Subj: Stereolab/Unrest at the Grand, New York City

First of all, let me say the survey prompted me to send this in.
I dunno how useful it will be, but as such....
This gig was absolutly sublime. Stereolab opened, and made my
night memorable. They played much off of their latest LP
"Announcments...", and other stuff. I have only heard their
latest album, so I do not know which other stuff they played.
This show was absolutly mesmorizing and hypnotic. It is
incredable that they were able to pull off their sounbd live,
using 2 Moogs, a guitar, bass, 2 singers, drummer and sometimes a
tamberine. In addition to the utterly mindbending music (sorry,
but this was one of the best shows I've seen this year), went the
lead singer. I hope not to offend anyone, but she is absolutly
sensual. This concert pleased many of the senses.

Sadly at this New York Show, very few people seemed to be dancing
- and when you have such exquiste music that one can lose oneself
in, this seems strange. I guess as long as they were able to
enjoy it in their own fashion.

The live sound came out much clearer than the recorded sound. The
interplay and exchange between the two singers brought a new
level out from some of the songs. Often on the album it is easy
to confuse  the voices. (Laette's voice is very distinctive, but
on the recording they seem to blend together.)

After Stereolab did an encore (which Unrest did not), I went and
bought the split single. I haven't gotten to listen to it yet -
but the songs are a remix of "Where are all the Peurto Rican
Boys? by Unrest (originally from the 4-AD 13 Year Itch special
commerative CD), and Moutain by Stereolab.

I had had a programming assignment due the next day and
originally decided to leave after Stereolab so I could finish it
up and get a decent amount of sleep - no can do. I had seen
Unrest once before when they opened up for Fugazi several months
ago in New York City. I did not particularly like or dislike
them. However, Roseland is a horrible venue - and often bands can
get lost in the size. Tonight they proved exciting. Their stuff
was basically new for me, but I enjoyed their style of
"speed"-pop. (If you can call it that.) Basically they are very
tight and enjoy playing complex melodies FAST. Mark sang most of
the songs, but the other two both sang one song. Bridgit's song
was dedicated to "A friend who was imprisoned for endangering a
policeman's life." People cheered - but she didn't say much more
than that. Does anyone know anything more about this song? I was
extremely impressed by the drummer. He seemed top notch (not that
the rest of the band wasn't - but he was the element that
impressed me from the start.)

All in all, as I said before, this was one of the best concerts
I've been to this semester. (Geez, this semester has been full of
the BEST concerts I have seen! Dead Can Dance, Orb, Verve,
Stereolab/Unrest.) I was sad I didn't have enough cash to pick up
a Stereolab shirt - does anyone know if these might be available?
If they are still touring and this show comes to town - GO, you
will not be disappointed.

-Michael