If either the Avett Brothers or Railroad Earth had covered "Five Feet High & Rising" on Saturday night, it certainly would have been appropriate.
As it was, the crowd that was at the Crossroads showed an amazing amount of fanatical dedication. Through not one or two, but repeated torrential downpours and lightning scares, the crowd never wavered or thinned. They certainly ran for cover quite a few times, but other than that, everyone who was there seemed to be rather aware of what issues an outdoor concert presented. The exception to that seemed to be the fact that very few folks didn't know that umbrellas were not allowed inside the venue, hence the large number left dangling on the entry gates.
The Avett Brothers are a band that rocks. You can try and dance to it -- they're not going to help, but you can try. The band is suited to playing outdoors, that's for sure. Acoustic instrumentation always lends itself to summer nights with lots of beer, and even the amazing amount of precipitation couldn't dampen spirits (again, pun intended), despite the 15-minute delay due to lightning concerns. If I could have stretched out on a blanket and knocked back beers while this show was going on, it would've been one of those perfect concerts.
Honestly, by the time the Avett Brothers went on, I'd been soaking wet for about three hours. It'd rained off and on for the entire time I'd been down in the Crossroads, with intermitent bouts of no rain that lasted just long enough to make me feel like everything was safe. Still -- the Avett Brothers are somewhere in that nebulous region inhabited by Against Me! in terms of underground appeal (they'd been making records for a good long while before a major label deal came their way) and sonic dynamics (lots of hoarse shouting that wouldn't be out of place on a Hot Water Music record). Really, the Avett Brothers share more with the whole folk-punk scene and bands like Ghost Mice, Defiance Ohio, and Andrew Jackson Jihad than they do with the jam band crowd courted by Wilco.
Sadly, the money is where the hippies go. Avett Brothers, please remember that you're a band with some balls, and don't go after the noodle dancers. I don't want you to be my disappointment the next show you play.
Railroad Earth's fanbase seemed to delight in the rain, dancing up a storm (pardon the pun) from the instant the first notes came issuing off the stage, totally not bothered by things like mud or traditional definitions of rhythm. I wish I could say that their music filled me with the same enthusiasm, but it didn't. I appreciate the fact that every band is someone's favorite, but I cannot for the life of me understand why so many people knew the lyrics to all of Railroad Earth's songs.
Railroad Earth is a jam band in the surest sense of the word. They have that strong focus on country and bluegrass, with a funk-influenced bassist, and that sort of vague world music thread running through it all. I don't mean "world music" in the sense that you can say that they're strongly influenced by reggae, Afrobeat, or salsa or anything like that. It's world music in the sense that lots of songs sound like they were lifted off Paul Simon's Graceland album.
And the bluegrass? At one point, frontman Todd Sheaffer announced that they were going to do some pickin' for us. They just played really fast, and they weren't terribly good at it. John Skehan flubbed about three or four notes on the mandolin, and...let's just be honest here. Maybe it's because I've listened to too much jazz, and that makes me an elitist snob, but I was of the belief that improvisation was based on the premise that the band branched out from the themes inherent in the music, and then worked their way back to the source material. That is "jamming." Jamming is not meandering away from whatever you were playing, going on interminably, and then simply looking at each other and ending with some sort of power chord. That's wankery, and I don't appreciate it. Multi-instrumentalist Andy Goessling's thing with two saxophones was total bullshit, as well.
I think that's why the Avett Brothers were such a breath of fresh air. They play like punk band: four members, no solos -- just ripping songs one after the other, and moving around on stage like they're having fun. Railroad Earth looked like they were so impressed by what they were doing that they couldn't be bothered to actually enjoy it, whereas Scott Avett was bouncing around on stage looking like a caffeine-addled pirate. Hell, Joe Kwon managed to rock out with a fucking cello.
Here's how a show works, if done properly: the audience is interested in what you're doing more than you are. Work out the amazing things you can do with a guitar in the practice space, and entertain when you're on stage, not the other way around.
