The typed setlist differs from the actual list. There were some technical problems Barry was having before they started the show, and some of the sound guys knelt down and were writing notes on some of the set lists. Perhaps Auto Rock and Hunted were replaced? Hard to say for sure, but I'm almost certain the band's originally intended setlist was altered moments before the show began. No problems occurred during the show.
Contrary to the setlist.fm report, "Auto Rock" and "Hunted by a Freak" were NOT played last night in Cleveland. Guess that person must have been the guy who stank the place up with the smell of weed!
Luke Sutherland also played violin on a couple of other songs, too, but I'm not positive which ones - I think it was "The Lord," "Werewolf," "Mexican GP," maybe "Rano Pano," too - some combination of those songs, but I noted above which ones he definitely played on.
Anyways, this was a surprisingly great show. I had my doubts about the House of Blues, but once again, Cleveland delivered for me! I've been to Grog Shop, Beachland Ballroom and now House of Blues since I moved to Pittsburgh, which is a convenient 2 hour drive from Cleveland, and I've had a blast each time. In fact, I may be in love with Cleveland as a music city. I can't say last night was as impressive as Slint at the Grog Shop last week, but it's kind of difficult to beat Slint in a small club, particularly when David Pajo has nailed the best guitar tone of all time (coming from what I perceived to be a solid-state Peavey half-stack!).
ANYWAYS, Mogwai and the House of Blues were simply impressive. This was the best time I've had at a 'Gwai show since 2009. They were pummelingly loud, especially during "We're No Here" and "Batcat." Excellent sound, excellent crowd. A couple who was right next to us, very front of stage left in front of Stuart's amps, was particularly interesting to watch. According to what the guy said to me, this was the girl's first ever electric concert experience (which she did not deny, so I assume this is true), and he seemed very proud of himself that he was responsible for the fact that Mogwai would be her first time ever hearing amplified guitars live with him as her date. He was holding her tightly the whole time, and they were both mesmerized! I did not see any earplugs, so I'm pretty sure she is the closest person to being completely deaf in the state of Ohio right now. If my ears are still ringing bad, which they are, I can't imagine how much hearing loss she suffered!
Mogwai were totally in the zone, even if the setlist wasn't particularly surprising or earth-shattering. I'm not too fond of the new material, but it was all really good to hear live. I had also never seen or expected to see "Take Me Somewhere Nice," which was a highlight for me. Stuart sang higher than on the album version, and the violin playing was a really nice touch throughout the entire show, too. Was hoping for "Herod" or "Satan," but what they played was a really good set, flowing awesomely together, all very cohesive. And did I mention it was FUCKING LOUD?!
They're simply a great band who are as powerful if not more so than in recent past tours. Most notable aspect of the show: no songs from Come on Die Young or Happy Songs for Happy People (they played over half of that album in Charlotteville, VA a couple of summers ago). I was very impressed, and I'm a difficult purist to impress. Perhaps it was the sixth man that tied everything together so well. Keep up the violin! Cheers, lads!
