Black Widow's Eyes live

[Christopher Cappiello]

I drove from L.A. to the desert to see the band play Indian Wells on Saturday night and was just thrilled to hear so much material from the new album. In particular, I thought "Black Widow's Eyes" sounded great, in spite of some obvious problems Pete was having with his elaborate guitar rack (lots of sour faces, shouted protests to the Pridden area, and a lot of fiddling with buttons and dials). I think it's a fantastic addition to the set, and a happy replacement for "Real Good Looking Boy," which is a song I like, but I've never heard them light it on fire live. 
   
  I also thought "Fragments" was better live than on the CD. Gorgeous screen images on that one, too.
   
  And "Tea and Theatre" is sublime. A courageous ending for a rock concert, in my humble opinion.
   
  Just some thoughts after finally seeing them live this year.
   
  - Chris Capp