Sweet Hypocrisy

So, on the October 20th I went to see the band Gogol Bordello at Tipitina's uptown. I really didn't know what to expect, all I knew is that I liked their music and it had to be even better live. I can tell you this, I definitely got more that I expected. I read some reviews of some of their shows and they were all positive to the tune, "best show ever" and "amazing" so I knew I was at least in for a good time. I had been to Tipitina's once before to see Yo La Tengo which was OK at first but it got really weird and spasm-y and just sounded like a load of noise...not very good. The place is small and I knew for sure that I wanted to be directly in front. A bit of back story, I started listening to the band when I saw the movie Everything Is Illuminated. I really enjoyed Eugene's performance and I found out he was in a band and voila, I was hooked. Back to the show...my brother and I set up shop at the front which, at the time, was not very crowded. The opening band came on which was Dub Trio and they were very good. The music was all instrumental with good bit of electronic sounds and dub/reggae beats mixed with hard driving guitar and drums. As soon as the opener exited stage the front began to get more populated. It was at this time that I realized that I had forgotten to change out of my sandals into some shoes with a substantial toe covering...this did not bode well. As the band came on stage, I knew my feet were in for a beating as the crowd began to get tight and sway a bit. The band opened with one of my favorites, Ultimate. Its a very heavy gypsy beat that makes you want to dance like you are in Eastern Europe...with an old lady...in the street...with weird hand movement things. End of song...feet still OK. As the second song began, I noticed that I hadn't noticed, as I was selfishly worrying about my feet, that a smallish girl had sneaked in between me and the front barrier. I hate this by the way. These people that, when the show starts, weasel, and I mean weasel their way up to the front and get in front of the people who have so patiently waited at the front. I despise it. But it is OK, I realize as the crowd begins to pulsate and jump (ow, my foot!) that as soon as the crowd swings forward towards the barrier, I am going to squish her up against the barrier, not on purpose, as I am at the behest of the crowd and it musings. The sway begins and I am vilified as I swing forward, squish, and she turns around like I could have done something about it. She moves...yes. Back to my deserved place at the front and center...I am king. The show goes on with a lot more swaying and pushing and jumping and my feet take the battering of a lifetime. I sweat like I'm getting paid to do so and it is glorious. Overall, the show was great, the music was amazing and the characters on stage make the show. I come out of the show with my feet intact although nastily blackened and with every inch of my person sweaty, with my sweat and others I'm sure (someone at the front smelled like a onion-y hamburger). Next time, steel toed boots.