I’ve been a fan of The Fray and Jack’s Mannequin for years now. I can’t remember how I even discovered The Fray, but I saw them the first time they ever hit Toronto and it was about $15. It was in my sophomore year of high school, we skipped the afternoon of school, hit the big city and had a pretty amazing day to be topped off with an incredible show. Seeing them last night was just as special, they never fail to play the most beautiful music. I discovered Jack’s Mannequin through One Tree Hill when they had first formed, I had heard of Something Corporate and Andrew McMahon, but Jack’s is something special.
I’ve seen both these bands every time they’ve come to the city, The Fray at The Phoenix and Kool Haus and Jack’s at the ACC, Kool Haus, and Opera House. I was more excited this time around to hear stuff from both of their new albums. The Fray’s self-titled, second album is not a stretch from the sound of their first How To Save a Life, but is filled with a new round of melancholy hits. Jack’s second album The Glass Passenger is also similar to the sound of their first Everything in Transit, but equally amazing.
Last night was a gorgeous summer eve. It’s been a long time coming. My friend Madeline accompanied me, we had a couple Corona’s on my balcony and then made our way down to the Molson Amphitheater. If you’re a fan of both these bands, or even a fan of ‘piano rock’ then this was a show you wouldn’t want to miss. The sun set, the was a warm breeze and the amiptheatre filled with the gorgeous, gorgeous sounds of Isaac Slade and Andrew McMahon’s voices and the perfect melodies that accompany them.
Lyrically and musically I think both these bands are brilliant, their music speaks to so many people and it’s always so haunting to be one in a crowd of thousands singing the same words that mean so much. I guess this isn’t a critic’s review, it’s simply a fan appreciation review of what a wonderful experience it is to hear beautiful music live, and I keep coming back, time and time again.
“Some things we don’t talk about, rather do without, just hold a smile.” – Never Say Never, The Fray
“I get the feeling we’re so misdirected, I get the feeling we have lost control.” – Drop Out / The So Unknown, Jack’s Mannequin
Filed under: concert, music | 4 Comments
Tags: Concerts, Jack's Mannequin, The Fray
nice review…
flickr photos from the show http://www.flickr.com/photos/drivebymedia/sets/72157600418952288/
the pics are from when we saw them in 2007 not the show you reviewed
Hey man, I”m going to the show this Friday in Stl. Just curious how long the show was for you…thanks!
Hey! Thanks for reading! It was about 2 and a half hours, maybe 3?
Have fun!