A few weeks ago I went to Chicago after work. I listened to the Cubs-Nationals playoff game on the radio on my way into the city. Upon arrival in Wrigleyville I watched the game for a while at the various bars. I was walking by Murphy's when the Cubs got a key insurance run and the crowd went crazy with the bartender ringing the bell. It was a fun energy to be part of. The Metro is located down the left field line on Clark St. just past the ballpark. I'd only been to one other show here which was The Omega Moos in what I believe was 2008. The security provided a thorough frisk which was to be expected with the Las Vegas tragedy the weekend before. That event really shook me to my core. It made me question the direction of a lot things.
I missed a lot of the first set watching the Cubs playoff win. I caught the new song that closed it out Go Away. I really like the new album OGOGO. Stealing Jamaica was the theme of the poster so that made sense to open set II. Cruel World is a song I've heard a lot with MGB. Trapezoidal Sunshine was a really different tune that I was unfamiliar with. The song titles Normal Phoebe and Crazy Sometimes provide a juxtaposition. Whirlwind was a highlight for me. Mike Gordon's version of Cities is with Scott on vocals and a much faster pace than Phish's cover. It's more true to the original Talking Heads style. Let's Go was the "single" from the album and I liked hearing Mike's band play it. Last fall I'd heard Phish play this song during a soundcheck in Tennessee. Steps was my favorite song off the album. That was a good call to wrap up the night. The crowd had to walk down steps on their way out of this venerable Chicago music club made popular by acts such as The Smashing Pumpkins. The focus was on the new material this fall with Mike. The general consensus was the new album was really solid. The production was top notch combined with catchy songs. They translated well to the living setting though not necessarily explored all that much.
I met some nice people at the show. We split an Uber back to where I was parked and got back in a timely manner. Also at this show someone recognized me from college. Sadly that's going back a ways at this point. This show was an example of how my job was not allowing me to be the person I want to be. I had to show up late and was exhausted the whole time. I've since decided to move on from that company. I'll sacrifice income to have more time and energy to do what I love. Now that I have money saved I can rest and find work in a situation that is a better fit
