For 17 years I was a tourhead that worked. This year I finally transitioned into being a working man that sees shows. Since my senior year in high school my biggest priority was seeing as much live music as humanly possible. No one can really argue that I achieved that goal to the utmost. What now though? I am now working a full time job in Davenport. Replacing my vehicle and eventually moving out are now the focal points for me. This year I completed my mission of listening to every Phish show that circulates. If it sounds like I'm closing a chapter its because to an extent I am. The problem is that you can just turn off an insatiable appetite for that energy that only live music creates. The answer was Spafford at The Bottom Lounge in Chicago on Saturday April 8th.
A lot of fans of this music are searching for something new right now. My favorite bands of the last 20 years have recently publically capped their live activity. Phish stated 40 shows is their limit each year. Widespread Panic has set their limit between 20-25 performances annually. That's semi-retirement. I'm 35 years old and still ready to rock and roll. On our way to Nashville last October I discovered a band from Arizona named Spafford. In November I caught a few songs from them as they opened for Lotus at the Vic in Chicago. This time they were the headliner. I drove to Chicago with relative ease stopping at Jimmy John's in Utica. While I was eating a guy walked in with a shirt featuring Walt and Jesse simply stating The Danger. Appropriate with Better Call Saul about to return that Monday. The kid who made my sandwich reminded me of myself when I used to do that stuff. I have come to appreciate these solo trips to Chicago for music. It's like a reset button for the mind. Listening to the radio stations on my way to/fro is half the fun for me at this stage of the game. This mission had me exiting the Dan Ryan at Lake St. and driving beneath the L tracks to our venue The Bottom Lounge. I was able to find street parking nearby and immediately met some friendly fans. I'd seen Mungion last September in Chicago when they opened for moe. at the Concord so I was in no hurry to catch their opening set.
The Bottom Lounge was a refreshing change of pace regarding Chicago venues. They respected their patrons and didn't treat us like criminals upon arrival. I bought the poster at the merch stand with the tortoise chasing the carrot. Taking the poster out to my vehicle before Spafford started was a veteran move. I was able to find a spot fairly close to stage. The band was using mellow PA music to set the mood i.e. "Three Times A Lady" by The Commodores. I didn't recognize the cover they opened with. Weasal > Palisades > Weasal was a great start. I was hoping to hear Slip & Squander. It's a Bunch works well. All In was the highlight of the first set. That was some solid dance music exploration.
I wasn't as wild about the second set but definitely enjoyed the Electric Taco Stand > Alternate Ending > Electric Taco Stand and the In the Eyes of Thieves. Also of note was the solo version of Beautiful Day sung by Red Johnson. Spafford's first set didn't start until 10:45. So at this juncture it was getting pretty late. I left before the encore and drove home. This show had its moments. Spafford is on the rise and has a lot of potential.