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I always find it humorous when children speak of things far beyond their comprehension levels. To me, it would seem as if this is the case in this review. If only you were musically in tune enough to stop "watching" and start "listening", perhaps you would have caught on to Railroad Earth's transcendental energetic movement into the next realm. I will say right now that Railroad Earth is not a band, but much rather a underground Society of Shamanic Healers. Therefore I recommend that you don't take space to comment on things that are sacred, as you obviously sit on your "elitist snob's" throne, completely naive as to what is actually taking place. Also, any fool knows that Railroad Earth is not gonna give it their all when opening for anyone, let alone the Avett Brothers. Try seeing a real Railroad Show, and perhaps then you may recognize, or even tap into (a far fetch concept for you), what is really taking place: One funky bassist bringing the earth's heartbeat straight to your solar plexus, a fiddler who plays the ancient notes of the sacred ancestry, a guitar/lead vocalist capable of carrying the soul to the heavens and back with one note, a mandolinist who channels the power of the winds on 8 strings, a Goessling who touches the highest reaches of the sky, meanwhile holding the lowest notes from the soil down under at the same time, and a drummer who ties all the realms of the world together in rhythm and Harmony. That my friend, is Railroad Earth. In closing, I wish you luck on your endeavor in search of the sound, and hope that you find something that truly does carry you to a place you didn't know existed, like RRE has for me. But, in the mean time, shut the fuck up and try playing two saxophones at the same time half as well as Andy does, you cowardly critic.
I got more than one chuckle out of Nick's writing, but this was the best part:
"Maybe it's because I've listened to too much jazz, and that makes me an elitist snob, but I was of the belief that improvisation was based on the premise that the band branched out from the themes inherent in the music, and then worked their way back to the source material."
Translation: "I want to sound as though I appreciate and understand what musicians do, but can't play an instrument and truthfully have absolutely no idea ..."
OK first about music,you like what you like.If you don't listen to bluegrass don't listen to it.RRE is a new grass band not a jam band,and by new grass ,they're not Ralph Stanly,Bill Monroe,Ricky Scaggs,etc.New grass is Cornmeal,Leftover Salmon,Bluegrass Underground,etc.Secondly,the only thing The Avett Bros. have in common with Tom Gable(Against me) is they play acoustic guitars,I mean really.."Spanish Moss""I was a teenage anarchist"compared to "Murder in the City""Head full of Doubt"...what are you smoking,or should I say what aren't you."'They play like a punk band,4 people and no solos"I don't know what YOU THINK a "punk" is ,but the avett bro's are FAR from it.They are not BAD BRAINS,The Germs,Black Flag,or The Misfits,Sex Pistols,Iggy,or the Ramons.YOU sir are a coincided know nothing,you know nothing,NOT A THING about music,from what I just read,and if you do ,then like I said,... you like what you like.Thirdly when I think Jam Bands I think of Phish,The Allman bros,WSP,String Cheese Incident,JImi H,etc NOT RRE....or the avett bros.,.Everyone I have written about in this blog is a great band,you got wet and seen one bad show,MAYBE,....,people don't dance there ass off in the rain and know every word to every song,unless ....mmmm there is good music.. what they aren't is Paul Simon.How you came up with that ,blows me away."Hippies are where the money goes" NO we in the JAM BAND FAMILY call them trustafarians, kids with money and trust funds,not people that love a band so much travel all over America,and do what you have to do, to get money to see the next show..Next time you actually know what you think you are typing,WATCH IT....some one like me may take your job.Really Paul Simon..?Just be glad you were able to see 2 great bands in the rain...?That's what jam bands are about.....P.S. mmm look at all the negative feedback.pss you suck lol.
Did I read "Wilco" and "jam band" in the same sentence? This guy could not be more off-base with his uninformed review. Indie/hipster kids will always like their generic music (Avett Bros, Wilco, Arcade Fire and so on). RRE = soul.
