First Avenue 40th Anniversary
by subarudave on 12/17/10First Avenue - MinneapolisI really hate to write bad reviews but I have to make an exception. I knew from looking at the lineup that this would be a mixed bag show, and sometimes you have to get through a few bands to get to the ones you came to see. So let me start with the good part first. It was cool that they were giving out cake by the cool and friendly staff. And it was very tasty too. But then things went south after that, in my opinion. The big draw for me was Gary Louris from the Jayhawks. But I was really disappointed in his solo effort. He seemed more like he was experimenting with his amp and guitar in his basement than on stage at a storied venue like First Avenue. Half the time he spent with his back to the audience fiddling with devices to produce feedback and other assorted eminations.I've been to my share of Jayhawks and Louris and Olson shows, and have always loved them. One of his songs titled "haywire" seemed to sum up his performance. The other bands were very ordinary, uninspired and mostly just turned up their instruments to 11. Sometimes that's ok if the music is good, but not this time. Grant Hart, who came on later than usual was just short of disturbing with his dark lyrics and seemed to leave in a huff after the audience wouldn't whistle. I kept looking around to see how the audience was reacting and most including myself were barely moving. The one exception to the night is when Dessa came on. Immediately the floor filled up and people were jazzed and or mezmerized by her voice and her original attitudal lyrics. I'm not a huge fan of hip/hop/rap etc... but I was just drawn in by her energy. The rest of the lineup could take a huge queue from her. I'm hoping to see much better at the 50th anniversary.