C'mon gals and guys!...I have to live vicariously through your Common Rotation experiences so spill on how the show was @ 14 Below on Saturday night! :D I wanna know it all...what were they wearing, what songs got sung, anything especially interesting happen?

Hello all!
*waves at fellow Common Ro! fans*

My take on the show:

There is a webcast that costs $4.95 at: http://14below.com/live/commonro7_13/

The show started with Mike on bass, then after while, Eric came out and unfortunatley Scott (the guy from 14below) had knocked the stand and consequntly Eric's guitar over. So for a few minutes Eric had to re-tune his guitar.

I think the sound was off kilter as well.

Then Proff. Ken came out, kind of struting and there were lots more whoops and yells than Eric got.

Then Adam came out. (Odd he wasn't dressed in one of those nice dress shirts that contrasts so well wih Eric's laid back style.)

Anyways, enough about what they wore. I have pictures that all of you can see later. (must download and link later.)

The song started.

Overall, the energy was up. Not where it was for the last three shows. This is my 4th show.
(Again, I think that Eric's guitar sound being off kilter really affected the over all energy factor.)

There was also the attention to play for the webcast that was going on. Adam was definetly interacting with the camera more than usual. At one point he asked for the lights to be dimmed, so he could see the audience, but then was informed that it was needed for the webcast.

Adam was rather goofy and was quicker with the few audience interactions that took place. (We keeping you are your toes there Adam?)
Or was it that Adam had too much sugar last night.... or perhaps too many cocktails (So which is it Adam?*smirks*)

We helped this gal, who has seen them 10 times, get the play list. So, I'm sure you'll get to read what they played later on. All I remember is that most of the songs were different or perhaps new.

The ones I remember: Hey Elena, Payback (with a medley of NY/California songs in between), Savior (?), Indie Rock, Oklahoma, um... I can't remember the rest. Sorry it's jut my 4th show.

There was less crowd interaction. I think is due to the fact that there was more web cam interaction.
I'm not upset by this. Adam is an actor and was playing to the camera. I get it and it makes total sense. If you're gonna get more people into Common Ro! via the web, you need to engage them the way we (those who are there in person) get engaged with. So he played to the camera.

One last thing, I think they guys like it when we react to their music. By that I mean not just yelling and screamming.... I'm sure they like that and stuff, but I think they love to see their audience dancing along, even if it's just the defualt po-go step, that everyone can do. Just a hunch, but they smile bigger and seem to have more fun when they see the affect they have on us with their music. (I know Mike makes big goofy smiles when he sees that I'm grooving along with the bass line.)

I love this band not because of their good looks or the fame attached, I love this band, coz the first few riffs of Saviour hit a nerve in me that makes me smile big every time I hear it, coz I laugh hard when I see the improv on stage, coz the funky jazz-ness of Rockstar, coz of how well they harmonize, coz of their goofiness, coz they are musicians.

I go to the shows because they play for themselves and their audience. Attention is good. It makes us all happy.

Ok, I'm done blabbing. I will post pictures as soon as I find the damn camera cable.

::hugs::

-Ixchelmala
aka chick with cell phone

This show was very different and much grittier than any of their previous shows. It was as always a good show, although I didn't necessarily feel I was actually watching Common Rotation through much of it - I had the strange sensation I was watching some of my friends play in a tiny, backwater Eugene dive. Even this was cool because it lends to a feeling of excitement, of being a part of something that could end up being really good. I'm interested in hearing what some of the folks watching the webcast have to say... any impressions? What a novel idea, to just tape 'em and send them on their way so people in Zimbabwe could watch these little shows in California if they want.

As for that, it was a good-sized audience. A lot of people showed up FOR Common Rotation and were having a great time. (This is of course the only kind to be had at their shows.) There was something of a Ken - er, I mean, Kenny, just ask - following, and they were amusingly vocal. The guys themselves were all in standard gear, save that Adam was wearing a gasp t-shirt. Absolutely mind-boggling, but a good thing given that it was about 1200 degrees in there.

