Sage Francis, B.Dolan, Metermaids

Live in Philadelphia (2014)

Frankthep

The Strange Famous Records Family show in Philadelphia on July 2, 2014 was excellent from start to finish. It was the second time I have been to Union Transfer and I think it is one of the better venues in the city.

* I am horrible at remembering song titles so if I get one wrong, sorry.*

Prolyphic opened the show and was really good. I haven't always been a big fan of his but Working Man is a great album and he played a few tunes off of it (opened with "Drug Dealers" and include "Death of the Boombox," "Hand Grenade" and closed with "Artist Goes Pop"). I thought he got the crowd's attention and I got a chance to talk to him at the merch booth -- pretty cool dude.

Metermaids were next and stole the show for me. First time I have had the pleasure to see them and they did not disappoint. Their chemistry is obvious. The set list was good ("Graveyard Shift," "8mm," "Matches"), new song was good and the lyrical interaction between them was even better. Too bad reality gets in the way for these guys as in real life -- because I would love for them to tour more -- they are really that good.

Dolan was next and just him, the beats and the lights were enough to get the crowd even more into it than they were for the previous bands. Doing a lot material off of HOB2 plus others ("Marvin," "The Hunter," "Film the Police"). B. is one of the best performers I have seen (hip hop and non hip hop) and it is always an excellent show. The last time I saw him was with the band -- I really liked that but this show was just as good.

Sage came out soon after and got it going with "Pressure Cooker" and it was off. Dolan as hype man and Lord Grunge (from the late great Grand Buffet) as DJ -- c'mon -- who can touch that? He did a lot of songs off Copper Gone ("Vonnegut Busy," "Thank You," "Grace," "Make Em Purr") and some classic cuts ("Gandhi," "Makeshift," "Damage," "Escape Artist," "Sea Lion," "Crack Pipes") among many others. He also did two Epic Beard Men Songs with Dolan -- "Paid Dues and "You Can't Win." I liked the film show playing behind them and overall is was one of the better Sage shows I have seen. The interaction among the three of them was awesome to watch.