So for whatever reason it seems like some bands are just never meant to be successfully taped - unfortunately for me they often seem to be bands that I really really enjoy.

Take Margot and the Nuclear So and So's, as a perfect example. This 6 piece from Indianapolis, Indiana (or Chicago according to their MySpace page) has been around for about 6 years and make some beautifully layered indie pop records, i.e, they know how to write some melodic, earnest songs that serve as stories set to music.

Since 2006, I've seen and taped them FOUR times, and I can honestly say that two of those have been straight up amazing shows that showcased them perfectly. Yet, none of the shows has been captured perfectly (at least to my over-exacting tastes).

Saw them in Houston at Walters on Washington back in 2006 (almost 4 years ago to the day) on the tour for their debut record, The Dust of Retreat. Issue? The bulk of the show clipped, i.e. the recording volume was set too high. Annoying. In fact while Im taping this I put it on, and I may be able to salvage bits of it, I remember spending a lot of time trying to declip it a couple of years ago... Hmm maybe more on that later.

Saw them again in Dallas a couple of days before SXSW 2007 - an incredible show, just pitch perfect. Amazing musicianship, amazing vocals - interesting live interpretations of the records - but guess what, no vocals on the recording. Annoying.

Saw them again at SXSW a few days later. Recording came out solid - but it's SXSW, so you have a sound guy who doesn't know the songs mixing. Bottom line, an odd mix with stuff turned up, stuff turned down, and not the optimal representation of their talents.

Fast forward to 2010 - saw them last weekend at the Loft supporting their new record, Buzzard. PHENOMENAL show. The band, with a revolving cast of players (I think there were only 3 of the original members on stage) brought an extremely tight knit set to the stage, and rocked everyone at the venue. They also brought fairly different renditions of their tracks to bear - which is always nice... I'd always rather hear something new versus what's on the record. It was definitely more rocking - or guitar heavy - then the records. The records have always featured a diverse mix of instrumentation, horns, strings, acoustic/electric guitars, female backing vocals etc. This show was all about the guitars. 2 guitarists at all times, steel guitar on a bunch of songs, with violin and piano on several.

So what was the issue with this recording? A darn buzzing guitar cable rattles through most of the songs. It was noticeable at the show - but it slightly marrs what would otherwise be a perfect recording.

Still - a pretty awesome night, and thoroughly enjoyable set - definitely hope they roll back through town sooner than later. Here's a few tracks for your enjoyment. They are currently rolling through America - I highly recommend checking them out, and get the new record (and Dust of Retreat if you don't have it.)

Live MP3 MP3s:
Broadripple is Buring
Skeleton Key
As Tall As Cliffs

Upcoming Shows:
Nov 10 2010 Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ
Nov 11 2010 Club Congress Tucson, AZ
Nov 12 2010 The Casbah San Diego, CA
Nov 13 2010 Detroit Bar Costa Mesa, CA
Nov 14 2010 EchoPlex Los Angeles, CA
Nov 15 2010 Soho Santa Barbara, CA
Nov 16 2010 Great American Music Hall San Francisco, CA
Nov 18 2010 Doug Fir Portland, OR
Nov 19 2010 The Crocodile Seattle, Washington
Nov 20 2010 NEUROLUX Boise, ID
Nov 21 2010 Urban Lounge Salt Lake City, UT
Nov 22 2010 Bluebird Denver, CO
Nov 23 2010 The Waiting Room Omaha, NE

Labels: dallas, live mp3s, margot and the nuclear so and so's, soundboard mp3s, the loft, tour dates