This is going to be a very short review. I just wanted to say something about tonight's show. I went to the Hotel Cafe last night, too, and it was like I was seeing a whole different group! Yesterday, the suits, and the music...everything was so classy. Tonight was frenetic to put it mildly. The crowd was really responsive, and the only bad thing I have to say is that it felt like the guys were all trying too hard. They made me nervous. But all in all, the evening was well worth the time and money.
Thanks, guys!
Well I do agree at Hotel they were more on musically but the Knit show had more energy. I think the whole thing with the lights and the delays may have contributed to the freneticity (is that a word?) of the show plus the hecklers really didn't help. Even if they were kidding. I agree that it was kind of all over the place but I liked that. Cuz I love the high energy shows. Especially since they played Borderline (no Common Ro, it is NOT a folk song! *g*), Belfast, and More Than Once. Had they added Burgandy again I woulda died and gone to heaven.
I had so much fun tonite dancing with my girls Aimercat and Babysquid in the front. So much so that during More Complex, my head bobbing caused my tiara to fly off my head. Heh. We all know how I love to dance with my hair (no I wasn't an 80s child with the head banging or nothing *g*). Was great to see Mike sing (more of that please) and Rick sing and Rick and Mike playing that cool flutey instrument and of course Jordan Katz. Dude that guy just knows how to make the trumpet sing (it is a trumpet right Babysquid? *g*)
Great way to celebrate a birthday early. I know it's not for 9 days but still this was the weekend to have the fun. Good friends, good food, good music. Oh yeah. Just wish the Knit had Smirnoff Ice. Oh and dude I think Adam's new version of Fortunate now outweighs the Jan 10th show version of Fortunate as one of the best when he said "that guy paid seven dollars to tell me I suck". g Cuz yeah the Knit needs to get their act together sometimes, everytime something goes wrong and it's delayed. And tonite it was the lights. I mean faboo seeing em on the main stage but could we please have a gig WITHOUT any technical problems? Or maybe minimal ones. Heh. I reckon the boys would really love that. Sorry was I venting? Meh.
All that aside, I had a lot of fun. Got to see some old faces, some I hadn't seen in forever (Zeus, Deb, Wendy and Christelle!) and also got sought out again by someone who I met last year and bonded with miss Hacker Groupie while singing Part Of Your World into this person's son's cellphone. Heh she was there tonite g I love random encounters like that Last week it was Heather, this week Kathleen, who's next?
Irish-I'm sorry you're sick sweetie. You missed one helluva show. And we missered you. You feel better girl and thanks for the SB fun! Come play with me in Irvine anytime. We'll go to Sephora and get you some more samples of your "Irish Crack" (and before anyone comments, it's Escada perfume that she just adores and calls it her "Crack". Deal with it *g*)
Aimercat-so good to see you having fun. You deserve it girl. Hope you like your Star. One day it shall be real smooch Oh and "Adam, you're so dreamy..." snark
Babysquid-so good to see you and this time, hey look I kinda knew who you were! Heh. If you need any more photos of Ken lemme know, I had the perfect eyeline for him. Rachel should be pleased with my photos provided they came out
Cece-you spent the gig sitting down. I missed dancing with you. But man was it good to see you this weekend. Love ya girl, always a blast hanging with you and your boy. I shall see you soon smooch Oh and we did look damn good Friday nite. Hell even Mike said so g
Stef-you have to move here. I mean you HAVE to. Canada is too far away. Cuz we all know you're from Canada right? g Heh, you and Briel looked smashing in your matching jackets! Come play in Cali more often. And I'm so envious of that Harmonica. I really am. Brat. g
Hacker Groupie-I never get to see you much anymore which just sucks. We need to hang soon so we can catch up and do girly fun things. Sorry I was a cranky bear at Starbucks, I was kinda tired. Buffy Chaos Bleeds till 4 AM will do that to you g *smooch*
Briel and Deb-so good to see you guys! Deb, you have to come out more often. I miss you girl. Briel, Rosey is so cool and now I wanna go to a show of hers. Drag me sometime, k? Oh and can I have your jacket? Your friend Abby is a doll. Give her a hug for me
bdbdb, callistamorgan, gypsychick-always good to see you guys. Hope you are all doing well. Bdbdb-good luck next week! smooch
CommonRoBaby-missed you as always but girl that Bowling Shirt you got Ken is way smashing and he looked fab in it! I hope my photos came out. I'll keep you posted smooch
Hope I didn't leave anyone out but really it was much fun. I have a set list floating round my car somewhere. I think it fell outta my purse. Heh.
