The Old 97's - Sons of Hermann Hall, Dec 30th 2009

[erschen]

Capping off the final night of a four night set at the historic Sons of Hermann Hall (this venue will be 100 years old in 2011), the Old 97's put on a heck of a show. They planned to not repeat any songs over the four shows, save for Timebomb. Die hards would love this show, newly acquainted - maybe not so much. I fall closer to the die-hard spectrum but probably would have preferred to hear more of my favorites. That being said - it was great hearing some of these live for the first time.

We did have to deal with the obnoxious drunks (even though it was an older crowd) and quite a bit of chatting during Murray's set. Murray likened it to "sitting in the no smoking section, next to the smoking section. What's the point." You could have heard a pin drop for his first number but then it grew increasingly louder. It's a shame because he broke out the harmonium and did some amazing yodeling.

After Murray's 30 minute set, Rhett did a 30 minute set. Quite the contrast of styles but I think that's what makes the Old 97's so much fun. I'm not much of a Rhett solo fan but have to admitt I loved his set. His solo songs sound so much better minus all the slick pop production of his records.

After a brief intermission, the Old 97's came out and just tore through these songs with hardly any time to breath between songs. As much as Rhett and Murray bring to this band, they owe much of their sound to Ken. His guitar sound is so unmistakable. And Phillip holds it all together.

what I recall of the setlist but not in order:

Murray Hammond:
What Are They Doing In Heaven
I Will Never Marry
Wreck Of The 97
Other, Younger Days
I Believe, I Believe

Rhett Miller:
World Inside The World
I Need To Know Where I Stand
If It's Not Love
Holly Jolly Christmas
Singular
Candy Apple Corkscrew Hair

Old 97's:
The Villain
Dance With Me
No Baby I
Won't Be Home
Smokers
Coahuila
Blinding Sheets Of Rain
Bloomington
Adelaide
Cryin' Drunk
Eyes For You
Oppenheimer
What We Talk About
Valentine
Drowning In The Days
Wish The Worst
Doreen
Rollerskate Skinny
Up The Devil's Pay
Nervous Guy
Timebomb
Broadway
Streets Of Where I'm From
Over The Cliff
Goin', Goin', Gone

Ranchero Brothers:
Mama Tried

[Rockstar Aimz]

Awesome! I've never seen the 97's live, but I have seen Rhett solo. He's a great entertainer, and I agree, his solo stuff sounds so much better when its just him, his acoustic, and a glass of whiskey.

[melt]

Nice review, Jamie. I haven't been much of a fan of their recent work, but I would have liked to have seen one of these shows. The Sons is an awesome place to see a show.

[Boxcar Trev]

Many thanks for the review, I saw them at Stubbs in Austin a few years back and they were terrific. Rhett Miller is the most energetic front man I have ever seen.