There are those bands you see live that have that amazing, indefinable presence that exude talent. Others present perfect sound, energy, or showmanship. Some artists just make you feel special to be spending time with them.

Then there is Spoon. Now in general, [...]]]>

Spoon's Britt Daniel during the performance in Royal Oak.

There are those bands you see live that have that amazing, indefinable presence that exude talent. Others present perfect sound, energy, or showmanship. Some artists just make you feel special to be spending time with them.

Then there is Spoon. Now in general, the reviews and write-ups on My City Buzz are positive, which isn’t just smoke blowing, it’s just rather that we only see live performances by bands we like. And we like Spoon. Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga is a great album. However, their recent show in Royal Oak was just plain disappointing.

On tour promoting their latest album, Transference, they hit the Royal Oak Music Theater along with The Strange Boys and Deerhunter. The stage was decorated with strands of bare bulbs as Spoon’s lead singer Britt Daniel, clad in a leather jacket, came out to jam.  However, it didn’t develop into much of a jam session at all. It seemed as if the whole band was somewhat tired, causing the show to be a bit lackluster.

They played songs such as “I Saw the Light” and “The Ghost of You Lingers” to a tricked out light show, reminiscent of something U2ish with big geometric shapes flashing and changing colors. The vibe in the crowd appeared to be fairly mellow throughout.  Only when the returned for their encore, performing the popular “I Turn My Camera On” and “The Underdog” did the audience perk up. Overall, Spoon on disc is the better option.

(Review and photos courtesy of Nicole Cummings & Christian Spencer. If you want to see more photos from them, check out www.flickr.com/photos/christian_nicole.)