favorite favorite favorite favorite

A few weeks before this show, if memory serves me correctly, I but some AKG mics from a guy in Syracuse. When we met to do the swap, he said "Hey, did you hear there's a monkeys on esctasy show coming up in Syracuse?" Perfect. New mics, great show, what's not to like?



Ironically, the mics stayed in the car. Because of the comparatively small venue, they limited the tapers to two mic stands - total! So, there was a lot of clamping, and plenty of tapers, so I just brought my deck and patched out of Mr. Martin.



As for the show, the rumors started swirling while we were setting up that the promoter asked for a two-song second set. They wanted Rec Chem and Meat...that's it. Then someone mentioned something about them playing Wormwood in its entirety. So, are we really going to know what to expect...how un-moe. like?



So, a couple songs in, and yes, we're getting Wormwood. Okay. No complaints. But are we really going to get Rec Chem and Meat? Really? Come on...they have the whole catalog to choose from. There's no way. I mean, it'd be sweet, but come on.



Second set starts...first bass lines...and we all start looking at one another. Buckle it for the ride. And here's where things take an awesome turn.



At some point during Rec Chem, a balloon comes floating near the mics. Now, I am gravitationally challenged, but I was able to snag said balloon before they hit any mics. As I secure the balloon, Steve Young gives me a thumbs-up from the sounds board "nice grab". So, I take this as an opportunity to swing around the side, give some words of appreciation for his efforts and that I used to go to Broadway Joe's where he did sound.



After a brief chat, he goes ducks back to board where there's a fan to keep him cool. Then he waves me back behind the board and hands me the headphones. Then starts isolating each member. Then plugs into an jack in his eq rack. I turn and ask "what is that?!!". Points to mics on each side of the stage. SBD + AKG414's pointed at the crowd from the stage. He plugs back into the board and isolates Rob just as he's going off during the segue into Meat. Figured that was perfect time to split. Thanked him for the sonic journey and enjoyed the rest of the show.



Rating the recording...most of my listening is through ear-buds at work, so I can't give an audiophile perspective. This is an accurate capture of a rather high cavernous room. I don't find it too bassy. Wouldn't give it 5 stars, but since we were tucked near the back wall, there was no way for a "sweet spot" recording.



When all was said and done, a good time was had by all...and that's what counts.

- April 26, 2013One of a kind show/night.