I love both the Avett Brothers and RRE. I understand that RRE may not carry the same clout in your elitist hipster circle but just because your friends don't think it's hip enough for them don't bash it. I've seen RRE numerous times and they're amazing. But I understand if you fall to social pressures and want to seem cool. It's ok. I hope when you grow up some day with an objective mind you will revisit some of RRE work. By the way Hippie's are some of the best people I know!
I almost chucked my computer off my apartment deck after reading your brainless story on a band thats truly amazing. I later decided not to and smiled when i saw all the comments stating your horrible judgement of music. They played at a douche bag invested bar in my hometown Sioux Falls, I much rather would have had them play at our awesome Orpheum, anywho THE SHOW WAS AMAZZZZING. they tore the fuck out of this tiny bar just for Sioux Fall's small hippie community. Im 17 years old and find this music to ease my sole miles and miles farther than Umphree's, Avett Bro's, ect.
you are the biggest idiot of a music critic i have ever read a review from. you take the professionalism and combined years of musical experience over the pop punk grass antics of the columbia records sellouts the avett brothers? moron
Nick Spanket, you are a complete moron and I can't believe you are actually a music critic. First of all, i would love to hear what your definition of a so called "jam band" is? A band that improvises on stage? That pretty much covers every good live band that ever has existed incuding Led Zep, Jimi, Floyd, etc. You people who are biased towards these "hippie" bands just figure that these people don't know what the hell they are listening to and travel all over the country for the grilled cheese and ganja treats.
Anyway Dick, get your head outta your ass and listen to the music for once. You are just like the millions of mindless drones who listen to whatever is catchy and simple. The Avett bros are good but there music is very simple compared to RRE. Dudes jsut wail chords on al there instruments and it seems as if though they just have the bluegrass instruments for show. A live performance isn't about cranking out as many songs as you can and trying to make it sound exactly as it does on the album. A live performance is about giving all you can as a musician, however long the song may be, and showcasing your musically abiliites, obviously. "Work out the amazing things you can do with a guitar in the practice space, and entertain when you're on stage, not the other way around." This proves that music is just a simple form of entertainment for you, kinda like shiny red rubber balls for toddlers. Johnny Grubb, you truly are a class act and we will miss you. Here is to the most genuine band touring
Wow. Really sorry I ran into this thread. Was looking for a possible review that included sit-ins since i didn't attend the show. Obviously, the bands did not "jam" together. I think Railroad is the best thing going for live music at the moment and find it sad to hear unfounded criticism of a group that deserves better. Avetts write great albums and I dig their stuff as well. A definite different live experience between the two. I guess I'm with the crowd that wants to move with the experience and not sip beer in a lawn chair.
Nick, still waiting for your "facts" to back up Andy's double sax playing as "bullshit." Why is it so "sad" that hippies spend their money supporting musicians?
Railroad Earth is KILLS IT!!!
Never even heard of The Avett Brothers before catching their set at Mulberry Mountain Harvest Fest. I was not impressed by the band at all- BORING! The fans who all knew every word to every song- impressive!
Jeffy, you shouldn't hold the Avett Bros responsible for Nick's silly review. They are a cool and hardworking band just like RRE. I think they're both awesome and I doubt Nick will be at all their shows. :-)
I really like The Avett Brothers, from the show I saw at Mullberry Mountain (RRE was there, as well), but if their audience is filled with indie douchebags like this reviewer, I may never see them again.
If anything came good came out of all of this, it would be the distant possibility that Nick might attempt to use some level of objectivity in a future music review PRIOR to injecting his subjectivity into his review.
I'm still a bit awed at how many people came out on this one. I kind of expected to be the only person to say anything about it!
Anyone going to see Wilco at Crossroads on Oct 6th? I'm super-stoked for it!
No dobut John misses a few notes on mandolin, but go back listen to entire Miles Davis Plugged Nickel set from 1965. Even Miles missed a note or more, and Herbie clanks at least once. Still makes a great run of shows, and still Miles was a genius. Per the logic in this review Nick would have dished one of the greatest band in the history of music because of few bad notes and the hipsters in the back.
