Phoenix & French Kicks @ Bowery: Hi! Are You A Smoker?

Yes, I was asked that question on FOUR DIFFERENT OCCASIONS LAST NIGHT. As previously discussed all over the blogs covering this Camel-sponsored Phoenix tour, the reps were out in full force last night looking to recruit anyone and everyone to some Camel smokes. Also, of note was the awful attendees (as expected); the majority of the crowd was extremely unfamiliar with Phoenix and happened to be at the right place at the right time when snagging some tix from one of the Camel reps.

Regardless, it was a great show for the $10 pricetag.

French Kicks took the stage around 9:45 to a pretty decently packed room (even if they were talking over the band). I enjoy French Kicks alright but never got the appeal of the band completely. Perhaps if I was more familiar with their latest LP I would have been grooving a little more to their tunes. Instead I was waiting to hear '1985' or 'The Wrong Side'. I didn't get either request. Oh well. Oh and I nearly forgot how friggin' tall the frontman is. Seriously, what are we talking 6 and a half feet?


Both Phoenix and French Kicks had an intense light show in place. Blue and red were the colors of the night, as you can see from my photos. Phoenix doesn't disappoint live.


It's just simple fun French 3 minute rock ditties (Ok, not 'Funky Squaredance' which officially clocks in just under 10 minutes). Yes, Sofia Coppolla was there. Front and center of the stage left balcony. She looked adorable but I still think 'Lost In Translation' is one of the most overrated movies of the past 5 years. But yes, back to Phoenix.



The majority of the set definitely highlighed It's Never Been Like That. 'Run Run Run' was easily the pinnacle of last night's show. Considering that the chorus really only has 5 words or so in it, even the 'non-fans' were singing along and grooving.



Hearing 'Too Young' always puts a smile on my face. It's just the ultimate pop song, and the best encore I could think of.

Also in attendance was Yeti and Chris Music Snob.