Monsters of Folk

A gorgeous venue and a gorgeous show. The lighting was also spectacular. However, it was dissapointing that photographs were not permitted.

The show was absolutely amazing. I wasn't sure what to expect from their performance with them only having one album, but how they worked it out was incredible. Having Bright Eyes, My Morning Jacket, and M. Ward songs in between the Monsters of Folk set was fantastic. The crowd went nuts for each individual member. M. Ward's solo performance stole the show. Honestly not a person in there was dissatisfied by that performance. Everyone was dancing, cheering, singing along and just enjoying an incredible time watching them have such a fun time on stage. I really enjoyed this show and can say that it was one of the best shows I've ever been too. I had goosebumps the entire time and really enjoyed myself. I mean, come on, who plays for three straight hours?! Definitely recommended, hope they play again soon.

What an incredible show! I have seen Bright Eyes before, and have listened to plenty of My Morning Jacket, but I didn't really know what I was in for with this lineup. The amount of talent on that stage was phenomenal. And compared to what some other acts charge for tickets, this show was an absolute bargain. From start to finish, they just entertained, plain and simple. I hope this project continues to exist apart from all their respective solo projects/bands.

So great to see the exchange of such talent. It flowed through new and old and was amazed at how the new songs played live. Thank you monsters for folking up LA.

Awesome Show! These guys are incredible. They played for 3 hours!!

This was such an incredible concert experience. Conor, Jim, Mike and M-Ward are powerhouses on their own, but together they took music to new heights. I LOVED every single minute of this concert. The venue, lighting (amazing) and the tightness of the show was so incredible. Jim James sings like an angle, M-Ward pays guitar like no one else (not to mention his fabulous voice) and Conor is just brilliant. The lyrics, pace of the show, jam sessions and cohesiveness of the concert made last night one of my favorite concert experiences EVER! Listen to Monsters of Folk! You will not be disappointed.

Way more than just the album it's an experience through all the musicians' music. And they are really, really good, as you might already know.

Unbelievable show! these are some of the most talented musicians out there today. Each amazing in their own right, but when they share the stage something special happens. They all played many of their own songs and many from the Monsters of Folk album. Almost 3hrs of amazing live music!

Loved it.. but we really wanted to hear more Bright Eyes!!!!!! Will Conor ever have a concert of his old stuff? For those of us who stumbled upon him after the Bright Eyes albums were released... we feel we have missed out and would do anything to be able to see him perform those songs in concert! Also, we have hung around concerts late just to be able to meet him and tell him how much his music has influence our lives, but we NEVER get the chance? Any ideas ? Thanks...Stacie

It's that feeling of being little and opening a present at Christmas that somehow is exactly what you were hoping for.

In brief, I have been to over 100 concerts, from a wide variety of artists and festivals, and this was easily one of the top ten sets I've experienced. The talented artists played songs from their recent Monsters of Folk album, as well as multiple selections from their respective solo or group catalogs, with varying layers of support and collaboration from the other members, and it was solid. This was a concert that by the fourth song, each of the three lead singers had taken a turn behind the keys as well as guitar or bass, and that revolving adaptability was used to great effect throughout the night. There was no opening act, they all dressed in tailored suits (as, really, every band should do at least once), and they played for a tight two and a quarter hours, with an additional half hour or so after a brief encore break. If you go to the Bridge School Benefit this coming weekend, this is the act to see, and if not, try to catch them if they come near your town! They far surpassed their self-aware/self-mocking title, and brought an energy that was surprising.

Really great! I can not believe the they played for about 2 1/2 hours.

They have a silly name (which was cheekily given to them by one of their roadies) but they actually live up to it. They put on an amazing show at the Fox theater in Oakland. Lovely, lush melodies with meaningful lyrics that can pierce your heart...I hope they continue to collaborate & create more beautiful music together. I would definitely see them again.

