Franz and DCab in Austin together again

Ok so this is the first tour they've done "together" per say. Last time was ACL Fest where they both played the same weekend, but not on the same day. But who cares, both of these bands come to Austin a lot, and I love them even more for it!

This was the third time for me to see Franz -- and I am sad to say this was not the best of the three. I hate thinking that because it was a great show compared to other artists, but it just feels like each time I see them, I am less impressed. Maybe they have lost their lust for their show -- or maybe I have. The first time I saw them at ACL in 2004 was one of my favorite concerts ever (who cared that I was a mile away in the big crowd). Not since I saw No Doubt in 1997 had I jumped around so much, not giving a shit what I looked like or who I bumped into. Then at 2005 ACL it was cool that I was so close to the stage in the middle for a kick ass view, but I didnt have Linds and Chris with me so it wasnt the same. This show in March 2006 just had me grooving to the beat as I do at every show I see. Nothing different to me, except the guys were wearing cowboy paraphanalia which was amusing. I only really got into "This Fire" since its Kway's favorite song and it was hard not to join in. But overall (not counting Jake), we all felt lukewarm about the show. However, there was one young gentleman who was like me in 2004, not giving a shit about what a fool he looked like. He was thrashing his arms, banging his head, jumping on his friends....he must have been on some drugs because no one around was even remotely close to his enthusiasm. Ah well, atleast he had a good time. Maybe Trent Reznor was right, maybe Franz will be "so 2004" and we'll all eventually be embarrassed we ever liked them. I'll still be proud of the early days, but my love is starting to wear off.

As for Death Cab, I would say Seth Cohen was right in endorsing them. This too, was the third time I have seen them in concert -- however all three shows were within 6 months of each other. ACL fest in Sept 2005, Stubbs in November, and this show at the Backyard in March. Can it get much better? (I had intended to see them at Stubbs in 2004 but for some reason I missed it -- man, what was I thinking?!!) Luckily, they have not ceased to impress me yet. I think as far as being engaged in the performance, I was more entranced by the Nov. Stubbs show -- by then I had collected their earlier albums as well and could truly appreciate their setlist that seemed brand new to me (plus I stood next to the bassist for almost the entire Stars opening set). This one was still fun though. They had a much more extravagent stage set with a big house of cardboard. Looked interesting. I always like when they play "We Laugh Indoors" -- the crowd always gets into the "I love you Gweneviere" chorus.

I think what made this evening great was the gorgeous weather at the Backyard and of course I loved the group I was with for this show. We know how to entertain ourselves once we get some Tecate in hand...."Dino -- Trust, trust", CJ micturating on the wall of the Subway shop because the Backyard has been surrounded by surburban strip centers, the breeze made a shirtless Chris resemble Fabio...I'm just sorry I dont have any pics to share!!