Morrissey @BAM, Jan. 11th

Shit, it was Friday night in Brooklyn, and none other than one of my all-time favorites, Morrissey, was performing that evening at the Brooklyn Academy of Music aka BAM, which is within walking distance of my apartment.  I had forgotten to look for tickets when the show went on sale a few months ago, so I was disappointed by my misstep, but I also had convinced myself that Moz had already taken enough of my money over the years, so no need to dump another $100 on a performer who always managed to come up short in terms of setlist length for me.  I believed that nothing could top my experience of seeing him at Webster Hall almost 4 year ago where I was up front.  Anyway, umbrella in tow on a drizzly night, I decided to stroll by the venue and see if I could score a last minute miracle.

(More words and pics after the jump.)  

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Sufjan Stevens @Bowery Ballroom, Dec. 21st

(Sorry for the delay in getting this out -- the holidays and all that jazz.)

I had been feeling a slight malaise about the upcoming Christmas holiday.  I had yet to pick up gifts for anyone on my list (and boy, do I hate shopping), and visiting with family generally stresses me out.  Bestest Boy was working late on his movie, so I had to psych myself up for seeing Sufjan Stevens' "Seasonal Affective Disorder Yuletide Disaster Pageant On Ice" by lonesome.  Anyway, I think I wore him off Sufjan with all the holiday music play in the car, so perhaps it's best he didn't accompany me.

I got to the venue just before doors and managed to secure a spot front and center about two deep from the stage, which was COVERED with the tackiest and most colorful decorations.  There was a big spinning wheel on the side of the floor with about dozen holiday songs.  The floor filled rather quickly, and excitement was in the air.

(More words and pics after the jump.)

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