It was such an amazing experience!! Everything was executed to perfection, and it was within the perfect atmosphere!! The only downside was being scolded for taking a personal picture to capure the experience with my phone. I think it was too frivilous for the venue to deny us that much, but the band and the show itself, was absolutely AMAZING!!

As a huge fan of both jim james and M.Ward i did have high hopes for this show and i was not disappointed! They rocked like My Morning Jacket and were as elegant as M.Ward always is on his own. They each made the others songs more interesting and seemed to really enjoy each other on stage too. I have always found Coner and Bright Eyes a bit much but really liked him in this setting and he was certainly very handsome too! We had awesome seats in the Loge and everyone at the Fox made us feel like guests not inmates. I can't wait to go back for another show.

It was a great show. The played like 23 song. Several from each others bands. I would recommend every one near the to go and see them. They really rocked the house in Oakland. Even though they didn't sign autographs after the show. I waited for like 2 hours.

if you are a fan of all four musicians then you will be a fan of this show. they were all polished and sounded incredible! they switch instruments after each song so there wasn't much talking in between each, but it was a solid 3 hours of greatness for my ears. would recommend and see again, even w/ the price being so high. they didn't disappoint.

The Monsters of Folk lived up to their name and the Fox Theater was probably the perfect venue to see them - the production was half the fun. The amount of talent on the stage was phenomenal.

these guys are fantastic together stage set and lighting were superb sound quality in fox in oakland still lacking a bit, though

The theater is great and sets you up to appreciate something great.... and they delivered. Great songs, great playing, and full contact emotion from all the guys. One of my top 10 of all time. such talent and inventive collaboration.

Awesome show... The band made the songs from the album better live... The songs from the individual catalogs sounded like the others had been backing them for years!

Music so sublime, it will move u to tears!!! If MoF comes to your town....GO SEE THEM!!!!!!

This concert was certainly the longest I've ever seen. But I loved every minute of it and they could have kept right on going. I have been a long time huge fan of m. ward, and he was as amazing as ever. Incredible to see how much sound he can get out of a single instrument. Really enjoyed seeing him play with these other musicians who each have their own unique specialty and flavor. They all compliment each other so well. Being new to Oberst and James, I was glad to see a sample of their own stuff, but when they all came together - it was magic.

This show was awesome. So good. The way it transitioned from one artist to the next was great. Mike Mogis played with Conor, then Conor played with M. Ward. Then it was a few solo from Ward, who then played with Jim James. A few of Jim solo and then the whole band played some more from the album and then they played each others songs with a different singer taking lead. It was a great great show. I already was a Conor fan but I left this how a bigger M. Ward fan than I was before.

the show was entertaining to say the least. the band would often switch instruments, singers, and who was on the stage at one given time, which kept it lively. a very wide range of music was played as well, which kept you guessing what was going to happen next. the encore was awesome, you could feel the energy in the crowed as the band played "traveling song". most people started leaving their assigned seating and making their was to the front to dance and let lose. security was not too happy with this and tried to get the people to go back to their seats to watch they show, but the vast majority of the people just pretended that they never heard or even saw security and just watched the show completely ignoring them, which i thought to be hilarious. their were no fights. security didn't have to kick any one out, but it was quite humorous, after the show had the chance to meet mike and jim james. nice guys. felt really bad for the fact that there were a lot of those "awkward people" flocking about. over all, this show was awesome. can't wait for another experience.

5 phenomenal musicians playing beautifully with each other. no egos. very professional. a terrific show.

Amazingly well composed, these guys definitely don't just "go out and play some songs." They had each note and each break intricately organized to an art. It was amazing to watch four male vocalists who all had such good voices and abilities to harmonize. I was blown away.

The show was great. My only complaint: I wished they would have rocked out more. But even the slow songs were great.

They played materiel they wrote as an ensemble, as well as material written by each member, played in all sorts of combinations, and varied from solo guitar work to full-blown rocking. The talents of each member were highlighted and the synergy was unbelievable. For me, Jim James particularly made a difference with all his haunting falsetto vocals. If they were playing again tonight I'd go again, even though it's not a cheap ticket. Awesome show!