Oh and they really need to do a CRUM of Borderline, cuz I need that song. I mean I NEED that song. It just effing RULES. Cuz you know it's all over when Co Ro covers Madonna. g Oh yeah and of course The Beatles too. g
And now I should sleep since I have a sleeping Cece next to me. Heh, what's sleep? Really.
Sorta semi trying to remember off the top of my head cool quote of the gig: "Don't blame us, it's the Knit we all hate." (This version of Fortunate just ROCKS! *g*)
poofus
*smoosh*
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 how 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-officially honored with retirement Sunday March 9th-*sob sob*
"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-
"You see, we don't solve your problems here, we just work our way around."-"Offstage Lines"-Common Rotation-
I always forget if Rachel is CoRoBaby, but I might be wrong, so Rachel, yay on the bowling shirt! Forgive me, I have no brain at 6 am and I have been a ditz all weekend. g
*smoosh*
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 how 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-officially honored with retirement Sunday March 9th-*sob sob*
"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-
"You see, we don't solve your problems here, we just work our way around."-"Offstage Lines"-Common Rotation-
I enjoyed last night's show... it wasn't as musically tight as Hotel Cafe, but there was a lot of energy and it was a good set... best of all they played several of my favorites.... Everything Under the Sun, Sit Down, Fortunate, Hey Lena... the only thing that would have made it better is Hey Mr. DJ, cos my boy loves that one...
It was so nice of Mike to compliment out outfits Friday night... plus how great did he look in that suit playing the upright bass...
The Beatles piece at the end made my night last night because I have always loved the Beatles.... was anyone recording that night? Brield maybe? I would love to have an MP3 of that to play for my Mom who is a big Beatles freak.
It was great to see old friends and finally puts some faces to names of the ones I had not met yet.... Thanks to everyone who showed up at Mels to hang with us before the show, much yumminess....
Also AJ... hanging with you upstairs while we waited was much fun... made the time just fly by... well that and watching Craig try to light the other candle... LOL
I didn't take any pictures last night...Aimer had said they might be checking bags and not letting cameras in and then Craig wanted to sit upstairs where it would have been hard to get any good shots anyway... and I figured I don't need to take photos at EVERY show...
I know you boys lurk, so it would be great if you would come back to Arizona sometime... your show at the Cajun House was great and then I could drag all my friends to see you Besides, in July Adam even told me they needed to come back to Phoenix to play, so yeah.... plenty of clubs in Scottsdale and Tempe that would be good... even a couple in Phoenix nearer to us
Wow... If I had a dollar for every look our group got during the course of the night, I'd... well, I'd have enough to buy out the Knit and make sure tech. problems like last night don't happen again.
My friend came with me again, despite her feeling even worse than she did friday. There I was, afraid she'd pass out on the floor, and she's worried about getting me sick. Go figure... C, you amaze me sometimes.
One of the gals who was supposed to come with us to the show got injured in her club game yesterday, so C's boyfriend E came with us (even though he was under the weather himself). A was annoyed at an earlier event of the day, and it sorta transferred to the lateness of the show, and T was emotionally exhausted. We all ended up sitting down in line outside the Knit, then sitting against the wall until Eric came on stage. C and E didn't even have the energy to stand up then, and spent the entire show sitting against the wall. Despite all the bullsh*t, the 5 of us all left with gigantic smiles on our faces, complete with a new convert.
ComRo can make anything better.
I was kinda alarmed at the pointed looks we got. We weren't trying to be rude by sitting down. We just wanted to come out and support the rockin' spiffness that is Common Rotation, and not kill ourselves in the process. Thankfully, not all the fans reacted with such animosity.
