Louis XIV w/What Made Milwaukee Famous @ Richard's on Richards - March 28/08

This was the first time openers What Made Milwaukee Famous have performed in Vancouver. They played a half hour set but still managed to do nine songs, including a cover of Billy Joel's 'You May Be Right'.

Richard's was pretty empty on this Friday night and the majority of those present were 20-something girls dressed in their hottest indie wear, and several couples in their mid to late 20s: a slightly older crowd than I would have guessed Louis XIV would bring out.

I got cancelled on myself by a new boy I hadn't sealed 'the' deal with yet and once Louis XIV launched off their set with the heavy, throbbing beats and suggestive lyrics they're known for, I thought to myself "he's missing out. Doesn't he know what panty-remover Louis XIV are?"

Updated in 2018: I never finished this concert review I'm afraid. My memory is off a fun, energetic set within the  intimate environs of Richards'. I remember thinking that the venue wasn't sold out as there was plenty of standing space. The crowd wiggled around to the catchy and raunchy songs, but never got more animated. The band members were all in hipster vest/suits ensembles and put on a sweaty (on their part) show. Fun.



 
Setlist:

Slick Dogs and Ponies
Paper Doll
The Grand Apartment
Louis XIV
A Letter to Dominique
Sometimes You Just Want To
Illegal Tender
Tina
Air Traffic Control
Finding Out True Love Is Blind
Guilt by Association
All the Little Pieces
God Killed the Queen
There's a Traitor In This Room
Encore:
The Hunt
Pledge of Allegiance

Editors/Hot Hot Heat @ The Commodore Ballroom - Feb 5, 2008

A little thrown off by an earlier start time due to it being a weekday show, the three band lineup, and a friend who needed a smoke or two before the show, I managed to miss the openers, Louis XIV. I’d been really looking forward to seeing them, but will soon be able to rectify this when they come back to town on March 28.
The first thing I noticed when Hot Hot Heat took the stage is the new lighting system at the Commodore. Vibrant colours light the stage and the musicians from a myriad of spotlights adding to the spectacle of the performances and the mood of each song played.
Hot Hot Heat are immediately energetic despite the initially tame crowd. Originally from Victoria, but now based in Vancouver, they are currently recording an album in town, and the singer tells us they're happy to be home.
Steve Bays warns us that his doctor advised him to take two weeks off for his voice, but he declares "we wouldn't let Vancouver down!" Despite the good intentions, his voice does sound weak at times and even fades away to nothing at others. Hot Hot Heat cut their set short, but have still managed to get the fans warmed up.



Hot Hot Heat's approximate Setlist:
Dirty Mouth
Harmonicas and Tambourines
Oh, Godamnit
No, Not Now
Middle of Nowhere
Goodnight, Goodnight
Bandages
My Best Friend
Talk to Me, Dance with Me


I never got around to writing a review on the Editors (this is added in 2018). My memory is of a pretty dull show, but enjoyable music. I believe they were wearing suits, which has changed over the years. There wasn't much audience interaction or showmanship. But the lights and sound were good as this was the Commodore. I recall loving hearing the Editors music live and that it was very faithful to the recorded versions.

Setlist (very partial):
Smokers Outside the Hospital Dorrs
The Racing Rats
An End Has a Start
Munich