One of the best live performances I've ever seen. Conner, M. Ward and Jim were so in tune with each other, and Mike Mogis was impressive with his multi-instrumental skills. Absolutely amazing show.

Like 4 shows in one...

This was a future Hall of Fame performance. No opening band foreplay, just pure unadulterated music that was inspiring and spirited.

Disclaimer: I am a huge MMJ fan so I am a little biased but who cares? Also, I picked up M. Ward's Hold Time back in January and it hasn't left rotation in my car yet....The collaborative effort of these guys is a tremendous convergence of their musical genii. A moment before heading into the majestic Beacon Theater, I looked up their set list from the performance at the Greek only to be consumed with hope that this evening's show would provide me with the experience to hear my absolute favorite Yim Yames song live...."I will be there when you die." I was lucky enough! From opener to closer the show was non-stop A-game rock and folk. Whether playing all together on Monsters own or solos/duets of either Obersts', Ward, or Yames titles these guys know what they are doing - blowing everyone's minds. Mogis knows his way around the mandolin and even drummer/accompanist Will Johnson has a beautiful singing voice when it debuted about 3/4 of the way into the show. Even my companion for the evening, my cousin, whose current music scene and own band is of the screamo-death metal genre, was overwhelmed by the talent exhibited by the band. I am turning on everyone I know and meet to listening in! Keep on rockin' & folkin' guys!

The guys did well together, they were definitely rocking. The music was a lot more psychedelic than the album they just released. The voices both individually and in harmony were amazing. It was fun to see that particular assembly of singers. It seemed to be a fairly spontaneous performance. They were definitely having fun with the situation and with each other. The guitars were snazzy but the vocals dominated. I thought Jim James was just a little off his game. His voice was at times lovely but it was not consistently at the level at which he performed the Evil Urges concert. The guys were having fun with each other and with us. It was all good. Love them!!!

If you know their music, you know it's great, but these guys are amazing entertainers and the show lived up to and surpassed expectations. What a great time!!!

This was a great show. They really clicked and were having a great time on stage. The mix of songs was incredible

that's all there is to say. only downside was some inconsistent sound issues?

So well done in every way. Great intro.... then on to individual ballads.... big rock out finish.... 2 1/2 hours of fun!

The band was amazing and the venue lovely too. They played for about three hours which was a great surprise and never lost their energy or drive. I had a great time and really hope they tour again in the future.

These guys are amazing. Wish they would have dropped a few more MMJ tunes, but what incredible musicians.

Great show (even if Conor Oberst is in over his head as a songwriter and performer, compared with the other guys).

Amazing show, covering hits from their personal bands, going for almost 3 full hours and playing almost 40 songs. Great night. You can tell that the guys really enjoy playing with one another and, in some cases, playing each other's songs. I would see them again anytime.

I really enjoyed the monsters of folk show. They played for almost 3 hours!

It was such a great show! They played for over 2 hours and it was amazing from the first song to the last. Go see them if you can - it is worth it!

A three hour performance that never dragged. Amazing that such individual, talented performers never got in each others way.

Incredible Musicians! Incredible Venue! One of the best shows we have been to in a long time!

This was one of the best concerts/performances I have ever seen. The members are so musically diverse that the show went from rock/jam sessions to quiet almost haunting solos that took me on an emotional rollercoaster for almost 3 hours. No member tried to outstage the other and instead harmonized and played together as if they'e been playing as a united band forever. I cried when Conor sang, danced when M. Ward rocked it out, and watched in awe as Jim James' voice filled up the entire auditorium like and angel. Who was the drummer??? The whole group was amazing!!!! One note, we saw the show at United Palace Theater in NYC. They must have started on time because we got there about 30 minutes late and they were already performing...which made it hard to find our seats and I'm sure annoyed people who did get there on time. Was 1st time at this theater and I will definitely go back!

