Let me begin by saying that asking me to objectively review a Kings of Leon concert is like asking Sarah Sweet-Tooth to objectively review a Pixy Stick. With that said, however, they did rock the absolute pollen out of New York’s Roseland Ballroom last night.
If you’re not too familiar with the Kings, I like to consider them The Best Band You May Have Heard Of. I urge you to go, dare I say it, buy a CD. I’m partial to their second album Aha Shake Heartbreak, but their newest one, the polished Because of The Times, may have more pop appeal and is extremely solid.
The long and short of it that the four Followills, three brothers and a cousin who comprise the band, know how to put on a ducking rock show. No tedious monologues, no preaching, no pauses, no slow-it-down ballads, just a tight hour and ten minutes of howl-tastic rock and roll.
Opening up with, for my money, the best track off the new album,"Black Thumbnail," the Tennessee kids came out swinging and neverstopped for a clutch. Plowing through their new material, they playedpretty much every track off Because Of The Times (except,curiously, "Ragoo," which I think may have made for a catchier firstsingle then the one they went with, "On Call"). It was refreshing to hear so many in the crowd singing along with allthe new songs. The vibe of the concert was definitely of the die-hardvariety. These people weren’t here to be converted, they’d beenpracticing in the Church of Leon for some time now. Then again, singingalong at a Kings concert is akin to speaking in tongues, since no onereally knows what frontman Caleb is actually saying. Which is probablywhere your love for the band will end up hinging. Either you appreciatethe ambiguity of their lyrical wails, or you just don’t get it. Inwhich case, your loss; go listen to some profound emo.
The Kings rounded out the concert by mixing in their most popular tracks from Aha Shake like "The Bucket," "Four Kicks," and "King of The Rodeo," as well as some killer songs I had nearly forgotten from their first album, Youth and Young Manhood, like "Molly’s Chambers"and "California Waitin’." The highlight may have been their ode todrunken impotence, "Soft," which had everyone in the crowd jumping andshaking like drunken impotents.
At one point between songs, Caleb took the time to thank the crowd,announcing, "We didn’t remember New York crowds being this good." Towhich everyone in the sold-out crowd, who had obviously listened to thealbums and probably seen the Kings in one of their high-profile gigsopening for U2 or Bob Dylan, or sandwiched somewhere midday in a packedfestival slate, roared back, seeming to say, "Don’t worry. Weremembered you."
Comments (1-18) of 18 Add your comment
I cannot wait to see these guys at Lollapalooza.
I took a leap of faith and bought your recommendation “Aha Shake Heartbreak”.
I’ll bill ya the $10 if it doesn’t work out for me…..
Will be seein them in a week at Bonnaroo!!!!!
Best Band Around.
They rock, love their music. It makes me want to get drunk and rowdy!
KOL are the BEST band around. Period.
I saw these guys in concert shortly after the release of their first album. They were awesome then, and since the albums have only gotten better I would love to see them again now!
Either it’s a slow day in entertainment or the cool writers are all on vacation but whatever it is – today’s blogs suck!
Those high-profile gigs (like opening for U2) are nothing compared to the shows smaller venues where KOL are the headliners. That vibe is like southern Baptist tent revival on speed. Seeing this band at one of these shows is a revelation.
I don’t get it, how did you lose your socks?
Ohhhh… They rocked them off. Doh!
“The Best Band You May Have Heard Of”? If you would only scroll down just a little bit further on the Popwatch page you’ll find the real “Best Band You May Have Heard Of”. Be careful though, this band will steal you basketball if you mess with their downtime.
I saw them for the first time when they opened up for U2 and have loved them over since. Whether you understand what they are saying or not, “Holy Roller Novocaine” is one of the sexiest songs in existence.
Chris: Please don’t drive if you do. Stay home with your girl and a bag of popcorn.
I agree that KOL are absolutely amazing and rocking. Just saw them at Lollapalooza and Bonnaroo:-) P.S. You spelled “than” incorrectly:/
(“…catchier first single then the one they went with…”)
One of the most underrated bands in our time. It has been at least 10 years since a band has produced one good album after another
I admire your taste in music, as I truly believe the Kings of Leon are the best band around right now, but “than” is the correct spelling in that sentence. Maybe less time listening to music and more time hitting the books.
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