Nick:
Before you comment on the lack of ability of a band as you did you need to listen to them. As a person who hates jam bands but likes Railroad Earth (I don't know the words to all their songs, but I can hum along) I can say RRE comes back to the source more times than not when do jam. Sounds like you go distracted and were not listening to me.
And for songs that don't come back to the source (there are a couple): Do you hate the 3rd movement of Beethoven's 5th because it didn't come back to the 1st? Some of RRE songs are layered with written movements, not just 3 minute pop tunes with a guitar solo. Some of the instrument passages are improvised, but not like a "jam" band but like a regular band. Waylon Jennings band jammed, they did on 2 minutes songs making them 5 minutes. RRE does it with 5-6 minutes song making them 8. See their web site they reference The Band not Phish.
And to be critical of John Skehan who while maybe not having his best night is just odd. There is no better player in acoustic music today and is the main reason why I came.
And to state they played "really really fast and were not good at" goes back to the main: YOU WERE NOT LISTENING. I use caps to help you out this time.
My band sucks and so does yours, sheesh o cripes people, it's just ONE person's OPINION.
Right or wrong, agree or disagree, poorly written or not, who cares, we all know the band we love, shrug, so what else matters ?
The obvious hippie hate in the review was moreso about fans than it was about RRE show, which was given about equal billing. Pretty sorry journalism.
Particularly, this paragraph infuriated me:
"Sadly, the money is where the hippies go. Avett Brothers, please remember that you're a band with some balls, and don't go after the noodle dancers. I don't want you to be my disappointment the next show you play."
1. Hippies, monied or broke, for good or ill, go to shows. Period. Its an enthousiastic fan base that any band should be happy to have. We don't all get VIP Press passes.
2. I don't think anyone believes that The Avett Brothers are genre purists, or are in any danger of catering to a hippie contingent. Nor would they be moreso embraced if they did. They're obviously a sum of a lot of influences, so way to shout out a personal "fuck you" to a lot of the readers/attendees who really embrace the diverse waters they dip their toes into.
3. You pretty much just threatened a band with a comment as open minded as, "if you change, I won't go to your show." Prick.
Jason,
I appreciate you jumping in here and have enjoyed some of your reviews in the past. I do, however, think you're very wrong about the objective vs. subjective approach to writing about music.
I agree that a critic must do more than simply "report" what happened from moment to moment in a show. A knowledge base of music and an opinion is an imperative. However, the objectivity I refer to is about opening yourself up to the experience, regardless of genre, regardless of instrumentation, and bringing your opinions into the experience based on the type of music you happen to be reviewing.
Here is a more clear example. I may not be a fan of Lady Gaga's music (not at all, in fact). But I was recently put in a situation with friends in which I had to see her perform. While her music was not of the style I personally listen to, I had no choice but to admit that she was a terrific and commanding performer with no shortage of gravitas. Because of my appreciation for talented individuals, I actually found myself enjoying her performance quite a bit, despite the fact that I would probably never put a Lady Gaga CD on when I'm listening to music for pleasure. That's called being objective rather than subjective in critiquing a performance. I didn't shut her down simply because it wasn't the kind of music I listen to and, as a result, I found out that she is far more than I would otherwise have given her credit for.
One other thing, Jason. You are also incorrect about why I attacked Nick's lack of objectivity. It did not come from a subjective place at all. Yes, I love Railroad Earth's music, but I've also read bad reviews about their music before. It would be unusual if some music critic didn't write something negative. However, this is the very first time I've ever written a comment about a negative review. And it was not because I was offended by the fact that Nick didn't appreciate the show. It was because I was offended by the obvious fact that Nick didn't even LISTEN to the show. He knew what he was going to write before they even played their first note. That is completely obvious in his review and, I believe, he began formulating this opinion the moment he saw a so-called "hippy" in the crowd. And that, I find pretty sad.
E-Rock: Though my vanity is flattered, no one -- least of all me -- agrees with you.