Epic 3 hour show! They each played their own songs in addition to MoF songs.

Exceeded my expectations and then some. It was really good.

They let it all hang out! M. Ward was my least favorite going in and I walked out thinking I had watched a guitar god play. Loved them all!

We literally just sat there saying, "This is so good" over and over. The people behind us were saying the same thing. Killer show. Going again tonight.

worst day of my life. i'd gotten some terrible news about my father's health that morning. it was really quite scary, literally an emotional rollercoaster. i didn't want to go to the show, i just couldn't get my head around going out & enjoying myself when we just had this awful reality hit us, sucker-punch style. but my dad made me promise that i'd go & joked saying, "i know i ruined your day, but i'm not about to ruin your night too. go. have fun at your concert. you are not welcome in my home tonight." cue long hot shower & many, many deep breaths. the venue itself is breathtaking. it's one of those old lowes theaters from the 1920's, very ornate - gold guilding with deep red carpets & curtains. lush. truly one of the most beautiful venues i've been to. we were seated in the 2nd row of the upper lodge, near enough dead center. fantastic seats! cue the music. there was no opening act, and really, there didn't need to be. we were all there for one reason and one reason only: monsters of folk (given the label of "super group" in some circles). this is a band of masters, not monsters. james, oberst & m. ward took turns on lead vocals and all of them played multiple instruments, just like they did on the record. and they broke it down with some solo & duet performances as well. as such they played over 2 and 1/2 hrs straight through, only breaking for a few minutes before coming out for the encore. the vocals, for all of them were outstanding. as a whole, the harmonies were gloriously perfect. they all have such distinct voices but the way they layer them is sublime. and the changing around of instruments was proof of just how talented each of them is. they each had their time in the spotlight but also relished backing the others when it was not their turn to front. it was quite refreshing to not have an ego war break out. you get the sense that they truly enjoy & respect each other musically and personally. favorite "everyone" song: say please (james, oberst & m. ward taking turns on vocals & mogis ripped out a siiiick guitar solo) i'm a massive jim james fan so i was in complete ecstacy witnessing his eyes-shut, haunting, soulful singing. the man has pipes. he's got this falsetto that's eerily disarming. he's a brilliant guitarist whether playiing rhythm or lead. he just jams out. i also enjoyed him on bass and piano, something i'd not seen him do live before (only saw mmj once @ the field day festival). and boy does he have crazy feet. i'm not sure what kind of dancing was going on, but he sure was feelin' it. so endearing. favorite "jim" song: at dawn conor oberst has a strange quality to his voice that i can't quite pinpoint. but i like it. alot. he's got a way of pausing or holding a note just slightly unexpectedly which gives it a certain dramatic edginess. i actually liked him on bass more than the others. guess it's something to do with that quirky timing thing. lots of energy, this one. he was jumping up on the stacks quite frequently and at one point jumped off backwards so far that he almost knocked his mic over. a nice teetering moment but he didn't miss a beat. favorite "conor' song: ahead of the curve is there nothing mike mogis cannot play? i was absolutely blown away at the vast variety of instruments this guy played, and played impeccibly. my favorite though, was watching and listening to him on pedal steel. this is the type of instrument that adds an extra layer to a song. before it comes in, the song is really good. but once it comes in, it just takes it to a different plane and you don't want to go back. he seems to be be the complete opposite of arrogant, why, i do not know. he's an absolute genious with everything he touches. favorite "mike" song: pedal steel on golden as for m. ward, i knew very little of him pre MoF. and i am very, very ashamed. he, like oberst, has this offbeat timing with his vocals. love, love, love hearing him sing in the lower register. and then he went and did a couple of solo songs - just him & his guitar - that totally blew my mind. his guitar work is other-worldly. i was literally slack-jawed, shaking my head in disbelief at what i was hearing and seeing. surely he has 10 hands. shock and awe. favorite "m." song: the sandman, the brakeman and me there were parts that were high tempo & volume, full-on rockin' out; and there were parts that were completely stripped down. but all throughout, the vocals on all parts were outstanding. and the musicianship was top-notch. not overly rehearsed, it didn't sound exactly like the record. which, to me, is the point of going to a live show. it's about being in the moment. clearly i'm not a professional music critic, i don't know all the fancy technical terms. but i have a keen ear for good music of all types. and what i do know, on a personal level, is that this show 180'd my day. i didn't quite forget about my worries but i was at ease with them. the nerves that had been shred earlier in the day were lulled back into proper form. i was in this beautiful, intimate setting; listening to some of the most lovely music around and it truly healed my heart. thank you monsters of folk.

