Get Out and Vote '08

So I went to the Get Out and Vote '08 tour last night. For those not in a swing state, this is a concert tour hosted by the Beastie Boys featuring various acts, all encouraging people to register to vote. They claim it's for either side, but I'm pretty sure there weren't ANY McCain/Palin supporters on stage. Not to mention I heard Obama's name half a dozen times (as Mike D would say..."noyce") throughout the politically charged sidebars. The show in my town had NY's own, along with Sheryl Crow, Jack Johnson, Norah Jones, and Santogold. Here's how the show went along:

Santogold put on a good set, considering people were barely in the place as she was playing. Basically her with two dancers and a DJ, she did a solid showing of her current album.

Norah Jones...beautiful voice, total yawnfest, but that was expected. Also the prettiest group on stage, she and her backing band were some lovely ladies. They covered one of my favorite Wilco songs, "Jesus Don't Cry," along with Johnny Cash's "Cry Cry Cry," which proved more entertaining than her own songs, largely due to the tempo. Plus, they seemed real irritated because one of the backups couldn't get her banjo in synch with the house audio.

Jack Johnson...I've got nothing against the guy, I'm just not in the fan club. There were a fair amount of people there just to see him, evidenced by the number that left after his set (mindblowing, the Beasties were closing!!). His "fans" are such a joke...j-crew hippies (half of which are closet card-carrying young Republicans) sporting their latest faux-vintage gear and blazin up j's all over (nothing against the practice, believe me, just not in a non-ventilated, closed, non-smoking coliseum where others might not want to be involuntarily shotgunned with your skunk). Just picture your average annoying, short-n-chubby girl flailing arms wildly (supposedly dancing) and throwing her half-stoned ass into any guy (or girl) that might give her some attention. I guess every 17 year old gets to be a moron once. He played his well-knowns, and a Jimmy Buffet cover. Yay.

Sheryl Crow (see above, but add the deafening sonic assault of a well-mic'ed band playing for the halftime show at the Super Bowl).

The Beastie Boys closed, and close they did. It was obvious that the majority of the crowd was simply waiting out the other acts to see Adam, Adam and Mike. They lived up to everything I thought their live show would be, minus instruments (so no Sabotage). Those guys might have lost some fans with "To the 5 Boroughs" but they've still got every bit of fun and energy for a live performance they had in their 20s. Played all my favorites, and Mix Master Mike was cra-azy on the tables (including a wicked party happy version of "Tom Sawyer"). Solid set, and gave the crowd what they wanted to see. Thank you guys, for picking Richmond on your impromptu tour.

Here's some pics:















Santogold





















Norah Jones
















Jack Johnson & Norah Jones





















Sheryl Crow
















Mike D

















Mike D & MCA
















Beastie Boys