i dig dug

doug martsch and built to spill: some of the most humble musicians you'll see on stage. a solid 15 years of pent-up hooting, hollering, cheering, clapping, song requesting, encore calling out, etc etc, overcame the toronto crowd at lee's palace and it was fun to see doug and the bands reactions and almost awkward thank yous after each tune and at the end of the night. this was wednesday night, the 2nd of the 2-night stand at lee's, marking the band's first trip to toronto in it's existence of about 15 years and there was a huge energy of anticipation and appreciation in the air. i met a few people who were at the first show the night before and all gave glowing reviews - though mixed accounts on what they actually played, hahah. my favourite was the waster in the bathroom who announced to me he was at the show the previous night... when i asked if he loved it he stared at me... "what do you think?"

"shitty?"

wednesday night's show was just as massive as the response. maybe moreso. the only song i really wanted to hear going in was Car, and i got it - basically doug solo with some light bass accompaniment. i knew everything else would have been gravy for me, and it was. they opened with Liar, the tune brian really wanted to hear going in, so all in all we couldnt lose. the encore was just like buffalo, a monstrous 20+ minute Randy Described Eternity. the drummer had his kit torn down before the final notes had come from doug's guitar. other favourites of mine were a hole tearing Conventional Wisdom, Big Dipper, and Time Trap. the set looked something like this, though im sure they're out of order and im missing a tune here or there... i always do..

Liar
Made-Up Dreams
The Source
Big Dipper
Car
Conventional Wisdom
Stop The Show
Kicked It In The Sun
Time Trap
You Were Right
Carry The Zero
Brian Eno/Bauhaus cover.. Third Uncle? (i didnt get the title, but that cover has popped up on recent setlists)
and a song from the first album which i cant remember the name

encore:
Randy Described Eternity

each time i've seen them i've been impressed by the selfless dynamic the 3 guitar players have.. this time was no different. you kind of expect to see Doug take a lot of the big solos and be the real center of attention the whole night, but he's not - he allows tons of room for the other 2 guys, and they're quite good - all of them do such crazy stuff, and its heavenly when they're doing it all at once. there's so much going on between the 3 of them, it's awesome to focus in on them individually once in a while and really focus on what they're doing to contribute to the wall. see who's layin' what bricks...

the only complaint comes from my ears to my eyes: "great sightlines, man, but those guys make us pay!"