Jim James is a god. M. Ward shreds on guitar and is a great vocalist. Never liked Conor Oberst but have a new-found respect for him. This show was among the best I've seen in a long, long time. Tix said the show started at 8 and did not lie. Don't be too cool for school and show up late.

From the opening thunder of "Say Please" to the full band rendition of "At The Bottom Of Everything" to the unforgettably brilliant acoustic side shows involving one or all of the band members playing previously released songs, Monsters Of Folk took my breath away for almost three hours. they played their entire album as well as songs from Bright Eyes, Conor Oberst, M. Ward, My morning Jacket and Jim James. I would recommend this event to anyone who has an interest in any of the members or simply wants to hear good, soothing music.

Great show. The band was really pumped up, played about 2 1/2 hours, including a lot of stuff not on the MOF album (obviously). Also a cool venue, and we sa Bill Murray in the lobby!

AWE-SOME!!!! They were FABULOUS! Well worth the hike to 175th!

if you're only going to see one of the "monsters" of folk, such as conor oberst, you will be greatly dissapointed. I only went to see him, and was very upset that they only performed 4 or 5 bright eyes covers, and they weren't really his best songs..but if you like all the members, then it really was a great show, i was just bored not knowing any of the other performers.

What an amazing group of musicians. This is one of the finest performances I have seen in a number of years. Emotional, flowing, rocking. This show really had it all. United Palace sounded great, the audience was totally into it. Bill Murray was in the crowd, totally unassuming, and getting into it with us as a total fan. What a great night.

I was extremely impressed with Monsters of Folk. The combination of JIm James, M. Ward, Conor Oberst, and Mike Mogis offers an eclectic blend of music. I would definitely go to another one of their shows.

It was amazing to hear the MoF play such a range of music and in different combinations/band configurations. The ebb and flow of the evening seemed completely organic. They are all accomplished musicians individually; together they were breathtaking. Each MoF made significant contributions to the sound, and these shifted in relation to who else was singing and playing. They also looked like they were having fun. They were performing, but they were also playing, and not just music, but with each other. It was a treat to watch and listen to a performance that was both planned and spontaneous. They had amazing stamina, playing for at least 2 1/2 hours, and I still wished it had gone on longer.

They put up one of the greatest live performances I have ever seen. Conor Oberst, Jim James, M. Ward, Mike Mogis, and the drummer Will Johnson, all performed very well. They were funny, awesome, and it was great to see some of my favorite musicians collaborate together.

This group has an abundance of talent and the passion they exerted while performing was mesmerizing. I loved the show from the moment the red velvet current rose to the final bow. Jim James has one the best voices I have ever heard!! He takes me places and I enjoy the hell out of it. This man is a genius...my god... he is gifted. M. Ward sounded amazing as well. What a story teller. I love how he plays piano standing while bending over and tweaking his neck just so as if he was singing to those in the last row of the balcony seats. Perhaps, he is responding the the universe. Oberst was a delight! I really enjoyed this show. They rocked it!

The Monsters performed songs from their debut cd and also dip into the artists personal catalog to create a show that was truly inspiring. The Fox was GA, however the audience had no seating like some other shows on the tour. I think this led to a better atmosphere. Highlights were Smokin From Shootin, Poison Cup, Wonderful and the encore that closed with His Masters Voice which emitted some swirling psych sounds that must be heard in person to appreciate.

