparently the folks at The Box in Manhattans lower east side didn't get the memo.

In fact, at a recent birthday party on a tuesday night, I was surprised to find the place empty at 11pm. Damn, I thought - this place must be on the decline (its actually been open for several years now). After a quick tour provided by my friend..... Interlude - the Box is a converted sign factory and is one the cooler spaces I have been to in NYC.... We sat down to have a drink and await the show - yes there's a show.... And it doesn't start until 1am. 1 am?????? And when it does begin, hold on..... Now I am no expert in burlesque, but it was plenty fun, oversexed and got the crowd to its feet. By the end of the night, folks were hanging from the rafters....

And what a crowd - models, actors, punks, suits.... Typically NY.... And, damn crowded too!! Did I mention there was a a line to get in still at 2:30....

Anyway. The fun ended at about 4 and continued to deteriorate when my alarm went off at 8 (had to sleep in...)...

But overall - what a night.... Happy birthday Eyeballs!

The trailer you won't see on TV

Two of my favorite past times - Star Wars and Porn.....

A bit of a Beck handed compliment.....

Last nights concert at the United Palace Theater (which is an amazing venue, visually), was a little disappointing. Despite arriving late and missing the opening act MGMT, I held out hope that the evenings entertainment would more than makeup for my tardiness.... Needless to say, it didn't.

While Beck was ok, and the band looked the part, the overall sound was not good. You couldn't make out the vocals, feedback was a bit of an issue and overall, everything sounded mudled. While I don't blame beck (I blame the sound guy), I was a little suprised he didn't care more about the overall performance - especially when everyone paid $50+ a ticket.

As for how engaged he was with the crowd, this too was disapointing..... At a few moments it felt it might break out from the duldroms, but it never did. The encore was barely an encore. Goodbye, hello, goodbye.... That about sums it up.

The highlight of the night were the three songs of the Sea Change album - perhaps the venue accomodates a more stripped down sound better.... But for whatever reason, these seemed to highligh his ability to shine as a solo artist, free from all the gimmicky electronics and indie back-up band....

I realize he's probably tyring to just fulfill his recording contracts and obligations - but it felt a little like showing up to work rather then the original and passionate artist Beck is known to be....

Thank you to BrooklynVegan for providing the full set list.

Loser
Nausea
Girl
Timebomb
Minus
Soul of a Man
Mixed Bizness
Nicotine & Gravy
Que Onda Guero
Hell Yes
Black Tambourine
Devils Haircut
Think I'm in Love
Modern Guilt
Orphans
Walls
Missing
Chemtrails
Golden Age
Lost Cause
Lonesome Whistle
Where It's At

Encore:
Gamma Ray
Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat
E-Pro