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I wasn't originally planning on going to this show. I was psyched about seeing nights one and three, which is why Josh and Katie bought me tickets (I watched their five year old one night and forgot to take the money they left for me. This was their way of thanking me). I had so much fun watching The Good, The Bad and the Argyle (despite its sloppiness) that I knew I wanted to go to this show (I wasn't able to go to the second show because my band was playing, though I probably would have skipped it to go see The Menzingers play in Worcester). I quickly bought tickets and couldn't stay still all day, eagerly anticipating the start of the show.
I was looking forward to seeing Iron Chic. I really like the material I've heard. Though the crowd was small when they took the stage (this was the smallest crowd of the three nights, with a lot of people coming late), there were a few people singing along up front. I thought the songs were good, full of mid tempo melodic punk style that Hot Water Music made famous and Paper + Plastick love putting out, but they had no stage presence. They stood on stage and barely moved. They seemed very focused on the task at hand, which was good to listen to, but not as much fun to watch.
Make Do and Mend played a good set, but they didn't blow me away. I saw them live once and loved them. The crowd watched politely, but the energy wasn't there. They might have made a few fans, but not many.
Again, the lights went down and the Rocky music went on the the Bruins were congratulated. I don't quite understand why they billed these performances as heavyweight fights, but it was fun to hear the information about each album, though three weeks later I only remember that The Gold Album sold over 800,000 albums.
Then the Souls came out and put a huge smile on my face, as I loved hearing every song from my favorite album (which it became that night). This album came out at a time when I was bummed out, and the songs are so full of sunshine and positivity that it cheered me up every time I listened to it. Hearing it live in its entirity brought those good feelings back, something I didn't think it would.
I haven't seen the Bouncing Souls since they released Ghosts on the Boardwalk, so I haven't heard any of these songs live before. I was surprised to hear that it has sold over a million copies, as I like it well enough, but its not a classic like some of their other albums. It was fun hearing the songs, especially "Badass," which is a ho hum song but a blast to be in the pit for. I hope it becomes a song they add to their set, so everyone can join in on the fun.
Josh and Katie decided to go because they figured the Bouncing Souls would do a little extra on the last night (plus, they went to the first three performances), and they were right. They played a couple songs off of their split with Anti Flag (though not Cock Sparrar's "We're Coming Back," unfortunately), "Hybrid Moments," and one I can't remember. They ended it all with Hot Water Music's "Wayfarer," which was great to hear, and a good ending to a successful stay in Cambridge.
Of the three nights I went to, this was my favorite. Lori being with me made for a great time and the lack of awkwardness that comes with being the third wheel. The booze (which hit me fast, making the night affordable) helped as well, and I gained a newfound appreciation for The Gold Record. Josh and Katie said this was their least favorite night, mostly due to the meatheads in the crowd. Josh liked the first night (just because those two albums were his introduction to the band) and Katie liked the second night. Regardless, each night was a lot of fun, and I'm left with the regret of only seeing three out of the four nights. My collection is incomplete.