If you want to get ahead of the musical curve, check out Monsters of Folk. The narrative intensity of Conor Oberst, the raspy romanticism of M. Ward and the spiritual earnestness of Jim James combine to make a band that sounds great, has something to say, and rocks the house!

I was impressed by total lack of ego or limelight hogging by any of the "Monsters," and their joy of playing. They we're strongest in sub-groups - duets or solos. When all 4, plus drummer, were grooving away, I thought the sounds got somewhat washed out -- could have been the mixing, or my location. The Fox Theatre is my new favorite venue - beautiful building, plus relaxed but still fired-up crowds.

Perfect show. Loved every song. Wonder where they find the time, with such a band of incredible talents, with their own work to do, impressive.

A very upbeat show that had me amazed from start to beginning.

Spiritual. Mind blowing. We cried three times. Life changing experience.

One of the best concerts I've attended in a very long time!

so amazing that i caught myself holding my chest because i felt like my heart would explode. they are a "must see"

ive been goin to shows for longer than alot of the people at this show were alive so i know of what i speak. this show was smokin.almost three hours of nonstop great music by guys that seemed to be havin as good a time as me.if you get a chance to see this show dont miss it.you wont be sorry

It was one of the best shows that I have seen in a long time. The talent is just mind blowing. Everyone in the band has an amazing voice. The set consisted of solos, duets, and songs that involved the entire band. I can not convey how awesome the show was. Go see for yourself. You will not regret it.

Good concert - I'd see them again. They weren't as tight as I'm sure they could be (never having heard them live before hard to know) - some of their harmonies were off, and the sound guy must have had a head cold or something - not as crisp as I've heard other concerts @ the Landmark. But overall a good concert - LOVED the continuous play, with minimal lag between songs, kudos to the crew for their excellent precision in getting things switched out as fast and smoothly as they did. Love these guys individually and would enjoy hearing/seeing them perform more often together as the "Monsters" from now on

I was very impressed by the MOF show last night. I could not be more pleased with the length of the show and the set up. The lighting design was appropriate and really showed off what great performers they are.

Amazing set design! Amazing lighting! Amazing performance! This show was a good time to be had by all, even if you didn't know a thing about Bright Eyes, My Morning Jacket, or M Ward. The production was absolutely incredible!

the concert was awesome! the venue was terrific, sound was good, lighting was really great.

Really great show! They played for close to two hours and did a great set!

Monsters of Folk rocked it out beautifully at the Landmark, and even though the venue was not the greatest for this kind of show (people who stood up to groove got yelled at), the Monsters made it worthwhile. One unfortunate moment was when Conor Oberst decided to get a little political (and screechy) by shouting "Kill what's-his-name - Kill Muhammed" apparently referring to the scheduled execution the same evening as the show of the man accused of being the "Sniper Killer." We definitely could have done without that non-sequitur in the middle of an otherwise great song.

Even if you are not familiar with the Monsters of Folk as a band, you may know their members from Bright Eyes, My Morning Jacket, and M. Ward/She and Him. Regardless, the product that these amazing musicians bring is pretty incredible. If you have three spare hours to devote to a really special show, do so.

Bought tickets to MOF for my husband's birthday on a whim, having never heard of them, but we love discovering new music. We had an AWESOME time at the show...really blown away! Ordered the album today!

Spine-tingling show! What amazing talent and energy up on that stage! And they played for nearly 3 hours with no breaks.

The show was a good show - the Monsters of Folk were really good. But when it came to the solo works - their wasn't an even break down. I think this show had too much Jim James solo and not enough Conor Oberst! The show started at a good level but volumes kept going up and voices were hard to understand. It became blurry and slurred. At one point the music was so loud that the voices could barely be heard but as only a hum. I think Mr. Oberst sounded better in person than on his CDs. M. Ward got better as his voice "warmed" up. Jim James was good but everything he did sounded the same to me, which got a little boring. The true "star" of the show was Mike Mogis. . .he didn't sing but his performance was incredible. I was truly impressed by the number of instruments he played, actually I was surprised by the entire bands abilities to switch off on instruments. All in all a good show!

