The Giraffes... one LAST time! (though I hope not...)

I am officially the saddest girl in Brooklyn. The Giraffes, my absolute FAVORITE Brooklyn band, "supposedly" played their "last" show (**fingers crossed** that it's NOT true...) at Mercury Lounge in late August. I wont lie, I think the bands' Jim Morrison-esque lead singer Aaron Lazar is the hottest thing in Rock N' Roll. The Giraffes played a fast, wet and memorable set for an excited audience that went crazy at the sound of the first note.


Dry Aaron... Mercury Lounge, Aug. 22, 2010

Their set list (which of course I snagged at the end of the show, as usual...) was loaded with crowd favorites including "Done", "Prime Motivator" and the never-boring and always ironically relevant in NYC, "Medicaid Benefit Applique."


The Giraffes performing "Medicaid Benefit Applique" at Mercury Lounge on Aug. 22, 2010 **WARNING: I am NOT a film maker OR sound engineer (phone camera), but I had to get this song live. Apologies for the poor quality in advance!

My friends and I have been seeing Aaron, Paris, Jens and Andrew for years now and have come to adore them. One of the many reasons is of course their us-against-the-world energy, but primarily because they encourage their audience to pelt them with beers. Axl Rose they are not: you are guaranteed to be just as drenched as the band once the booze starts flying. They WILL throw drinks right back at you. They WILL flip you off (see Aaron in the video) and maybe, if you piss them off enough, they will even SPIT at you.


Wet Aaron, mid-show... Mercury Lounge on Aug. 22, 2010


Andrew drummin' away as the beer cups accumulate... Mercury Lounge, Aug. 22, 2010

It is horrible to think that on the verge of exploding, this awesome band may no longer play as the group we know today. Let's hope that these rumors are just rumors. In the meantime, I hope you all enjoy these images (and video, though horrific in sound) of what many consider to be the Best Band in Brooklyn for the last decade.


Post-show debauchery... Mercury Lounge, Aug. 22, 2010

Two Ends of a Concert-going Spectrum: Summer Post II

During the month of July, the average temperature in NYC was about 99*... yes you read that correctly! As you can imagine, time spent outside was NOT advisable. Therefore, I spent most of my time parked inside the air-conditioned Irving Plaza Box Office, or at home! I did however, venture out to the Williamsburg Waterfront in Brooklyn for Faith No More during the 4th of July weekend. Great time with awesome friends =)


Faith No More in Brooklyn NY July 5, 2010

At the end of the month, I had the privilege of seeing the legendary Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at Madison Square Garden, the Worlds' Most Famous Arena, and the complete opposite of the outdoors show I attended several weeks earlier. While my seats were ok, side of the stage in Row A of the Blue Seats (bleachers baby... LET'S GO RANGERS --- sorry I just HAD to throw that one in!), Joey decided to upgrade us to the North Press Box where we had a table to rest our beers (see picture). As much as I hate dropping money inside MSG, there is no better place to see a show! Plus, I know where the secret bathrooms are so if you are with me, you are not waiting.


Me in my upgraded seat, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers at MSG July 28, 2010

The show was spectacular, as can be seen by the set list. Every Petty classic that one would want to hear was straight up ROCKIN'.

1. Listen to Her Heart
2. You Don't Know How It Feels
3. I Won't Back Down
4. Free Fallin'
5. Oh Well (Fleetwood Mac cover)
6. Mary Jane's Last Dance
7. Honey Bee
8. Breakdown
9. Jefferson Jericho Blues
10. Good Enough
11. Running Man's Bible
12. First Flash of Freedom
13. I Should Have Known It
14. Learning to Fly
15. Don't Come Around Here No More
16. Refugee

Encore
17. Runnin' Down a Dream
18. American Girl


Tome Petty and the Heartbreakers, taking a bow at their end of the set. MSG, July 28, 2010