EELS
Last night my sister and I saw Eels at the Paradise in Boston. it was incredible. I had seen them once before, back in March 2008. As I expected, the two shows were completely different.
In 2008 it was a more personal, intimate experience with just E and the Chet performing. Both dressed in denim jumpsuits, one particularly memorable experience was when they seamlessly switched instruments during flyswatter. Instead of an opening act, the audience was treated to a viewing of Parallel Worlds, Parallel Lives and a couple of times between songs E read sections from Things the Grandchildren Should Know.
This time around, E was joined by 6 other members, most of them veterans from his last tour. E, the Chet, P-Boo, Tiny Al, Knuckles, Snatch, and Snatch Mo Snatch performed an incredibly energetic and entertaining show. E’s friendly and optimistic stage presence juxtaposed the band’s appearance. His comments like “That was marvelous!” and “I have a really good feeling about this!” were in stark contrast to the badass appearance of the group, all sporting excellent beards and shades along with their spiffy attire. When they returned for the first of two encores, E exclaimed “That was darling!”. Indeed it was.
“I’m Going to Stop Pretending that I Didn’t Break Your Heart” was incredible with such a huge sound behind it. It sounded so mournful and was hauntingly beautiful. I loved the hard rock version of “I Like Birds,” one of my favorites. The first encore opened with “Last Stop: This Town” which was played with a beautiful sadness. That song is so powerful and took on special meaning for me ever since he played it back in 2008 after reading to us about his sister’s suicide. I think my favorite moment was when they came out for the second encore and completely rocked out “Fresh Blood.” Another one of my favorites, it was such an intense performance, enhanced by red lighting and occasional strobe lights.
I have told people that Mark Oliver Everett is one of my heroes and that remains true today. Things the Grandchildren Should Know is probably my favorite book. E is an enigma. His exterior seems so hard and gruff, but he writes about such intensely personal and sad experiences in both his music and his book. I love Eels, whether in CD form, duo form, or powerful 7 piece band explosive form. E, you have my heart.
(Eels in 2010 - the Chet, Knuckles, E, P-Boo, Kool G Murder. Special bonus for me, P-Boo kind of looks like Martin Starr circa Knocked up)