Better than I could have imagined! varied, beautiful, jamming!!

It was one of the best shows, and it was so cool to hear their voices combined.

This is one of the best shows I've seen! These guys are ALL so very talented, and they took turns!. M. Ward is one of the best guitar players I've ever watched and listened to. Jim James has unbelievable vocal reach - wonderful voice. These guys can rock!

Other than seeing My Morning Jacket on New Years Eve, this was the greatest show i've ever seen in my life, and I can't see any other show I go to, other than a Jim James show ever coming close to this experience. I was never a religious man, but I now do believe that God exists. And that his name is Jim James... He is inhumanly good, and his voice is haunting, and beautiful. M. Ward ripped it up on both keyboards and guitar. His songs were amazing. Oberst was good as well... Mogis impressed as well, with his excellent performance on guitar, pedal steel and mandolin, he really anchored the group. If you're a Jacket fan, a M. Ward fan, or a Bright Eyes fan, see MoF while you can.

The 4 of them complimented each other so well!!! Great show!!! I have a lot of new music to buy

I was greatly entertained by the performance, especially c oberst and yimmy

highly recommended show......almost 3hrs long....definitely worth every dime...

Having been to untold numbers of concerts in the past 30 years I can honestly say this was one of the very best shows I have ever had the pleasure to have seen. It was unbelievable. I brought a few friends who are music lovers but not at all familiar with the Monsters and they were blown away. I kept hearing the word "awesome" coming out of the mouths of those in the audience. The Beacon is a great, great venue. Rock on Monsters of Folk,

These guys really brought their A-Game last night. They compliment each other perfectly. If you missed it, I truly feel sorry for you. I just hope I get a chance to see these guys all play together again as the MOF.

Awesome. Some of the best singer/sonwriters and musicians today, and all on stage together!

This show was held at the beautiful Auditorium Theatre, or what Jim James referred to as "God's Theatre." The sound was incredible, thanks to both the band and the venue. The setlist was a great mix of the band's material and their individual efforts. The performances with M. Ward and Conor Oberst were some of my favorite, along with Jim James solo. James' echoing, engulfing voice alone was worth the price of admission. The show made me love the Monsters' album even more and my appreciation for Ward's guitar skills was only heightened. It was a treat to watch a group of amazing musicians who are able to work so well together to make something great. My friends and I are still on a high from the show.

For 20-somethings who have been following and adoring these musicians for years, Monster of Folk's live show is a must! They play track from their new album but also draw from an extensive catalog of their prior recordings. There's lots of increible vocal harmonization as well as musical-chairs as the trade-off on instruments. These are the songwriters of our generation, on one stage -- Don't miss out!

The venue was great, and the show was fantastic! They played for 3 hours. It was one of the top five shows I've been to. Even managed to meet a few of the guys in the band in a local pub afterward, and they were very friendly and not full of themselves at all. Overall, a very positive way to start the weekend.

I anxiously awaited the MOF show, counting down the days until I would be seeing this unbelievably awesome band live on stage. I attended the concert hoping to have a good time and see a great live performance. The band was great and very talented (obviously). Everyone sounded amazing live. THE AUDIENCE WAS SO LAME THOUGH!! I have never been to a show with such an unenthusiastic crowd. Nobody was even singing along. The whole crowd just sat motionless in their seats with their hands folded in their laps. It was unreal! I mean yes, not all of the songs are appropriate for dancing, but get into the concert a teeny tiny bit people!! Come on!! When "Say Please" is being played live and the band is into it, how are you honesty going to just sit like a lifeless lump in your seat!! If I were a performer I would want my audience to have a good time and be just as into the music as I was. I do not understand why the band did not promote the audience to have a good time and enjoy the show. Although the music was great, the show did nothing for me. I might as well have sat at home and watched a concert dvd.

