[ATTENDED: September 7, 2018] Sloan
Sarah and I went to see Sloan at Boot and Saddle back in May. It was a fantastic show. When they announced that they were swinging back around and playing White Eagle Hall, a favorite new venue in Jersey City, I knew I had to see them again.
There were a few strikes against this show for me. It was the middle of three shows in a row (Judas Priest last night, First Aid Kit tomorrow night). It started at 9 and I’d be missing out on some stuff at home. I considered not going, but thought I’d be mad if I blew it off.
Well, I arrived on time and there was hardly anyone there (Boot and Saddle was packed). Then they didn’t start for some 20 minutes. People started to fill in at last and I was able to get a nice spot right front and center.
I probably should have realized that, since this was the same tour that they were on (promoting their latest fantastic album 12), that the setlist would be largely the same. But the setlist was so different on the previous tour, and they made it seem like the Boot & Saddle show has some unique elements, that I was surprised that the first set was identical to the Boot & Saddle show.
I guess the surprise was that this was the second leg of the tour. They had taken a little break and were resuming. Our night was the first night of the new leg, so I thought maybe it would be extra special. Maybe having a poor turnout doesn’t make you want to do anything special–although the band played great and seemed in very good form.
Not terrible, since the songs are great. But a little disappointing to be sure. (more…)
