Umphrey’s McGee brings “Death By Stereo” to First Avenue – Night 2
A youthful crowd made up the majority of Friday’s sold out show, several whom I overheard were attending their first Umphrey’s McGee concert. The band took the dimly lit stage, and patiently worked into crowd-favorite “Nothing Too Fancy” which hammered directly into a bouncing “Domino Theory”, from Death By Stereo. That was a great start for a rocking set. “Wellwishers”, also from Death By Stereo was up next and didn’t stray far from the album version. The first set ended with “Intentions Clear” > “Baby You’re A Rich Man” > “Got Your Milk (Right Here)” > “Nothing Too Fancy”. What a way to pick up from the fantastic second set of night one.
The second set of night two had its moments, including a beautifully clean “Fussy Dutchman”, and an awesome “Women, Wine and Song” sung by keyboardist, Joel Cummins, but overall I felt the song selection was a little flat in comparison to the first set. After the set completed with “Der Bluten Kat”, the band returned for a two song encore. The slow funk-grooving “Hangover” finished off the two night run with drummer, Kris Myers, adding falsetto backup vocals. The crowd sang, “all night long!” as well, smiling in appreciation for another great run of shows at the best rock club around.
These were the most consistent Umphrey’s McGee shows I have seen in several years. While the show dynamics never strayed too far from the middle, there were some superb highlights from this run, far trumping last year’s First Avenue shows. Perhaps the Mexican sun provided some needed rejuvenation, or perhaps the band has found a new groove, whatever it is, I hope they don’t take long to return to the Twin Cities. How about a summer trip to the Minnesota Zoo, Umphrey’s?? Go see Umphrey’s McGee in a city near you. \mm/
First Avenue – Friday, February 3rd, 2012 Setlist:
Set One
Nothing Too Fancy > Domino Theory, Wellwishers, Dump City > It’s About That Time > Dump City, Intentions Clear > Baby You’re A Rich Man > Got Your Milk (Right Here) > Nothing Too Fancy
Set Two
Hurt Bird Bath > Anchor Drops, The Fussy Dutchman, Women Wine and Song > Der Bluten Kat
Encore
Kimble, Hangover*
Notes
* with One Nation Under a Groove teases
