I’ve had a few friends tell me Spoon’s live performances have been less than stellar, and I completely see it. They have a tight sound full of popping grooves and quirks that manage to feel fresh…on a CD. Spoon doesn’t so much write complete songs as take one awesome idea and stretch it out for a few minutes. The songs never really go anywhere, but soon enough, you’ll start nodding your head in approval.

I’m going to see them because I know their CDs are great, and I want to see if there’s anything to these Spoon-haters I know. While we’re in such a pessimistic mood; I admittedly felt a little bored watching their SNL performance. But TV performances are rarely telling of what a band is capable of in a set.

So much of their success depends on acute timing, and creating an atmosphere of cool around their hooks. I’m a little scared that unless Spoon is really on their game, they’re going to have a tough time getting it right at the Electric Factory. It’s not typically the first, second, third, or fourth best place to go for sound quality.

(OK, stopping the pessimism now) Go see Spoon because, of all things concerning indie rock, lead singer Britt Daniel is the master of minimal groove, and has one of my favorite voices in rock and roll.

Check out one of the best songs on their new album Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga, and the adorable yellow Nerf thing (called a “Keepon”) that dances with it. I love that little Nerf thing.

Spoon and The Ponys at the Electric Factory.
$22.00 day of show (10/19)