The guys are all highly approachable, which makes the show that much more enjoyable because it makes them people instead of just some guys who stand up on the stage and go play/sing notes instead of really MAKING music. Common Rotation really has got the charm and I look forward to more people realizing this.
All-around good times to be had, when I'm not feeling a little disturbed by the impression I've turned into some kind of seedy groupie. Rockin' music deserves support and that's all - am I right? I hope so.

I put a few pictures on but the good ones are those that shall remain unseen for a significant time. Both of my cameras froze (one died, the other blacked out) during the Kenny photo op, so I made up for it by taking pics of him playing pool.

Thanks again for a great show, guys - looking forward to the next, which hopefully won't be my last...

- deborah

Just to let you know the song is called "Lena" (he sings "hey hey Lena..."), not "Hey Elena" :P

~Stef
----------
CRH #1
Common Rotation Webring
Adam-Busch.net + Board | Troika + Group
"I tapped out of time on a bottle of rhyme. I watched you side-step across a thin-laced line" --"Fortunate"

Sounds like I missed a good time...especially afterwards. And I say yet again wish I could have been there. :D

I'm the chick you helped get the set list for. The crazy redhead who was standing next to you with her camera

Thank you for my set list It's my second one. *snicker*

The reason Adam was so sugar happy? He was hella frazzled. Had the show time wrong. So he was rushing. LOL but then again he's always buzzed during and after a show. Never try to have a conversation with him (ya know I love ya Adam *g*) cuz he's all over the place so it's almost impossible! LOL.

Anyways thanks again for my set list and letting me stand next to ya and dance and play up to Adam. That was fun. I'm glad he didn't trip over the water bottle cap. Considering he didn't hear us shouting at him. LOL.

I never did get your name hun.



*wuvs*

TB

Adam's Biggest Fan
ABC #1-Founder and Official Geek
ABC Version 1.0 Retro Adam
West Coast So Cal Common Ro Pimp
"Don't don't don't let's start this is the worst part. To believe for all the world, that you're my precious little girl. Don't don't don't let's start, I've got a weak heart. I can't get around till you get around."-"Don't Let's Start", They Might Be Giants covered by Common Rotation-
"It's not the size of the mic it's the length of the song."-"Rockstar", Common Rotation-
"What was so delicately touching was she recalled that I preferred it red."-"Burgandy", Common Rotation-
"I'm not a poet, nor a prophet though I dream from time to time. I'm an artist of illusion and I sketch a strange design.. So don't pay me with respect, just pay me with attention."-"Did A Verse End?", Common Rotation-
"When I was younger I used to get angry at all the girls. Now that I'm older, I just get angry at the world."-"Oklahoma", Common Rotation-

MY LJ review is now up, so you can get the dirt there You should know the address Just skip over the non show parts like my work and the sordid ex-bf drama.

Oh and those who wanted Ken pics, I got like about 8, he even tried to hide during one of them (I saw that Ken! *snicker*) so they will be posted soon.

I agree, that the energy was different. I was way into it as usual but they were definitely riffing more and playing to the camera. But hey the songs were faboo, and I got to sing part of Oklahoma with Adam. Ok well I felt like I was cuz, Stef, ya know your fave part "some-times"? Adam pointed at me and we sang it together.

And oh yeah, there will soon be a very silly pic up of Adam in the latest imagestation album. My gift to him was a pair of blue Mouse Ears that I had written. So I MADE him take a pic with them on. It's hella funny. He looks so darn adorable in those ears! *g*

Oh and yeah it's Lena, not Hey Elena. Also the Soundchecking song is called More Complex than it Sounds. This is good to know as I was leaning over reading the whole set list while they were performing. I'm so baaaaaaaaaad! *weg* I was in front of the speakers, directly under Adam and I could just lean over to see the list. Hence why I wanted it this time.

