I think this one is going to be shorter than usual, partly because it's so very much after the fact, and partly because the show itself was so short. But let's get started and find out.

Anyway, we drove on down to San Jose. (I guess I could have been more environmentally responsible and used light rail, but that would have taken literally four times as long to get there, so...oh well. At least I carpooled with artmonkeygirl and hmfeelyat). After just one partial circle around near the concert site, we spotted the cluster of concessions tents that indicated we were in the right place, and found parking. As we left the garage we caught the very end of Their soundcheck of the Mesopotamians; I was hoping to hear more soundcheck as we waited outside the gates, but They were done, so instead we got to watch the volunteers inside the fence getting stuff ready. (There were also park rangers riding around on bicycles, but to my great disappointment they wore bike helmets instead of those iconic park ranger hats.)

We hadn't gotten there super-early, but we did grab first place in line, and when they opened the gates we started running like fools through the park toward the stage. Then we soon realized we didn't really have to run so we settled into a quick walk instead. After that the long wait in the hot sun began, eased by periodic applications of sunscreen, food and beer. Also three opening bands—the website had claimed there would only be two, so I was annoyed, but none of them were horrible or anything so it could have been a lot worse.

I have so rarely been to an outdoor TMBG show that took place in what I would consider ideal weather. This time wasn't too terribly hot, but the sun did beat down. But at least that made the pictures come out pretty nicely. They started out with Damn Good Times, with that new super-quiet middle bit. Oh, here's the setlist. For such a short show, they did bring out a decent proportion of new stuff. Flans told us they'd be doing I'm Impressed on Conan (it was last night; this report is so timely, I know). I just have to say again that that part in the middle where they both up and yell is the most awesome thing ever. (Also I noticed on the Conan performance, Dan Miller is now joining in on the holler, which mathematically makes it 50% more awesome.)

Then on to Take Out the Trash, which is one of my favorites from the new album. I know, it's really quite a conventional rock song, but what can I say, I dare to enjoy the conventional. Also, how can you not love Linnell rocking out on the cowbell? Flans got a bit mixed up on the lyrics at the end of the song, and we were treated to the sight of him adorably laughing at his own mistake. Aww!

As Linnell switched over to the accordion for Doctor Worm, Flans counseled us to enjoy the beautiful day and informed us that Fountains of Wayne (who were the headliners of the event) brought good weather wherever they went. During Alphabet of Nations, Linnell regaled us with his usual wacky gestures, squinting all the while (he eschewed sunglasses, unlike the other guys).

No matter how many times I hear it, the Guitar never disappoints. After a few more classics (including a wonderfully insane Particle Man), they hauled out the Mesopotamians. Okay, I'm just gonna say it: I hate that song. The end.

Flans did the band intros, and much to my indignation left out Dan Miller. Dan however got his turn before they did Istanbul, when Flans informed us that Dan's entire family was at the show and instructed us to welcome him appropriately.

And man, I will never fall out of love with the acoustic Istanbul intro. After that They ran offstage and disappeared; the setlist actually shows a possible encore, but they skipped it (and honestly, since it contained Older, I really almost prefer that they didn't do it). We hung around a bit and I wheedled the setlist from Danny; then we wandered around until artmonkeygirl spotted Dan standing with a group of people who turned out to be his assorted relatives. He's a lot taller than the rest of his family. He chatted with us for a minute and promised they'd do a much better show next time (which for me will be at the end of September, whoo!). But of course I think every show is a good show anyway.

We were too tired, hot and hungry to stick around for Fountains of Wayne, so we took off and got some In-N-Out. And then I went to bed early, for I am growing old.

Wow, that report was really short. That's got to be a record of some kind. And here are the photos and stuff. Can't wait until September!