After Dr. Dog’s visit in February was canceled due to snowy weather, many Boulder-based fans were disappointed to not see the beloved psych-pop band play for a long time. Luckily, “a long time” ended up not being very long at all.
I was upset when I learned that the band would be missing its winter date, but I was equally ecstatic about its show in the early weeks of October.
Dr. Dog performs at the Boulder Theater Thursday. (CU Independent/Patrick Fort)
Amidst a growing crowd of stoners, burnouts and middle-aged men, openers Cotton Jones prepared the onlookers for the headliners with a similar blend of folk-pop. Cotton Jones had one special attribute to show off: a tuba. They had crystalline harmonies that sat in the room long after the singers had completed the phrase. It was a very impressive way to begin a fun night at the Boulder Theater.
Dr. Dog took a stage draped in blue and green light, backed by a black-lit American flag accompanied by what could only be described as “dub-polka” playing over the house speakers. The group had to do little to energize the already excited crowd. Leading off with fan-favorite “How Long Must I Wait?,” the Philadelphia-based band not only maintained its studio-polished harmonies, but exceeded its album-based counterparts.
The band’s biggest hit was perhaps the best song of the entire set. “Shadow People” channeled all of the nuances that have made Dr. Dog one of the most revered bands in indie rock today. Bringing forward current influences like Blitzen Trapper and M. Ward and classics like The Who’s Pete Townsend and his windmill guitar playing, Dr. Dog covered all of the bases to ensure a great show.
Another highlight of the show occurred during the encore. Under a blue haze, lead singer Scott McMicken’s voice lay on top of an organ to signal the beginning of “I Only Wear Blue,” from Dr. Dog’s album “Shame, Shame.” The entire crowd began to sing the final chorus with McMicken. “Excuse me. Forgive me. I only wear blue.”
Afterward, Dr. Dog played two more favorites, including “Jackie Wants a Black Eye,” also from “Shame, Shame.” This song had the crowd clapping for its entirety and showed why this song was a fan-favorite.
After an hour and a half, Dr. Dog completed its set at the Boulder Theater. As the last plumes of smoke from various drugs headed towards the ceiling, the crowd made its way to the door into the cold night.
The show overall was not bad, yet it was not incredible. With a cheaper price, the show would not have left many disappointed or upset about wasting money. Dr. Dog did play a solid set full of mostly new tracks but still catered to all of their fans.
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Patrick Fort at Patrick.fort@colorado.edu.
