Kings of Leon @ MSG

Have you heard "Only by the Night"? No? Well you should. It's a good album, despite what any cooler than thou indie detractors might say.It's amusing to me the vitriol Kings of Leon inspire in that aforementioned assemblage. I can't for the life of me understand the appeal of the "I only listen to obscure musicians no one has ever heard of" game. Do you win points if you can rattle off a litany of obscure bands, and musical references? Does someone keep score? If a band plays and no one is there to hear them, do they make a sound only pretentious ears can hear? Well, I also don't understand the appeal of the skinny jean uniform, so I'll probably never be granted my cool card.
I have no problem with mainstream music. I like what I like without any pretense or preamble. In the history of music, no one has ever formed a band to languish in the depths of obscurity. Arena rock has it's appeal, especially when done right. but there is something much more appealing, satisfying and pure about a no frills rock show. I can live without pyrotechnics and over done staging. That's why everyone should support their local talent. I find people who refuse to acknowledge anything outside of mainstream radio equally annoying and douchey to their indie purist counterparts. I am however an expert of nothing stave my own opinions. But, I digress...
I'll admit I was surprised when I found out KOL were headlining the Garden. I was even more surprised when the show was touted as sold out. By the looks of the arena last night, they drew a decent sized crowd. They played a set list heavy with songs from the new album. I think the band sounded good. I think Caleb sounded good. His vocals were strong and just as compelling to me live as on the album. I was happy they played "Cold Desert", but I like the version on the album better. The album version had something, some emotion maybe, that I guess can't ever be truly reproduced entirely. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves last night. Dancing, drinking, smoking having a good ole time. The only downside to the night was the truly annoying MSG usher who would continuously pester me to "find my seat" every time I moved into the aisle to try and see the band from a better vantage point. It's not my fault I'm short.
They're still a relatively young band. I'm interested to see how they progress, and next time they're in NYC I would definitely see them again.