While most of NYC’s card-carrying hipsters spent the day of 7s watching (or waiting in line to see) lots of drummers bang to the direction of the Boredoms (post soon, promise), southern Cali’s big indie draw came via the Andrew Bird/Band Of Horses/the Decemberists show with the 106-piece LA Philharmonic (Band Of Horses and Andrew Bird opening) at the Hollywood Bowl. None of us could be there, but reader Surafel took in the night’s symphonic sounds and was good enough to fill us in:
I don’t know if you’ve mentioned it before, but The Decemberists were playing with the LA Phil yesterday at the Hollywood Bowl. With Band of Horses and Andrew Bird (who is spectacularly awesome) opening up for them, it was a good night. Their music meshed so well with the orchestra; it felt richer, fuller, and, as corny as it sounds, more powerful. When the orchestra took a break, I was anxious for their return because it sounded so beautiful (especially given the acoustics and setting of the Hollywood Bowl). I was disappointed that they didn’t sing “Mariner’s Revenge” (complete with the giant whale). But overall, good times.
Sounds classy! A fair spread of YouTubes live here, and the full setlist awaits you after the jump.
SETLIST (via Amateur Chemist)
“The Crane Wife 1 & 2″
The Infanta”
“We Both Go Down Together”
“Bagman’s Gambit”
“Odalisque”
“The Perfect Crime #2″
“Los Angeles, I’m Yours”
“Tain (Parts i, ii, iii, iv, v)”
“O Valencia!”
“I Was Meant For The Stage”
“Chimbley Sweep”
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It was a good show. The last half of the set didn’t really live up to the first half, however it was worth the price of admission. The encore of “Chimbley Sweep” was pretty impressive though.
i really hope andrew bird opens when they play with the grant park orchestra on the 18th.
It was a great show, but I was really bummed when they didn’t play Mariner’s Revenge.
Andrew Bird was ridiculously amazing. He’s now a must-see for me on any of his future trips through L.A..
I compiled a Playlist out of the videos so you can watch them back to back and (as much as possible) in order:
http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=20BD222F165755D5
Anyone know who scored the music for the orchestra?
I did an interview for my blog with the woman who has put together the indie band/L.A. Phil shows over the past couple of years, also has quotes from the guy who scored the music … to answer Jason’s question. Here’s the link:
http://babyheisman.blogspot.com/2007/05/mastermind-of-hollywood-bowl.html
more pix and videos at: http://www.kevchino.com/article/decemberists-hollywood-bowl-photos-7-07-07/517
Any plans for a Decemberists plus orchestra show on the east coast?
Jonsnow:
Yes, there is one this Friday in Atlanta, Saturday in Maryland, and Sunday in Philadelphia.
Wow, we’ve reached a point in pop music where a more moving performance is corny. Yet Dan decon is a hero cause he can tape an ipod to a banana.
The show was amazing, especially the new orchestra of The Tain. Even better–the bands tour manager gave us tickets to the boxes in the front section half way through the show saving us from the nose bleeds.
Decemberists + Grizzly Bear + Land of Talk – Orchestra
= Can’t wait until Monday @ Central Park Summerstage.
Huzzah! Maryland got Mariner’s Revenge as an encore, albeit no puppetry. Helluva show, if a bit short. The Tain was un-friggin-believable. Would have liked to see The Island as well though. Still…wow.
oo jealous you got the mariners revenge