While I was visiting Portland Oregon,( home of the countries largest and smallest city parks) for the first time ever a few weeks ago, I happened to catch Titus Andronicus play as part of MFNW and managed to take some pictures.
I’ve been following this band since I saw them open for Yo La Tengo back at the last pool party (in the McCarren Park Pool) ever. During that show, lead singer Patrick Stickles (doesn’t that last name make him sound like a Roger Hargreaves book? ) shaved his huge ass mountain beard off mid set and sang into the microphone like a banshee with a master plan. In no time at all, I was sold. I have since picked up their record The Airing of Grievances and seen them play a few times since. Every time I do I find myself impressed by how good these guys continue to get. Though many members have changed out since the first time I saw them play and the backing band is now more attractive and charismatic than their first seen incarnation, they also now play with an agility and ownership that their recording showed them more than capable of. Portland I learned very early on, doesn’t seem to get down too hard. They love their rock music but it takes a bit to get them dancing. This seemed to be thrown out the window when Titus took the stage though. Kids started throwing each other around and the set ended with Stickles (…) being thrown above our heads and into the air. Although they were the only band I saw while in Portland ( a guy has to take a break sometime folks) it was a great time and Titus has yet again upped the ante for my standards of them. Though I don’t know when a new record is on the horizon, I am eagerly awaiting its manifestation and I recommend checking the band out live and on record if you consider yourself a fan of real balls the the wall rock and roll. Whatever that means…
Here are a few pictures from that nights performance:
