Band of Horses - State Theatre 1/24/08

The show opened with Tyler Ramsey, who played us a few beautiful guitar melodies with no backup band. Cass McCombs followed with a quick set that built in intensity as it progressed. These guys finally appeared to be having a good time by the last two numbers, and it paid off in the quality of the tunes. Then we waited for the headliners. Since the concert bill said nothing of opening acts, I was pleasantly surprised by this opportunity to check out some other bands. Both were good. Tyler also plays guitar for Band of Horses, so it was nice to get to see him twice.
The part of the story I did not yet mention is that my wife got us tickets in the FRONT ROW center stage. I have never been to a concert where I could have reached out to touch the performers (I did not). This was also nice because my wife was close enough to ask one of the roadies after the show for the copy of the setlist that was laying on the stage next to Ben. So, exactly as it was written for the band, the setlist was as follows:

MONSTERS

SNOW

GHOST

SALT

WEED

HOUSE

13 DAYS

OLDER

NO ONE

TOOSOON

GIL

LRC

FUNERAL

MARRY

WRITERS

_____________

?EFFIGY?

?STRONGER?

13 Days was an excellent J.J. Cale cover, Effigy by Creedence, and Stronger by Chicago. Writers is titled The General Specific on Cease to Begin. During Weed Party, the crowd obliged. Ben commented that it was good to see that number still goes over well in State College, and the crowd agreed. House refers to Islands on the Coast.

The State Theatre holds less than 600 fans, so it was an intimate setting for such a great live band. Band of Horses won't be able to fit into venues like this much longer, so check it out while you have the chance!

Check back soon for photos from the show...