The Night of the Cookers

So, I went to sensation last year and it was absolutely phenomenal. The crowd was great, ambiance, light show, stage set up, and everything was amazing. This year, I was not impressed at all. The crowd on the floor had no energy. They closed floor access way too early. I was also not intrigued by the stage like I was last year. Last year there was more than one coat check. This year there was only one area for coat check and I was very dissatisfied with it. It was very unorganized. Also, I left the show a good hour before the show ended so I can take my coat back to my seat to catch the rest of the show. I got my coat and they were forcing people to leave the arena straight from getting their coats. I was furious because I was going to miss the end of the show. Also, I went to coat check without my friends and phone was dead, so I did not want to leave them wondering where I was. The whole thing was just a mess. I heard a lot of complaints. They also made my friend turn her dress inside out. Her dress was all white with SOME light silver leopard spots on it. MEANWHILE, I saw guys getting in wearing plaid shorts. Also saw one guy with brown kakhi shorts with a blue button down.. America, don't ruin this event like everything else.

I had a great time enjoying the Soul Rebels!!! Truly a night to remember "504"!!! A let your mind be free experience!

IT WAS AMAZING!! The concert was just one of the best ones I've ever attended. Aleks is a very humble musician with an outstanding band. Everything was perfect! I would go see him 100+ times!

If you didn't get to the show early enough to catch the opening artist, Alejandra Ribera, you missed the best part of the night! Catchy, memorable songs, and that voice. Amazing.

Start to finish nothing but energy great show hit every note interaction with the crowd start to finish I go to 8-10 rock shows a year and easily put filter right up there with any headliner as far as pure ability and energy.

Overall the festival was good cost $40 dollars for parking!! But the concert and vip area was nice. Thought the vip would include it's own meet and greet section. And not have 10 dollar donair and take my chair away I pay 350 bucks to have my chair taken away but the concert it's self was good all the band play performed and I would go again the good does out weight the bad.

This was the third time I've seen this wonderful band in the last 4 years, and they never disappoint (but read on). This concert, they celebrated the 20th anniversary of their "1977" album, so it was nice hearing tunes they hadn't performed in the previous shows I saw them at (both also in Brooklyn). They have a nice warm rapport with the audience; we 'get' them and they 'get' us. It's all great. My lone (but significant) disappointment: Each time I've seen them, as wonderful a bassist (and entertaining as always) as Mark Hamilton is, for whatever reason they always amp up his parts so loud that you literally can't hear Tim Wheeler's vocals much of the time. I gather that's intentional; not sure why. One possibility may be that each time I've seen them, I've stood right up front; perhaps Tim's vocals fly right over my ears? Not sure - would love to read other reviewers if they choose to respond to my one (I don't even want to use this word, but ...) complaint.

I am feeling awfully lucky to have caught this "future stadium-act" at such a small venue. The Mercury Lounge is such a cozy little spot, and the drink prices are reasonable for NYC. The opening act, Big Scary, from Australia were a pleasant surprise. A two-piece band, walking "the songlines" in the footsteps of The White Stripes, Big Scary displayed tons of versatility in their stylings, an eclectic mix of guitar, synth, and aggressive drumming. I enjoyed their set more than I originally expected, as they built up to a nice crescendo. Then the lights went down, "London Calling" blasted over the loud speakers and you could feel the crowd buzzing with anticipation. TRIBES band members: Johnny Lloyd (Lead Vocals, Guitar), Jim Cratchley (Bassist, Backing Vocals), Dan White ( Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals), and Miguel Demelo (Drums) jumped on stage and immediately wen full force into their set. Dan and Johnny sincerely professed their love for New York and the crowd responded, mirroring their enthusiasm. They thanked the audience for their support many times during the show, even pointing out some faces they recognized from their previous show. After the show, the fellas from TRIBES, joined the crowd at the bar. I had a chance to meet and talk with Johnny, Dan and Miguel. They were all so gracious, humble, and friendly. They each thanked me for coming and supporting and seemed genuinely interested in who I was as well. I got a chance to tell them personally, that I think they are going to BLOW UP stateside and they were extremely modest in their retort, seemingly doubtful. I even got to take pics with Johnny and Dan. They also told me that they would be BACK in NYC in JUNE, likely at the BOWERY BALLROOM. I told them they could count on me being there, AND YOU SHOULD BE TOO ! Trust me when I say TRIBES WILL BE HUGE! and SOON ! (I am never wrong about these things) Having recently signed with Island Records (who incidentally sign all of my favorite bands), and hitting #10 on the UK charts (why are those brits always way ahead of american listeners?) . I expect a meteoric rise similar to Kings of Leon.

Their performance was better than expected. Their sound was engaing. Their contenet was deep. And they rocked!!!

I've been a Stranglers fan since 1977, and have peripherally followed Hugh since he split from the group back in 1990. While his solo stuff is extremely respectable - akin to John Mellencamp or "better" - it is The Stranglers which gets my blood flowing. Hugh did a great job of mixing his own stuff (Hooverdam is an excellent album) with his Stranglers stuff. There were two "acts" - the first act was Hugh's solo stuff interspersed with Stranglers. The second act was Rattus Norvegicus (the "Peaches" album) in its entirety. Sometimes, Hanging Around, Get a Grip, Ugly... he performed every song with absolute high energy, and his band was absolutely rock solid, if not exceptional. (The drummer was from Blondie). GREAT night of live music with an old friend. Highly recommend it if you have even the slightest interest.