For one thing, I am the most SUBJECTIVE critic you'll ever read. At least, I hope so. An objective review would be nothing more than "and then they played this, and then this happened, and then this happened, etc." Which is exactly what some people want. And I suppose that if you based your opinions about the show solely on the observable facts and allowed nothing of yourself, your tastes, your personality to filter in, the review could still be considered objective, despite those few robot-like evaluations. It wouldn't be much of a review, though. It would be a report. By definition, reporters are objective and critics are subjective.
Sam attacks Nick's lack of objectivity (as Sam defines it) from a deeply subjective place -- namely, a love for Railroad Earth that's so deep it won't even take into account the testimony of the band's own bassist.
Anyway, I regret being so late to this awesome discussion; I took yesterday off from work and am still catching up. Thank you all so much for reading and commenting. 'Specially you, Grubb.
I've found most people are like myself and think Nick can't touch Jason Harper, and wish Jason would return to handling most of the wayward blog, this blog definitely hasn't improved with his sharing the workload with Mr. Spacek.
Thanks for taking the time to comment, Johnny. It's a rare occasion to get to read a band member's thoughts regarding a review, and you make some very valid points that I'll make sure to consider in future reviews.
I hate to have to disagree with Johnny Grubb, but he was probably just being kind to Nick the writer anyway.
As Timothy already said, I do not think this was a well written article at all. I actually think it was a very poorly written article. A real journalist, and especially a critic, learns to write with as much objectivity as possible. When you read a movie review from Roger Ebert, it won't matter if it's a horror, drama, comedy or teen movie. He writes with objectivity about all different genres of movies, leaving his bias behind and reviewing only for the quality of the movie he happens to be reviewing. In the music world, great critics, like J.D. Considine for example, write with great objectivity. He could review music from artists as diverse as Beyonce to Bob Dylan and Amy Grant to Metallica, and would always review those artists' music for what it means to that particular genre.
Aside from the simple fact that Nick just isn't technically a particularly good writer, his lack of objectivity makes his writing far worse than his technical ability to write. Without that objectivity, his music reviews will never be worth a damn and matter to the music world about as much as listening to your punk rock friend go on and on about how important Operation Ivy was to the music world. That opinion would matter to your punk friend, who is a huge fan of that genre, but means nothing to anyone else, because he would have no objectivity to see the entire music scene as a whole.
Sure would be nice if music reviews were restricted to those that had a true understanding and appreciation of music. It's clear that Nick does not, and his review leaves one wondering why he didn't sit home and watch the ballgame and limit his remarks to complaints about pitching, which is certainly more his comfort zone.
I really don't care what Nick thinks all that much but I do think he was off base with the 2 saxes is bullshit comment. Not many people can actually pull that off and have it sound musical. I do disagree with Grubb that the review was well written. As a piece of writing I think it was poorly done. I won't take the time to point out each part that led me to this conclusion. There are many excellent online writing courses. I look forward to reading Nick's work after he has successfully completed one. Oh and one more thing....I thought the show rocked just fine.
The bottom line is, when you're numero uno, you become an easy target for the wannabes.
Good critics back up their statements with facts. Wannabes just make blanket statements and hope they're so profound, nobody will say, what? Ex: "It's world music in the sense that lots of songs sound like they were lifted off Paul Simon's Graceland album."
Thanks Mr. Grubb for your always insightful insights. Long may you flub.
Hugs & Nugs,
SSB
Who are the Avett Brothers?
Arer they opening for the Allman Brothers next month too?
From what I read, Nick is trying to tell us that he was surprised and upset that so many fans were into Railroad Earth. Nick is mad about that because he is an "elitist" indie/pop kind of guy. Indie/pop guys are not allowed to like Railroad Earth (unless David Dye or Paste magazine begins to like Railroad Earth but few expect that to happen)).
I sometimes try to be a writer. I choose not to be a critic because I would never want to inhabit the unenviable space where we find Nick. To go to such lengths to cut down and criticize a hard working band seems sad. I would think that Nick could find more constructive and positive ways to spend his time. I am sure that the majority of folks who endured the rainy night would agree with Sara that it was "a great show all around". All the best to you Nick and I hope you continue to enjoy criticizing things in the future.