Reservoir Dogs + Rock and Roll = Monsters of Folk That is my equation and I'm sticking to it. The black suits, white shirts and skinny black ties? - the diminutive lead singer channeling Steve Buscemi, the hulky side guitar player could be Harvey Keitel and isn't that Tarantino on the drum kit? OK - so maybe I'll torture the analogy, but the vibe was a little otherworldly as the blue lights bathed the stage, fog was used just right, and the music ---- oh yeah the music. It was extraordinary -- acoustic guitars amped to the max, electric guitars set to eclectic, a bass line that came from the bowels of the auditorium, keyboards, mandolin and the aforementioned drum set. The voices were familiar --- Coner Oberst and Mike Mogis sounding like Bright Eyes, Jim James (or Yim Yames to appease his alter ego) doing his My Morning Jacket thing and M. Ward stealing the show with a mesmerizing three song acoustic set that had the crowd hypnotized. The leather lunged critic nailed it when when he yelled "How u so good?" at the end of his session. The crowd responded appropriately. The style is hard to categorize - folk? -- no, that is an ironic description (I think), The songs were mellow but the delivery was hard, sort of like Tina Turner doing Carole King. The highlight of the evening? -- not even a fair fight --- Jim James doing the the Jacket tune "Golden" as my lovely wife went all mellow on my shoulder. I don't know if tears were flowing, but the ducts were brimming, at least. The talent these guys bring to the stage is amazing as they took turns on guitar, keyboards, lead, rhythm, harmonizing, solos, soft and loud. Most of the songs were from their collaborative new album, so the tunes weren't immediatly recognizable, but the style was consistent and familiar. Prediction==> "The Sandman, the Brakeman and Me" will be a classic for the group. The sound mix was especially good on the songs with a full mixture of acoustic, keyboard, bass and harmonies. It all came through loud and clear - with an emphasis on LOUD (it is rock and roll after all) If this is what indie rock sounds like - I'm a fan. Quibbles? just a few - I have to keep my critic card intact. I'm sure many people appreciated the 7:30 show starting and 7:35, but did they have to start with Say Please? -- probably their most recognizable song? Half the fans weren't even in their seats as we all scrambled into the main seating area. I understand the whole thumbing our nose at the pop phenomenon, but that is a nice mellow song that I think would have worked better a little farther into the evening. It almost like they were saying - OK we got that out of the way - now we can do our show. Also, JJ (YY) gave us Golden, couldn't Coner offer up First Day of My Life? Of course everyone has something they like that wasn't played, that is the way it goes with live shows. Overall, an exhilarating concert going experience, made memorable since we had a tapas dinner at Mercat a la planxa before the show ( 2 blocks away) and it was excellent as well. As far as the venue, the Orchestra seats at the Chicago Auditorium are worth the extra $$, as the sight lines and sound were excellent. The crowd was young, laid back and musically appreciative - and at least one was a Quinten Tarantino movie fan.

Amazing. One of the longest and best shows I have ever seen.

The band members never missed a beat! Loved it when they played songs from their original bands as it was like watching more than one group play. The show started @ 7:30 and ended at 10:00 after a standing ovation.

I was annoyed when i got my tickets during the first day of the pre-sale and the "best available" was in one of the galleries on the fifth level of the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago. I was really ticked until i saw the show. No opening act, just MOF for a straight 2 hours!! It was amazing!!! not only did they play pretty much the entire album, they played each others songs as well. Being a Bright Eyes fan, i absolutely loved seeing all four gentleman rocking out to "Hit the Switch", "Another Traveling Song", "Old Soul Song", and "Soul Singer in a Session Band", just to name a few. They even played my favorite M. Ward song! (Vincent O'Brien). So yea, not only are these four fine gentleman talented in their own right, when they are together, its an explosion of entertainment. i highly HIGHLY recommend this show to anyone.