Jukebox the Ghost & Harvey Danger @ The Bell House 8/8
I was real bored last night and figured for 15$ you can’t beat checking out Jukebox the Ghost, who I’ve heard good things about, and see Harvey Danger’s last show. I wanted to reinforce that The Bell House is a downright beautiful venue. It’s amazing that a place like that exists in the industrial parks around the Gowanus Canal. It’s eerily quiet outside that place..it reminds me of the Ninja Turtles movie. I expect Casey Jones to pop out at any minute.
Regardless it’s a beautiful venue with great acoustics and reasonably priced beer. Just an all around great vibe. Outside of the music area the bar is filled with attractive 20 somethings enjoying music and spirits. Great venue..just be ready to walk through the middle of nowhere for a little bit. It’s funny because my mom grew up right around that area and if I tell her I’m going to Gowanus she freaks out, because it was a warzone when she was a kid apparently.
Anyway Harvey Danger was a lot of fun. I can’t say I’m the biggest fan, but for 15 bux you got your moneys worth. It seemed to drag for me a bit at the end…maybe my attention span is lacking but I feel like I’ve heard this all before. I won’t deny they have some great talent and it’ll be a loss to the music community to see them break up. With music tastes aside it’s truly inspiring to watch a band doing their last shows. Highlights for me were Private Helicopter and Flagpole Sitta (I know its the radio single but the song straight up kicks ass…no denying that).
The Idea of the “one hit wonder” is an interesting story in itself. This band is the very definition of that. I do like to think that its better to have that one hit wonder than no hit at all. At the end of the day you can say that millions of people have heard something you created. It’s also the introduction to my favorite show “Peep Show”. Check it out…your life will never be the same.
Jukebox the Ghost kicked ass. I’ve had this craving for some solid indie style keyboard rock and they delivered on all fronts. They’re also realy tight live. I know thats a broad statement..but they killed it. Effortlessly moving along the entire set and looking like they’re loving every minute…thats awesome in my opinion. I will definitely deem this the best value in a while. Realistically they should of been headlining this…but considering it was a farewell tour and all it’s understandable.
They did a good job rolling out their hits, but keeping everything smooth. I wish they could have played even longer.
On a side note I can see their music being used during a boss battle of an old Nintendo game like Castlevania. I know that doesn’t make sense, but nobody reads this…I can say whatever I like.
There was also a surprise appearance by John Hodgman…the guy from the Daily Show and the Mac PC ads. Very funny..and just one more treat in a fun night. Also did I mentioned that Harvery Danger played for 2 and a half hours? I didn’t even know they had that many songs…
