Just some pics for now… still in the middle of my move to Chicago and not sure when I’ll have time for more.

What I will say now, however, is that this past Wednesday night was about as good a night of live music as I’ve ever had in my life. SDRE were absolutely incredible. I’ve been a fan since 1994 but somehow never managed to actually see them live (though I did see The Fire Theft at the Knitting Factory in New York a few years back). They were every bit as good as I hoped they’d be, and probably even a little better. If you want to know just how good, go listen to the entire set over at NPR.

And while I was surprised by how good SDRE were, I was even more surprised by The Antlers. I’ve seen the band several times before, and have always been impressed by their sets. But I was a little nervous as to how they’d hold up in comparison to SDRE, who I’d seen just minutes before. I needn’t have been concerned. The Antlers absolutely blew the roof off of DC9, and proved, to both me and anyone else who made the quick switch from the 9:30 Club over to DC9, that they have the songs and the talent to take their place alongside one of my favorite bands of all time.

Well crap, I guess I ended up writing more than I thought I would. Just that type of night, I guess.

Sunny Day Real Estate

The Antlers

(This last picture is a shot of the band on DC9′s little TV simulcast feed a few feet from the stage. I thought it would look kinda cool.)