TB- I didn't know your tiara glowed! Very Spiff. Happy (early) Birthday!
It seemed like the air was literally cracklin' with the energy the boys put out there last night. It's always a treat to see bands with people who enjoy what they do. And Mike's smile is definitely contagious. I can't wait until they come back out here again.
/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/
Darn peer pressure!
I now have a live journal: http://www.livejournal.com/~acadeczombie/
Go there. Laugh. Cry. Then read the entries…
For those who were wondering, NO I didn't record the show.
As for a review, I'm not really going to give one. I'll just say...The show was awesome as usual, I Loved the energy that they guys had. I had so much fun just sitting at the end of the stage singing along and dancing to the music. It was GREAT to have Rick there. I love what he adds to the shows whenever he is able to make it. And of course Katz was great too. I'm so glad that Sydney was able to make it on Saturday after being sick all day and I hope that it's not too long before I'm able to come back to LA again. Probably won't be until next year though.
Common Rotation needs to come back to NorCal!
*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*
*~AIM~* Horseluvr636
(no login)
Re: Knitting Factory review
October 6 2003, 3:25 PM
Both shows this weekend were really awesome! I was so glad they played Pretty Lights on Friday, and they all looked great in suits I got to talk to Adam a little on Friday, so that was good. And Danny Strong was there, and hes always sweet. Saturday at the Knit, the energy was so great. I love when they play Borderline, its so cool. Two awesome shows in one weekend, common rotation always rocks. It will probably be a while til i get down to LA again, but i cant wait!!
(Briel- they really do need to have another NorCal show! that would be great!!)
(no login)
Re: Knitting Factory review
October 6 2003, 6:14 PM
Woo both shows were great! Got the setlists (thanks Matt), so I'll have to get those up at A-B.net soon... as well as my pix. Really hope they came out ok.
Rach - Ken LOVED the shirt! Ask Briel, she was there. And he wore it on stage at Knit, yay! Lookin' good Ken!
Cece - thanks for taking all those pix for me at Hotel. I was too far back... meh. Great to see you again!
Briel - we have damn cool jackets haha! It was awsome to finally hang with you a bit. Deb, Syd, and Blackgarden too.
Gwen - glad you were finally able to give Adam your gift. Even if it was while celebrating YOUR birthday lol. Believe me, I'll be moving out here the first chance I get! Anyone want an illegal Canadian roommate? I come bearing free poutine!
Da Groupie - always a blast. See you on Wednesday!
Adam - thanks for the harp.
Angie - great to meet you! So glad you came out for the shows and hopefully you can get out next weekend.
Think that cover almost everyone lol. You can probably tell I don't get out to LA that much. Needless to say I am patiently awaiting my next trip opportunity... whenever that may come.
Wait... was I suppose to use this thread to write an actual review of the show? Heh. boop
I meant to write a review for this forum days ago, but Hacker Groupie grew busy and somewhat apathetic. Or maybe just lazy. And you know, I couldn't write anything last night. I was forced to curl up under my blankets (after nuking a bag of Healthy Pop 98% fat free kettle corn) and just had to watch the movie Superman.
Ah! but what fun the Knitting Factory held for us. At first I was slightly miffed that the crowd looked small as we tried to fill the two floors of the mainstage at the Knit. Then I realised that a lot of people had found the seats upstairs and were watching CoRo from above and out of sight. Sitting down while at a regular bopping and bouncing CoRo gig isn't my ideal, and so I can't really imagine choosing to sit... when standing is a option. Even Adam tried in vain (many many times) to get the people upstairs to come down. I mean, you'd almost think that those fans had something wrong with them. Like they were worried about the People Under the Stairs or maybe just cannibalism. I won't name names or anything, but my friends CeCe and AJ were resting their feet amongst the group up there. Losers.
Down on the ground floor, in front of a stage where it's rumoured a group of weirdos were worshiping the Amps, people talked excitedly about the band, the songs, their favourite band member. For those who've not experienced a live show, you have to imagine the excitement. It's a tangible thing, a scent in the air, a distant drumming that grows louder even as the wait grows longer.