That statement exemplified the absolute fact that you, Nick, weren't even listening to his playing and instead hearing what you were planning to write about him, since he is one of the featured players.
Sadly, the money is where the hippies go.
Was that really Johnny Grubb on that comment? That would be really awesome if it was! He really looks like a totally cool guy!
Ridiculous review, which is too bad because I thought the Avett Bros were really cool too. It would have been awesome to see a great review about the whole show. Because it really was a great show all around!
Love you Johnny!
Yes, Kevin, Grubb is Johnny Grubb is definitely a class act. I'm actually pretty amazed that he took the time to comment on this thread. I'm curious as to how he even knew about it???
I think Shawn said it very well above, but I think it's important to point out to Nick that his attempt above to claim some level of objectivity was pretty sad and completely inaccurate. He says, "Objectivity in a music critic means that the reviews written are backed up with well-reasoned arguments regarding the opinions presented. I feel that I did that." Do you really feel you can argue that the statement, "Multi-instrumentalist Andy Goessling's thing with two saxophones was total bullshit" is a well-reasoned argument regarding the opinion presented?? Even your opening statement, Nick, about Railroad Earth just immediately puts them into a pre-conceived category of something you THOUGHT you were about to hear, rather than something you actually heard. And worse, your statement, "John Skehan flubbed about three or four notes on the mandolin, and...let's just be honest here" was not only insanely inaccurate, but obvious in its intent to tear down one of the best mandolins players playing music today. That statement exemplified the absolute fact that you, Nick, weren't even listening to his playing and instead hearing what you were planning to write about him, since he is one of the featured players. All that was missing from your review was a indictment of Tim Carbone's blazing violin playing. Maybe you just ran out of space?
Sorry about the sarcasm, but this review really got to me. Not because it was a negative review of Railroad Earth. I think that's fine. But because it was a review completely without objectivity and meant simply to tear the band down in some bizarre comparison to the Avett Bros.
Grubb is such a class act. Pretension totally dripped from every line of this review. Never mind that he knew nothing about some of the best musicians in the business, as judged by their peers, but this asshat, who can't write about, never mind play music, has a tin ear to boot. He's just soo precious it hurts.
Hi! I'm the bass player for RRE. I personally think that your review was pretty good. You're evidently more of a punk fan than a Wilco fan, though I'm unfamiliar with any of those bands that you compared the Avetts' to, so of course you're not really gonna be into our whole hippy thing.
It's okay folks... He took the time to explain, at length exceeding that which he gave the Avetts, what he didn't like about us. If I had left the stage feeling that we had just transcended space and time through our music and he had left this review I'd probably still not be upset about it, but at least I would know that there's absolutely no chance we can win this guy over. However, the weather, the sound, and whatever was in our collective heads that evening added up to a performance that was slightly less than the best we can do. I'm not naive enough to think that Nick is definitely gonna give us another chance, but maybe next time he'll get it.
"It's only a song, it can't change the world".
Hi! I'm the bass player for RRE. I personally think that your review was pretty good. You're evidently more of a punk fan than a Wilco fan, though I'm unfamiliar with any of those bands that you compared the Avetts' to, so of course you're not really gonna be into our whole hippy thing.
It's okay folks... He took the time to explain, at length exceeding that which he gave the Avetts, what he didn't like about us. If I had left the stage feeling that we had just transcended space and time through our music and he had left this review I'd probably still not be upset about it, but at least I would know that there's absolutely no chance we can win this guy over. However, the weather, the sound, and whatever was in our collective heads that evening added up to a performance that was slightly less than the best we can do. I'm not naive enough to think that Nick is definitely gonna give us another chance, but maybe next time he'll get it.
"It's only a song, it can't change the world".
Enough with taking this guy to task for bashing Railroad Earth. This was a horrible review without looking at competing musical tastes.
I have never read a concert review professional or otherwise that failed to mention a single song by name. This was the first. How do you review a concert without going back over (that is to say, "without reviewing") what was played? Answer: You can't.
