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I'm sure I've discussed this on here before, but I first saw BNL in Rochester, 9 years ago. At the time, I was a casual fan with two of their CDs.
At the concert, I spent more time laughing than I did singing along. From then on, I was hooked. I've seen them 13 times since '96. I think what I love most about them is the fact that they're absolute geeks onstage - and so proud of it - that you just can't help but go along with them. They're very inclusive - I think all it takes is one show to feel like you've always been a BNL fan.
I feel like they're caught in a tough position - they still want to do fun, novelty songs (like "Another Postcard") but don't want it to define or categorize them (like making "Another Postcard" the first single off the newest record). Furthermore, there are so many people that will only see them as the band who did "One Week" and that also limits their ability to reach new fans. Luckily, their non-stop touring in the mid-late '90s ensured that word-of-mouth would go a long way - and it did.
Unfortunately, the past few concerts I've been to have been bad experiences, due to drunk and obnoxious NYC crowds. But the next time they're in town, I'll be there.
As for other bands who give off the same vibe - I'd say Moxy Fruvous (up until the last year they were together, when they just looked kinda tired) and Guster really have fun when they're on stage.
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You have to laugh at yourself...because you'd cry your eyes out if you didn't. - Emily Saliers
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