Bad Books might seem like a side project or split record for Kevin Devine and Andy Hull, but the two friends have made it clear that it's more than that. Much more. Bad Books isn't a one time thing, Hull said, at the band's sold out Bowery Ballroom show on Oct. 20. Bad Books isn't just Devine and Hull. There's Robert McDowell, Jonathan Corley, and Chris Freeman, and Ben Homola of Manchester Orchestra.
For what's it's worth, I had only heard three songs from the new record before attending this show. What I heard I mostly enjoyed. I was looking forward to getting surprised. Now, vocally Devine and Hull are some of the best. They know how to use their voices appropriately with the music. I must say that some of the guitar work was least than appealing for me, like "Baby Shoes" and "Holding the Laughter Down." However, live I could listen pass those unappealing chords to take in the overall experience and the lovely vocals. The set was filled with the band's new self-titled album.
Then there was a surprise. A cover. It made sense that the band would try to cover a song, given they only have one album out and are headlining a venue. They needed songs. It was Built to Spill's 1999 song "The Plan." Now, I'll admit I hadn't heard the song before. But the heavier vibe of the song, intense parts, and passionate, urgent vocals made for a good rendition. The '90s song made so much sense for the band to cover. I'm not sure if too many people recognized the cover. The song goes: " This history lesson doesn't make any sense." But maybe in some ways this one did.
My favorite song, I was familiar with, was "Please Move." Hull starts it off vocally and the lighter nature of the song coupled with the lyrics just gets me. "Save it for another day," Hull sings. "another daaaaayy," as he nearly screams this part with so much passion.
The last song of the set, "Texas," was performed with Hull on guitar and Devine on drums. It wasn't the most musically challenging song to play, but it didn't have to be. It was interesting to see Devine on drums. He helped keep a steady beat. The song seemed to get moody and dark.
Then there was the encore, where the band would perform songs from their respective bands. It started with Kevin Devine's "Just Stay," followed by "Now That You're Home" by Manchester Orchestra. Then the popular "Cotton Crush" followed and Devine would do his signature hop. The band sounded tight and the songs gave off a somewhat different vibe. Andy picked the Kevin songs and Kevin picked the Manchester Orchestra song. The Kevin songs seemed better than the day before, where I saw him at Music Hall of Williamsburg. There was something about the interaction, the crowd, and band that made those songs special. "You're a Mirror I Can't Avoid" closed the night and with that was Bad Books. Overall, Bad Books looked and sounded sharp.
The band's album is already out digitally, but will be released on cd and vinyl on Nov. 9th, so check your local record stores.
For what's it's worth, I had only heard three songs from the new record before attending this show. What I heard I mostly enjoyed. I was looking forward to getting surprised. Now, vocally Devine and Hull are some of the best. They know how to use their voices appropriately with the music. I must say that some of the guitar work was least than appealing for me, like "Baby Shoes" and "Holding the Laughter Down." However, live I could listen pass those unappealing chords to take in the overall experience and the lovely vocals. The set was filled with the band's new self-titled album.
Then there was a surprise. A cover. It made sense that the band would try to cover a song, given they only have one album out and are headlining a venue. They needed songs. It was Built to Spill's 1999 song "The Plan." Now, I'll admit I hadn't heard the song before. But the heavier vibe of the song, intense parts, and passionate, urgent vocals made for a good rendition. The '90s song made so much sense for the band to cover. I'm not sure if too many people recognized the cover. The song goes: " This history lesson doesn't make any sense." But maybe in some ways this one did.
Perhaps, the most tear-jerking worthy moment was the performance of "I Begged You Everything." It's an absolutely touching song. "Fuck am I supposed to do when you never lie about telling a lie. So what was I supposed to do. Just keep on trying through sleepless nights." It was just guitar. The playing was light and slow, the way Hull sings. But toward the end the Hull and Devine sing the above line together. Who can possibly sing "fuck" and have it sound good? My oh my. "Mesa, AZ" was pretty close to. I used to live in Arizona (crazy, right?), so a song mentioning Arizona brings some memories to mind.
My favorite song, I was familiar with, was "Please Move." Hull starts it off vocally and the lighter nature of the song coupled with the lyrics just gets me. "Save it for another day," Hull sings. "another daaaaayy," as he nearly screams this part with so much passion.
The last song of the set, "Texas," was performed with Hull on guitar and Devine on drums. It wasn't the most musically challenging song to play, but it didn't have to be. It was interesting to see Devine on drums. He helped keep a steady beat. The song seemed to get moody and dark.
Then there was the encore, where the band would perform songs from their respective bands. It started with Kevin Devine's "Just Stay," followed by "Now That You're Home" by Manchester Orchestra. Then the popular "Cotton Crush" followed and Devine would do his signature hop. The band sounded tight and the songs gave off a somewhat different vibe. Andy picked the Kevin songs and Kevin picked the Manchester Orchestra song. The Kevin songs seemed better than the day before, where I saw him at Music Hall of Williamsburg. There was something about the interaction, the crowd, and band that made those songs special. "You're a Mirror I Can't Avoid" closed the night and with that was Bad Books. Overall, Bad Books looked and sounded sharp.
The band's album is already out digitally, but will be released on cd and vinyl on Nov. 9th, so check your local record stores.
1. Highway of Death
2. Baby Shoes
3. Holding Down the Laughter
4. How This All Ends
5. You Wouldn't Have To Ask
6. Please Move
7. The Plan
8. Mesa, AZ
9. I Begged You Everything
10. Texas
Encore:
11. Just Stay (Kevin Devine)
12. Now That You're Home (Manchester Orchestra)
13. Cotton Crush (Kevin Devine)
14. You're A Mirror I Can't Avoid
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