What you did was to compare your feelings about the 2 bands in general to your feelings about some other bands in general. And you mentioned the weather over and over again in self-indulgent puns. That's not a concert review. You might could call it an essay, maybe even an article, but it's no concert review.
You didn't break down the bands by member, didn't mention what cds the bands were touring to promote, didn't give any description of the venue.
Objectivity absolutely does mean to sacrifice your personal opinions. As a reviewer you are entitled to express your opinion - just don't claim objectivity at the same time.
Honestly, the more you write, the more you reveal just how shallow your grasp of music and journalism is.
Objectivity in a music critic means that the reviews written are backed up with well-reasoned arguments regarding the opinions presented. I feel that I did that.
Objectivity does not mean sacrificing my opinions and observations at the foot of whatever genre labels you feel were erroneously applied to Railroad Earth.
I have reviewed exactly one so-called jamband on this blog, and because my use of that terminology and negative impressions of the band reviewed, you see fit to extrapolate and interpret the entire review as my worldview on that particular subset of musicology.
Perhaps, you may wish to allow me further attempts (perhaps my appreciation of Old Crow Medicine Show in today's "New Releases" post?) to gain a greater depth of understanding regarding my personal tastes and objectivity before raising such a hue and cry.
Dylan Medlock said, "I was timing all of there songs, not one, not ONE was under 10 minutes. Railroad end the song!"
Scott followed with:
"Aha! The show is already up on Archive.org.
Dylan, you absolutely did not time every song.
Long Way to Go: 6+ minutes long.
Mighty River: 7 minutes.
Like a Buddha: almost 14 minutes.
Lovin' You: Not quite 5 minutes.
Waterfountain Quicksand: Not quite five minutes.
The Hunting Song - 11 minutes.
My Sisters and Brothers - 9 minutes.
Bringin' My Baby Back Home: 5.5 minutes"
Dylan, my friend. You have been caught in a flat-out lie...and that is the very definition by example of the kind of bias I was referring to in my first comment. In fact, I think it's safe to assume that Dylan is probably a friend of Nick the journalist.
Your defense of Nick, Dylan, is pathetically transparent and, more importantly, contains a blatant lie. So, you may not care about this, but we all know that Dylan Medlock (assuming that's your real name) is willing to blatantly lie in his egregious attempt to trash a band for no particular reason. If any of you happen to know Dylan, I would suggest using care before trusting him with anything important. Anyone willing to lie that openly would probably do the same again.
Sorry Dylan, but the problem with lying so openly is that you just might get caught!
And Nick, concerning the double saxophone. You may want to consider that Andy does this simply because he can. Part of putting on a show is being able to entertain. Mick Jagger may not NEED to run from stage right to left and dance like a rooster, but he does it to entertain. And, you may want to consider The Avett's show a bit for the places that they do certain things just because it entertains.
I stand by my comment that you do not possess the objectivity to ever be a successful music writer.
For those who have stated that Railroad Earth refer to themselves as a Jamband, let me assure you that you are sorely mistaken.
Nick refers to a MySpace reference to "jamband." However, that reference is for search purposes only and is not represented in any of the band's interviews or bio materials.
Nick is clearly open to write whatever he feels. It's a shame though that so many writers are such snobs that they automatically write negativity if there is any hint of "jamband." In fact, the Grateful Dead dealt with the very same media bias for several decades. It wasn't until the last decade of their career that the mainstream media came to accept them as a musical and cultural powerhouse.
I completely agreed with this review. Railroad Earth was OK, but I certainly wasn't blown away by their set, which I also felt was way too long and pretty boring. I met a woman that came just for RRE and had never heard of The Avett Bros which just shocked me, because in my opinion TAB is in a whole other category musicianship and live performance from RRE. Judging from these posts, they obviously have a strong following, but it definitely wasn't even close to the best bluegrass (which I've seen TONS of) or jam band (which THEY refer to themselves as!!!!) that I've seen live.
Aha! The show is already up on Archive.org.
Dylan, you absolutely did not time every song.
