Matt Nathanson
2007-10-27
Bluebird Theater
Denver, CO
We arrived just in time to get our favorite spot in the Bluebird, front of the first tier. You end up about 15’ back from the stage, but at eye level with the band. Ingrid Michaelson opened first, she’s a singer songwriter from Staten Island. She took the stage solo with a Ukulele, needless to say I was worried about the next 30 minutes. But, the rest of her set was quite good she was joined by a guitar player and John from Matt’s band joined her for one song. V tried to get her CD during the break but the line was too long, so she came back to catch the Melee set. Melee stole the evening, good song writing, good musicianship and a killer stage performance. I have actually heard the single off their new album on KEPC, but I had no idea it was them. The biggest problem with Melee is that the front man Chris, doesn’t look like a front man. But, with their talent, sound and the hooks in their new material these guys might just make it.
Matt and the guys seemed to be having an off night. The setlist varied a good bit from the prepared setlist. Matt seemed to be having technical issues with his IEMs (so he resorted to the stage monitors that he never seemed happy with the levels on), he was having real issues trying to get his electric guitar tuned properly. The crowd didn’t appear to be that into the show, there was a lot of side conversations going on, there was never and connection between the band and the crowd. Matt asked the crowd if they were doing OK. It was a fun evening, it is always good to see Matt but I have to say I was disappointed with his show, I guess everyone has an off night…and Melee really stole the evening.
Actual Setlist:
01. To The Beat of Our Noisy Hearts
02. Lucky Boy
03. Gone
04. Heartbreak World
05. Princess
06. Come On Get Higher
07. Pretty The World
08. Still
09. Suspended
10. Sooner Surrender
11. Car Crash
12. Wedding Dress
13. Falling Apart
14. Laid
15. Detroit Waves
Encore
16. Little Victories
Listen/download my recording of Matt’s set here