A couple in front of me peered eagerly at the set lists on the stage, I tried really hard not to look. You know, the whole Surprise factor. While not-looking at the set list, I can't deny the thrill I felt upon learning they'd be playing Lena. It's not the most beautiful song, or the most intricate song. It's my favourite though. It's fun. It allows great crowd participation. And, you know, it's a song that gets stuck in my brain only to unexpectedly pop back out at random moments. Like right now. As I write this.
"I'll ask you once politely.."
You have only to close your eyes and imagine to know how wonderful the band was. The Knitting Factory has a reputation (at least among the CoRo fans) for having sound problems, this night it wasn't sound, but lights.
Sweet smelling incense and warm candles lit the stage, setting mood. Despite Matt's hippie claim, I'm tempted to give Rick credit for it. I don't actually know him, but somehow it seemed more Rick-like to me. Also I like to think Matt would've chosen Sandalwood to burn (because everyone knows Sandalwood is the best scent). And none of that is important really, anyway. Except that only seconds after I noticed the candles, a Knitting Factory tech came thru and confescated them. Rat bastard. I mean, good man who saved us all from the potential fiery death we may have otherwise experienced.
So with only house lights, the band set up and began to play.
I don't have a set list, but I'm certain people have read one, seen one, already. And without a set list, or really good notes, I tend to quickly forget which songs were played - unless they're HG Approved (tm) Favourites - like Lena or Hollywood Romance or Belfast. (Which were played! They were wonderful.) And I can't be the only person who hears Belfast and STILL anticipates Eric singing a verse of "blah blah blah blah blah" even though we know he's put in lyrics.
Okay, obligatory stuff you may or may not care about:
Adam - He's got the shadow of a beard growing in, some people around commented on it -hating it or loving it. It looks scratchy to me, but as it's not my face what do I care? It made Adam's face look thinner though. Adam's voice was great and he seemed quite on top of things during the gig. Despite the fact that we all know they had a gig the night before, Adam seemed refreshed and relaxed. And I'm trying to find more to say about his performance, but I can't. It was a standard, Adam Quality (tm) performance. I think he'd have to start tap-dancing to outdo himself.
Eric - Sometimes I want to take Eric's face between my hands and kiss both his cheeks. There are times, like Saturday night, Eric manages to put on such a show I'm quite simply amazed. While he's never (to my knowledge) had a bad performance, there are some moments that absolutely shine. Eric worked the crowd wonderfully, I watched him make eye contact with fans, and give off his boyish grin. His voice was resonant and his enunciation perfect. He had a moment he appeared to lose himself in the music (and subsequently forget his words to Fortunate -I think-) but it enhanced the show rather than distract. I try to give my attention in equal bursts to each band member (lest they do something amusing that I miss!) but Sat night my eyes were on Eric. And it's funny, but the show really reminded me one thing I don't know how I forgot - Eric is a fantastic musician.
Mike - It wasn't Mike performing, but his alter ego. The frantic energy Mike displayed during the gig was decidedly a highlight. Watching him was eye-opening, too. I didn't realise how complimenting each band member was to another. The talent and styles of each member supports the others and improves them. Mike's never been even close to below par, he's always talented and amazing. But during the moments he really lets loose, goes 'wild' I feel as if you can see all the bursting talent he's been holding back.
Ken - The Professor was, once again, a ham. Known for his mysterious talent of turning invisible on whim as well as hogging the spotlight, Ken was finely dressed in a new bowling shirt he received as a belated gift from forum member Rachel and webmistress of the Ken Beck website. During the falling part at the end of Sit Down, the Professor stood to the great amusement of the crowd. His skills at the drum have never been in doubt, and while I know next to nothing about drumming, I was impressed when Ken managed to stand, shake his groove thing and drum at the same time.
