Live: The Lemonheads

Last week I went to check out The Lemonheads over at the Troubadour.  I have been a fan since high school but for one reason or another never had a chance to check them out live.  I’m glad I waited, because I can't imagine them ever putting on a better show than what they’re doing on this tour.  The band and Evan Dando were all in top form, which I guess you kinda have to be when you play an amazing 32 songs a gig!  That is quite a set-list.  If you were/are a fan of the Lemonheads you would have heard every song you could have ever wanted to hear.  Evan Dando's familiar baritone sounded about as good as it ever has, and he was confident enough in it to even do a couple of solo acoustic songs before the first encore.  It was a really nice reminder of what "Indie Rock" sounded like before it became "indie rock."  There's something refreshing about a three-piece rock group getting on stage and plowing through a bunch of 3 minute pop songs.  No violins, banjos, programming or percussion.  Just 1 guitar, bass and drums.  It is a testament to the songwriting of Dando that the songs always sound full and vibrant...even more so than a lot of groups who have to add strings and three different guitars to try and achieve a similar effect.  It goes to show you that a good song, is still the most important (and long-lasting) aspect of the Rock.  Highlights from the set included "Great Big No," "Down About It," "My Drug Buddy," an amazing version of "Allison's Starting To Happen" and acoustic versions of "Outdoor Type," "Frank Mills" and "Into Your Arms."  I told you they played everything.  Oh, and in classic Evan Dando fashion he wished everyone a very Happy Halloween only to realize three songs later he meant to say Thanksgiving.  Good times indeed! 

The Lemonheads on MySpace.

Here are some songs (new and old) to give you a taste of The Lemonheads:

The Lemonheads - Become The Enemy.mp3 (From the 2006 release, The Lemonheads)