This review could be summed up in one word - unbelievable. Simply, unbelievable. It is easy to put what I witnessed last night at Roseland into words, but the experience and pleasure cannot be described. Arriving sharply on stage at 9pm, the super group Them Crooked Vultures struck their first note seconds onto arriving and didn't let up for nearly two hours. Opening with "No One Loves Me, and Neither Do I" then getting into "Dead End Friends" the band hit hard and jammed in interludes of each song extending them longer than what was on their debut, which was released in November. It is one thing to see a rock and roll band live, it is another to witness legends in the making. Them Crooked Vultures features Queens of the Stone Age front man Josh Homme on lead vocal and guitar duties, Led Zeppelin bassist John Paul Jones on bass, piano, guitar, mandolin and plenty of other instruments, and everyone's favorite Dave Grohl on drums with assistance of Queens of the Stone Age guitarist Alain Johannas as their special guest on the road. This is not a normal band by any means, the talent that is exuded from these lads has been unforeseen. Them Crooked Vultures are not only the loudest act I have witnessed, but the most musically talented as well. Any band that can get John Paul Jones on stage with them, you know is something special, watching him play is not only awe inspiring, it is an honor and privilege. Watching Jones play off of Dave Grohl, the two have established themselves as one of the greatest rhythm sections ever, even just being in existence for less than a year. The look on Josh Homme's face all night resembled that of someone asking him to pinch him if what he was doing was real.Playing their debut in its entirety, including many moments of impromptu jam sessions, Homme would joke in between the long songs about his band mates. Referring to Jones as "Zeppelin," and how Grohl will have sex with everyone in the crowd as well as nursing a hangover that was caused by him drinking Jager till 5:30 AM that morning, these guys look like they are having the times of their lives. The fun they have together as a band is displayed in their power, which again, with a line up like this is expected, and they rose far above all expectations. What was unexpected was that a few fresh new Vultures songs were played, but no covers. Not a single cover from any of the bands these guys have played with, which for the better proves they can stand out on their own. The follow up to their debut will be out this summer, and they will easily be an act that will be hard to catch. Them Crooked Vultures are how I like my rock and roll - loud, fast and dirty.