Rick - Laid back, relaxed, at one with the guitar. Rick is the Neo of Common Rotation. (Except, of course, Rick dresses better and has more hair.) At turn making his guitar hum or wail, watching Rick perform is an experience in and of itself. While occasionally he rouses himself to mirror the furor around him onstage, most of the time watching Rick play is akin to a holy experience. Without the religion. Eyes closed, its clear that Rick is feeling the music he plays. I can honestly say that I look forward to gigs with which Rick plays. If you've heard him, you should know what I'm saying.
Jordan - I wish I could say I know this guy. I don't. In the two or three times I've seen him play with Common Rotation I've said a total of, maybe, five words to him. They probably were something like "Oh my god you're good." There's something about a talented, dimpled (I know you know that he's got dimples, in fact, I'm certain he knows that I know that you know that he's got them. You know? They're just so cute!) trumpet player that makes for a good show. He's got the ability to tap into random songs with such ease he makes his instrument look like child's play.
End of Obligatory stuff and rambling.
This review is already too long. So I'll wrap it up. It should be noted that during one song (Anyone remember which?) Rick came out on stage playing a little keyboard/reed instrument called a Melodica 26, later during the finale Mike appeared playing the neat almost toy-like mouth piano.
I think others will agree, Common Rotation once again came through with an outstanding show.
~Hacker Groupie
Not so random movie quote at the end of a long post:
Clark Kent: Really, Lois, supposing that man had shot you? Is it worth risking your life over ten dollars, two credit cards, a hairbrush, and a lipstick?
Lois Lane: How did you know that?
Clark Kent: Know what?
Lois Lane: You just described the exact contents of my purse.
Clark Kent: Hmm. Lucky guess.
(Superman)
Anonymous (no login)
Re: Knitting Factory review
October 8 2003, 4:16 PM
Now I may have been very drunk at this show but I swear I remember hearing them play "Payback" for the first time in what seems like years.
mezzer (no login)
Re: Knitting Factory review
October 8 2003, 4:46 PM
Thanks for the great reviews and pics everyone. The guys look gorgeous in their suits, not sure about Adam's "beard" I think I prefer his cheeks bare!
Delphine (no login)
Obligatory Stuff
October 8 2003, 5:56 PM
Thanks for your reviews and a special thank you to HG for the detailed review about the group members. You deal very well with the Obligatory Stuff
D/G
Briel (no login)
Re: Knitting Factory review
October 8 2003, 6:25 PM
Anon~ They did indeed play "Payback". And it was an awesome version I might add.
(no login)
Re: Knitting Factory review
October 8 2003, 7:34 PM
Now I may have been very drunk You have to love any post that begins with that.
Grimma - Hey, no problem about the Obligatory stuff. That's always of interest to me and I know some others might find it informative.
~Hacker Groupie
"Chilly down with the fire gang (hey, shake your pretty little head)
Think small with the fire gang (tap your pretty little feet)
Good times, bad food (come on, come on)
When your thing gets wild
Chilly down"
FOLK.shit.up. @ Adam forums || Eric forums || Live in Five "You can say that you were there, reflected in my stare... we all know there's no easy way out." MSN/AIM: CRoFan28 -- LiveJournal:crofan28 -- *boop*
Amazing Pics Stef! Love the ones of Ken, and the shirt (Wink, Wink Rach).
(no login)
Re: Knitting Factory review
October 10 2003, 3:17 PM
Stef - haven't managed to check the online photos yet, but I liked the prints you showed me last night - especially the Eric in suit one Oh, and the Hacker Groupie with fake "Crocadile Dundee" hehe.
~Hacker "G'day, mate" Groupie
Random Music Quote:
"My name is Luka, I live on the second floor. I live upstairs from you. Yes I think you've seen me before. If you hear something late at night - some kind of trouble, some kind of fight. Just don't ask me what it was! Just don't ask me what it was."
(Suzanne Vega/"Luka")
bbgirl (no login)
Thanks Stef!
October 26 2003, 9:09 PM
Those pix were great, Stef! Thanks! I love all the smiling ones you got! It looks like it was a really fun show. Hope I can go to the next one. I'm hoping I'll get a digital camera as a gift during the holidays (dropping hints all over the place) so maybe I can contribute some pix of the band next time!
Last week it was Heather, this week Kathleen, who's next?
