After three years of want, two rounds of tries, I can finally say I've seen Phoenix live in concert. Vanderbilt University's annual Rite of Spring festival continues to attract some impressive acts, a lot more impressive than Hopkins' list of washed up or unheard of headliners--State Radio, Bone Thugs N Harmony, O.A.R, etc etc etc. It's good to see a university that actually caters to their students and funds a way for them to have fun.
Phoenix was among a pretty awesome two-day lineup. Right before Phoenix's set was the Cold War Kids, who played their hearts out. After Phoenix was the much anticipated Drake (yes, the rapper). The next day had Passion Pit and Ben Harper, both of whom I'd like to see but conflicted with a NASCAR race (yes, they are athletes and no, I did not partake). Phoenix was AMAZING and totally worth every pretty spent penny and standing outside amidst an impending tornado watch. Basically, they played every song from Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, including both parts of "Love Like A Sunset," "Consolation Prizes," and my two favorite songs, "Long Distance Call" and "If I Ever Feel Better." They were full of French charm, calmly telling the audience "Merci Beaucoup" after most songs and to "shake it" for their designated dance tune, "Girlfriend." Phoenix sounded so good and so experienced, controlled and played off the mood of the audience beautifully. Thomas Mars even climbed pretty high up on the scaffolding way above the crowd. The audience was really into it, or they were really into Drake, or they were really shitfaced. Whichever, they were basically ready to mosh, dancing around as if they were clubbing, and throwing around glow-in-the-dark balls and whatnot. I enjoyed it so much and my only complaint was that it was way too short--less than an hour!
About Vanderbilt: the campus is beautiful--though I only saw it in the dark, wandering around lost, it reminds me of an Ivy with its brick buildings and walkways hidden behind trees. The people also reminds me of the Ivy's--stuck up rich kids living off Daddy's trust fund--obviously a generalization but pretty much true nonetheless. Also, everyone was unusually tall. Typically I have no problems seeing the stage but I could barely even find a slit of clear view. Vandy kids were also really rude and were talking through the entire concert. We were jammed in the back or pushed off balance every other minute because one person needs to throw up and the other is trying to rave, probably the most annoying thing while trying to enjoy a concert, not to mention the concert I've been the most eager to see.
In essence, Phoenix was incredible but seeing them at Vanderbilt sucked ass. I'd love to see them again at a real venue. I also apologize for posting this so late (government obligations, my bad) and the shitty quality of my pictures.