Long Way to Go: 6+ minutes long.
Mighty River: 7 minutes.
Like a Buddha: almost 14 minutes.
Lovin' You: Not quite 5 minutes.
Waterfountain Quicksand: Not quite five minutes.
The Hunting Song - 11 minutes.
My Sisters and Brothers - 9 minutes.
Bringin' My Baby Back Home: 5.5 minutes.
Typical response from someone with their agenda, Nick.
And Dylan, not ONE song was under ten mins? Usually they're around this:
Long Way To Go - usually 6-7 minutes long.
Mighty River - usually 9ish minutes
Like a Buddha usually 13ish minutes
Lovin' You - maybe 5 minutes long
Water Fountain Quicksand - 4+ minutes.
The Hunting Song - 10-14 minutes
My Sisters and Brothers - maybe 10.
Bringin' My Baby Back Home - 5-6 minutes.
Sorry, but you're wrong. You didn't time the songs.
Thanks for all the comments.
"Bullshit" was a bit harsh, and I certainly could have found a better word to describe the way I felt about the double saxophone.
However, please don't pillory me for a descriptor the band itself uses on its MySpace page.
What a crappy review of a great show!
"jam band in the surest sense of the word,"-Um, how about more like bluegrass/folk. I had never even listened to RRE before I bought tickets to see the Avett Bros, and I thoroughly enjoyed every second of the show! In fact, I enjoyed RRE a bit more than the Avett's, no offense to the stellar performance they put on. This "reporter" obviously had an extremely biased opinion based on his musical preference and didn't do justice to the title of musical journalist.
When you use the word Bullshit to describe someone else's musical abilities you better have good chops yourself.
So little Nicky when and where are you playing? I know a whole lot of people who would like to provide a review of your musical talents.
It's ok to have a negative opinion but be respectful. Now go think up some new puns - you may have found your next career.
Nick, I thought your review was spot on. Also having gone to the show - and I do like umphreys and i love to jam - Railroad Earth was boring. Those guys were talented as shit and you never said otherwise. There really is no reason to hold two saxes at once, surely it's easy to switch off. Come on. The Avett Brothers were amazing, inspirational, and bad ass. Railroad earth, showing, at times, extreme musicianship, were overall, boring. I was timing all of there songs, not one, not ONE was under 10 minutes. Railroad end the song!
I was on the rail when the gate opened. I stayed there. I stood beside two gals who drove 7 hours to see Railroad Earth and 3 guys who were checking them out. The rain was warm, the music was HOT. In my 60 years I've seen alot of music. I've heard alot of musicians and some of it could barely classify as "music." Railroad Earth is awesome. From the Bass licks Jonny Grubb hit on stand up to the Irish Bazookie of John Skeehan. They write lyrics(and I know most of them, but that's what happens when you listen to alot of music) that pierce your soul and open your heart.
Sorry your heart didn't open, but I guess "you" have closed it off. Oh, and those weren't notes that Skeehan "missed," you just weren't listening or you talking to much and didn't hear them. The notes were all there, and you can listen to every word and every note on the Live Music Archive. Thank God for the tapers who preserve our musical heritage. Go listen and see for yourself.
To quote a line from the first song, you have a "Long Way To Go!"
Oh how I wish for the good old days when reviews were on newspaper. That way my puppy can shit on it. However, even dog shit would be too much praise for this hack writer.
Did someone in Railroad kill your grandmother, or something?
They have actual songs. They're all top flight musicians, and please, enlighten us as to what is bullshit about Andy's two sax thing? Really, please explain.
What a tool.
whoa! good ass ripping, sam!! i'm pretty much in total agreement with a lot of what you say - except that i love phish - so i guess not on that one.
i dont know what show this dude was at, but rre just totally rocked the whole night. i thought the avetts were pretty cool - but i dont know their songs too well - so i didnt have too much to say about them.
this writer is pretty much a jerk. obviously he just hates jambands and writes this kinda shit about anything like that. and rre isnt even a freakin jamband!! what a tool!
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