He had on his Aames Plow shirt. Wore it at the Mollys gig one time and if you watch Buffy look close and in Flooded you can see it under his coveralls. I love that shirt This time Ken had the disgruntled accountant thing going on. *g*

I must say I like the new song Offstage Lines. I don't remember the other new one they played and am too lazy to read the list (it's in my purse). But they did do Sit Down and Fortunate and the lines they made up for Fortunate were sorta funny but I have heard better. *g* Nothing will ever top Adam's "I guess I'm fortunate to no longer be on the floor." *snicker* That was definitely the best one. This one had to do with knowing how to rhyme. Sorta.

I was disappointed they didn't do What We Have Now or Burgundy or Don't Let's Start, my three faves (yes I know Don't Let's Start is a cover, but I love how they perform it) but it was good to hear Indie Rockin (I'm really beginning to get into that song) and Lena. I always love hearing Lena.

The Payback battle was great. Very funny the Cali vs. NY song-off. Loved how they ended with "New York State of Mind" even though Billy Joel is Canadian. AT least that is what I thought they said.

There was also some talk of Eric as a transvestite and that if they were a sister/brother duo, they'd get more money or something, but Adam would be the girl drummer. I didn't really get the riff but it was hella funny. Deb, wanna help me out with this one?

It was definitely hella hot inside though. Remind me NEVER AGAIN to wear vinyl pants to 14 Below. I may have looked good but I was sweating almost as much as Adam after the show. And I was so tired cuz their shows take so much energy. But it was indeed a helluva weekend and great to see Adam again.

Briel, you missed a good one. Try to make it for City-Walk. That should be one helluva show. I'm hoping to get an ADO or shift change. I can't miss this!

Oh and Marcella and Deborah, you both f***ing rock! Deb, thanks for letting me crash at your place and stuff, I had a blast And Marcella, thanks for being there for me, I appreciated it

And now I must sleep as I need to be on at the Gag Factory at 12:15. Ah the life of a hat writer. LOL.

*wuvs*

TB

Adam's Biggest Fan
ABC #1-Founder and Official Geek
ABC Version 1.0 Retro Adam
West Coast So Cal Common Ro Pimp
"Don't don't don't let's start this is the worst part. To believe for all the world, that you're my precious little girl. Don't don't don't let's start, I've got a weak heart. I can't get around till you get around."-"Don't Let's Start", They Might Be Giants covered by Common Rotation-
"It's not the size of the mic it's the length of the song."-"Rockstar", Common Rotation-
"What was so delicately touching was she recalled that I preferred it red."-"Burgandy", Common Rotation-
"I'm not a poet, nor a prophet though I dream from time to time. I'm an artist of illusion and I sketch a strange design.. So don't pay me with respect, just pay me with attention."-"Did A Verse End?", Common Rotation-
"When I was younger I used to get angry at all the girls. Now that I'm older, I just get angry at the world."-"Oklahoma", Common Rotation-

> The Payback battle was great. Very funny the Cali
> vs. NY song-off. Loved how they ended with "New York
> State of Mind" even though Billy Joel is Canadian.
> AT least that is what I thought they said.

i won't argue that the west v east match was heated and entertaining, but...

billy joel? CANADIAN? billy's from the bronx. the canada thing got going when eric started playing "summer of '69" by bryan adams (who IS canadian), which isn't even about california or new york (but i'm with eric on this one that it IS a good song!)

looking up things like this is practically what the internet's for. don't know how you can get by in life thinking billy joel's from canada. it's like saying the beatles are from iowa.

Thanks for the correction...both of you!

(I'm so glad that I wasn't the only one who noticed the different energy of the show. *This is me not compplaining, just making an observation*)

Any who.... I'm so glad TB that you thought I was the tall blonde in the red dress, but alas, no, that, to whom you are refering to is my best friend who was the gal that Adam sung to on my phone last week at The Viper Room.

We plan to be at the next few gigs. I'd love to get flyers to pass out here at my work. (I work for a big Ad Agency.) I think the Universal City Walk gig is a really important one as far as exposure goes.

As for my pictures, I still can't find my frekkin card reader cable, I fear I may have to buy one, dang it!

