There are many mysteries in the world.

From where do we come?

What is the spark called love?

And the third, but no less important, how does the voice of Band of Horses come from Ben Bridwell?

As the masses gathered in the sold out theater on the campus Friday night, there was something unique in the air. Granted it was on the campus of the University of Oklahoma. So, there was no alcohol served. (As if that can stop me from sneaking a little past the door). But I will trade booze free shows for great sound. And great sound is what I got.

After leading off with an amazing version of “Monsters” from the very excellent “Everything All the Time”, I knew I was in for something special.

I say to you now, there is no better singer in indie-rock than Ben Bridwell. He needs no effects or studio tricks to make him sound brilliant. The dude can wail. And from my position five from the man, it is all real. Tattooed from neck to wrist and a grill that would rival the spawn of Jewel and Steve Buscemi, the man is the real deal. Also, his band was in time to a “T”. Six strong they are, four of which were cloaked in beards worthy of months on the road, and a bass player displaying a creepy pirate mustache, they didn’t miss a beat, or a chance to smile during a song. Which I found to be an added bonus. Hey! They actually enjoyed playing music in front of people. A trait lost on most bands nowadays.

Mid-set they covered J.J. Cale’s “Thirteen Days” which simply brought the house down. Also, aside from Robert Randolph, no one else can rock the lap-steel like this band. The only drawback to the show being that the band only has two full length records from which to play. I simply wished they could play forever, and continue to blind me with me brilliance. But, hey, that is just selfish.

Is it too early in the year to declare this to be the best show of the year…..?

Only time will tell.

I have 11 months of shows in front of me…

MP3:
Band of Horses - “Is There a Ghost”

VIDEO:
“No One’s Gonna Love You” @ Meacham Auditorium (Norman, OK)

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