American aquarium/Cory Branan @ Chelseas Dec 7th

Bump for show day

I didn’t go but I thought about it

Not a big fan and when I go to shows by myself I feel like a serial killer

shame you didn't enjoy his set. I thought Cory's set was great. he's a great story teller, and a blistering guitarist. He's obviously touring solo but as far as him doing everything by himself and being creative with a pedal board, I thought his performance was top notch. I get his style isn't for everyone. it's a bit more complicated and all over the place but he's always entertaining. Cory has always been a bit manic and erratic but I feel that is part of his charm as a performer. to each their own though.

this is a video uploaded 2 days ago of him playing a new song acoustic: "angels in the details"

as far as BJ and the band I thought they were tight as always. shane the guitarist is fun to watch because he's such a pro...but after having seen BJ perform for the last decade and a half, I feel like he's lost a bit of his "endearingness" (sp?) with the crowd. I get that he was probably playing in front of the smallest crowd on his tour so far, so maybe that had something to do with it. I think maybe just touring for long can kind of wear on you a bit. He did seem into the set moving around quite a bit. I don't think he's burnt out or anything, just didn't have the playful self deprecating humor that he's had for a long time. Hopefully he doesn't take himself too seriously but I do feel like he's changed a bit over the last year or so. From the guy who would meet people out in the parking lot with an acoustic guitar and play their favorite song that he missed in the set to someone charging $100 for pre show meet and greets. But hey, if the markets there, why not right? The "new" band is fantastic and all talented players but I feel like maybe BJ has lost a bit of his "spark" to what drew such a fervent fanbase to begin with.

I will give him credit for going back to the merch table after the show to talk to people. that has not changed about him and that's good to see.

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it's a bit more complicated and all over the place but he's always entertaining

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I thought he was entertaining to watch, but more due to his quips and jokes less than his music as a whole. I thought the songs that book ended his show were great and I guess I wished it was more like those two throughout. It didn't stop me from listening to his full album this morning though.

I get what you are saying about BJ. There was very little engagement with the audience during his set, which after seeing him at the Dyson Listening House a few years back certainly made me miss his storytelling about the songs.

Talking to him after the show gave me the connection to his fans that I missed a bit during his show.

I just saw Cory cancelled tonight with a picture of a thermometer with pretty high fever (like 103)

that might have been part of him not being as well received last night.

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Maybe he's been under the weather because I am surprised that so many in this thread were disappointed by his performance.

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He looked like he wanted to be anywhere else. He checked his phone several times. He came across as erratic. Admittedly, I am not familiar with him. No one can deny his guitar chops, however.

I spoke to him for a bit before the show last night and after he played. he did mention not feeling great. they came from up north where it was cold to down here where it was 83 degrees so maybe the weather threw him off a bit.

As far as his live shows I know he never has a set list when he performs and calls out to the crowd for songs they want to hear. loved hearing pocket of god again live. that song is special.

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Ever since the "new" band, the focus has been on cramming as many songs as possible with little breathing room. It is now a very professional operation. I think we all got spoiled with the solo tours during the hiatus. We have also grown up which I think is subconsciously hard to admit.

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I get that for sure. 2007-2012 american aquarium was a fun show to be a fan. they used to play for 2+ hours at the old chelseas. the banter between the band was always fun. people grow up and I know with his management, there are a lot of expectations now. BJ has a lot of responsibility these days.

I do think it's incredible that his drummer is still with him. he flew into new orleans the day of hogs for the cause in 2019 without meeting BJ or anyone else in their camp, and played that show. been with them ever since.

Tuning is a European decadence