I'll let you all know when I get them posted though:-)

::hugs::

-ixchelmala

i was also going to respond to this:

"There was also some talk of Eric as a transvestite and that if they were a sister/brother duo, they'd get more money or something, but Adam would be the girl drummer. I didn't really get the riff but it was hella funny. Deb, wanna help me out with this one?"

get thee to a record store (or at least turn on the radio once in awhile). they were talking about The White Stripes, which is a kind of retro band that's hugely popular right now; the two leads are brother and sister. they're even mentioned in the news rant thing that's on the front page of this site right now. (i've got to agree with it that the White Stripes are nothing new, but i guess it's better than another nsync or something).

Calm down, geez. I told you I didn't hear it very well when they were discussing. I thought they meant Billy Joel, and now I realize it was Bryan Adams. It was fricking hard to hear in there and I was in the front! I was kinda wondering cuz I know he's from the Bronx (Billy Joel), which is why I didn't quite get it. Now I do. Makes much more sense, I didn't hear the Bryan Adams bit. Don't have to go crazy on me, cuz I got it wrong, I'm sorry.

And as for the second riff, ok I didn't get that either. Don't go all crazy on me. I'm sorry I don't know it all. I said I didn't really get the riff, so there's nothing wrong with me not knowing.

I'd say more but I have to rush off to work. I'm sorry I don't always understand their riffs, but I don't need you going off on me like that. Really.

Maybe you're just being helpful and I'm extrememly tired, but to me that looked like you were ragging on me for not knowing something.

Then again, could just be me. But please, I'm sorry, I don't know anything, alright? Now let it go.

*grrr*

*wuvs*

TB

Adam's Biggest Fan
ABC #1-Founder and Official Geek
ABC Version 1.0 Retro Adam
West Coast So Cal Common Ro Pimp
"Don't don't don't let's start this is the worst part. To believe for all the world, that you're my precious little girl. Don't don't don't let's start, I've got a weak heart. I can't get around till you get around."-"Don't Let's Start", They Might Be Giants covered by Common Rotation-
"It's not the size of the mic it's the length of the song."-"Rockstar", Common Rotation-
"What was so delicately touching was she recalled that I preferred it red."-"Burgandy", Common Rotation-
"I'm not a poet, nor a prophet though I dream from time to time. I'm an artist of illusion and I sketch a strange design.. So don't pay me with respect, just pay me with attention."-"Did A Verse End?", Common Rotation-
"When I was younger I used to get angry at all the girls. Now that I'm older, I just get angry at the world."-"Oklahoma", Common Rotation-

Oh I'm all sorts of screwing up now. Hehe well your friend was great in helping me get the set list Did I meet you too? I forget now, I was so frazzled that nite.

Must dash to work. Talk later

*wuvs*

TB

Adam's Biggest Fan
ABC #1-Founder and Official Geek
ABC Version 1.0 Retro Adam
West Coast So Cal Common Ro Pimp
"Don't don't don't let's start this is the worst part. To believe for all the world, that you're my precious little girl. Don't don't don't let's start, I've got a weak heart. I can't get around till you get around."-"Don't Let's Start", They Might Be Giants covered by Common Rotation-
"It's not the size of the mic it's the length of the song."-"Rockstar", Common Rotation-
"What was so delicately touching was she recalled that I preferred it red."-"Burgandy", Common Rotation-
"I'm not a poet, nor a prophet though I dream from time to time. I'm an artist of illusion and I sketch a strange design.. So don't pay me with respect, just pay me with attention."-"Did A Verse End?", Common Rotation-
"When I was younger I used to get angry at all the girls. Now that I'm older, I just get angry at the world."-"Oklahoma", Common Rotation-

Yeah, different energy... the songs seemed really different. They had more of a rock and roll/pop tone. The 'ska' influence sort of stood out a bit. Less calm and folky. The last few shows with the full band I preferred. Not that this last show wasn't great, because it was... it just wasn't how I remember them sounding exactly. Wait, this sounds bad It's not intended to be. This last show sounded more like the cd than any of the other other shows I have been to. I wonder if these new changes in the songs were supposed to be intentional enough for fans to notice and actually comment on. Pretty cool that some of us did notice a change. CR totally rules!!! I would listen to them perform the freaking phonebook for god sakes.