This calm feeling ends....

Okay, here is a brief rundown of what I've seen so far this past month.

Anthony Green with Good Old War was good. I missed the first two openers, but I did buy their albums. Person L seems really good and emotive, of course that is sort of to be expected with the lead singer of The Starting Line being the fulcrum of that effort; I just wished I've arrived earlier to see them. Good Old War was good folksy rock band that set the mood for Anthony Green. I recommend getting their album as it is a good Sunday morning record, or road trip play list for the dusk time line. Anthony Green was really good live. Anthony Green always performs well and his stage presence may be a little reserved, but his vocals are soaring and provide a memorable show. "Baby Girl" was the opener and the best song of the evening because it set the mood for the entire rest of the show; slow and frothy with enough roughness to pass down comfortably.

The Kooks on the other hand were semi-disappointing. They performed well and the crowd was into it, but I think the elitism in me took over as it seemed like another "rock" show. Music and crowd were there, but stage presence seemed formulaic. Nothing stood out at me and I just sort of bopped my head the entire evening focusing more on the crowd and their reaction instead of the band.

Straylight Run provided some of the magic that Anthony Green sparked. It was an intimate show with good openers. Treaty of Paris and Band Marino were sort of generic, but they inhabited enough individuality to win me over. A little more time to absorb them and I should fall in love with them easily. But Straylight Run was really good. They are now a three piece band with John Nolan's sister now attempting a solo career, but nothing was missing from the environment. I really enjoyed "Existentialism On Prom Night." Plus the new songs from their self-released EP provided some growth in their sound and hold promising outlooks for this band. I cannot wait for their next full release.

The Silver Jews were the oddball out of the group. At the Black Cat, which is quickly becoming my favorite venue, they provided an evening of touching bluesy indie rock with heart and soul. I mean, the singer's grandmother introduced the band, and she was soooo cute. Plus, to retain my manilness, the dude's wife is the bass player and she is hot. But getting back to the music, I had only listened to their latest album, but I was intrugued and impressed with their entire setlist and proceeded to buy all the albums they had at the merch table. These songs were just golden nuggets of goodiness that actually made me feel I had a soul again.

To top it all off for that week, I decided to back to the fun sound of Reggie and the Full Effect. I will say one thing, the stage banter of these guys is classic. It reminded me of how geniuely good stage banter is slowly becoming a dying art form. James regaled the crowd with stories and one-liners to appease both the 13 year old, and 27 year old male in me. And finally hearing "Get Well Soon" live made my entire month.

Finally, the Black Kids were simply just a fun band to top off the entire month. I tried to get some others to go with me to this concert because I knew it would be fun, but alas, no one came along. Well, it was their loss and not mine. The Black Kids with their infectious songs, provided a much needed environment of escapism to relive my tension. It was loud, it was fun, it was totally 80s, and I loved it. You need to see them live to regain your youth and let go of all the responibilties, even if just for a brief moment of time.

Now, none of these bands touched My Morning Jacket in epiciness, but combined, they did provide me with my musical fill of the month.

"Simple little bookworm...."

Whoa.

That is the word to describe last night at DAR Constitution Hall. No openers, no elaborate stage set; just a couple of bears on-stage and an epic three hour long set. That is all My Morning Jacket needed to provide a night of unforgettable live music in the most intimate of settings, sonically.

Opening directly with the lead track off their latest, "Evil Urges" set the tone by being loud and enveloping, yet gentle and cozy. The guitars, bass, keyboard, drums and Jim James extraordinary vocals provided the one-two punch for sonic bombardment. And it only got better from there, oh so much better.

Sticking closely with songs from their latest, they played a near flawless set. Tracks such as "I'm Amazed" showcased their fluidity and dexterity, coupled with confidence and swagger they have rightfully cultivated. Add the freakishness and near sexuality of "Highly Suspicious" was able to sway some hips in the crowd, they owned all facets of rock music.

They did have some sweetness and tenderness in their hearts with "Librarian" and somberness with "Nashville To Kentucky." A little off putting to some, but I enjoy the dichotomy of sound and emotion MMJ is able to invoke.

And on top of all that, they closed with "One Big Holiday." A stunner to leave the crowd salivating for more sugary sweetness that is My Morning Jacket. I did not do justice trying to describe their essence, you just need to see them live. Whatever lack of faith I had for live music, has been fully restored by the greatness of My Morning Jacket.

God, what a great night.