Metric and why you should love them

I know this is not a typical post for me but I had to spread the Metric love this morning. I saw them play at the House of Blues last night and the show was just amazing. For those of you who have not yet had the privilege of visiting the new House of Blues in Boston, you're not missing much. Yes, it's bigger but it's primarily a larger than life copy of Avalon, the club that used to be in the space. I haven't yet sat in the designated seats so I can't speak for those but when you're in general admission, the view is not so different - except for the very weird art the HOB has going on.

That said, we don't go for the venue, we go for the music... and last night, the music was wonderful. I've seen Metric live a few times now (even once on this tour at the 9:30 club in DC) and they don't fail to deliver. Songs that are merely extremely energetic rock showstoppers on the recorded album become utter spectacles of rock glory when performed live. Alright, that might be a bit hyperbolic but seriously folks, they play the shit out of these songs.

Frontwoman Emily Haines is almost always attired in something spangly and light catching (which I love) and she owns the stage like a crazy woman (in a good way) running all over the place, flirting with the audience, keeping everyone engaged. I know the band is good (they're my current favorite) but what you don't get off the album with quite as much force is that this band really knows what they're doing. During their live performance of Gold Guns Girls off of this year's Fantasies, the guitarist Jimmy Shaw leads into an epic minutes long guitar solo that just owns the club. His playing is fierce and explosive but controlled enough to stay on point. Bassist Joshua Winstead is similarly impressive, keeping the band on track and incredibly together for a live performance, while simultaneously managing to get in his own point of view. And the drummer... oh, the drummer. Drummers are usually my favorite so it's no surprise that Joules Scott-Key holds a special place in my heart. The man is amazing. That's it. That's all I'm saying.

If you haven't taken the time to listen to Metric, you really should. Though their current tour is focused mainly around Fantasies, their latest album, their catalog is rich with quality music. They know how to get it done with softer, quieter songs as well but really have endless energy and manage to transfer that to their audience. Their albums have ruled my life for weeks after coming out. I can't say I wouldn't mind hearing a few more oldies (Police and the Private off of Live it Out was the song that got me into Metric and I would love love love to hear it live) but the set lists are chock full of songs that make you just want to move. Some variation between DC and Boston kept it fresh but more than that the energy and excitement of the band (because you can still see how excited they are to be playing live music for you) is really what makes this show special.

Click here to visit Metric's site (do it!) - maybe they're playing near you

Other Metric albums not specifically mentioned in the post above (but still great):
Old World Underground, Where Are You Now? - check out Dead Disco especially
Grow Up and Blow Away - a really superb album
Knives Don't Have Your Back - Emily Haines side project: very different but quite good