Fluxblog made a point yesterday that's occurred to me before but never in so many words - Radiohead shows are, for the most part, relatively equal in quality. The band is always tight and energetic and never less than professional, messing with the songs enough to keep things interesting but sticking close enough to the script that you basically know what you're going to get. The shows that stand out, then, seem to separate themselves from the pack not because the performance was especially strong - you can say that about almost any night - but more for the smaller details - setlist, seats, intangibles. I'll remember Tuesday's show as my first time with the new songs, but last night's gig was, for me, the keeper of the pair. Why? Location, location, location.

I felt really far away on Tuesday but last night found me just three people back from the stage. It was packed tight in front of Jonny Greenwood's side before the Black Keys' set, but Ed O'Brien's side was wide open and we took advantage. I'll watch Jonny over Ed any day but, as with any band, being up close with a clear view of everyone makes all the difference. The songs all felt way more energetic, with selections that felt a little tired on Tuesday (e.g. "Idioteque") taking on new life. The setlist was the better of the two too - "Wolf at the Door," "Paranoid Android," "Pyramid Song," "Dollars and Cents," "My Iron Lung," and "Just" were among the welcome additions. The new songs - that Fluxblog review describes them well - were basically the same (alas no "House of Cards"), and strong (especially "Bodysnatchers" and "Down is the New Up").

But the show's highlight, and by a long shot, was "The Tourist" to close the night. It's one of my absolute favorite Radiohead songs, literally the song I've been pulling for (along with "Planet Telex") every time I've seen them. Finally hearing it live again made my night, especially with Thom Yorke working the washed-out feedback on his guitar between verses. I couldn't have asked for a better ending.

I thought the Black Keys were way better tonight too. They're a band better suited to small clubs - enjoyable if you can see what they're doing, especially the drummer. But I still wish we got Deerhoof out east. Ah well.

SETLIST (via Atease)

The Gloaming / The National Anthem / 15 Step / Arpeggi / Kid A / Dollars And Cents / Videotape / Nude / I Might Be Wrong / Paranoid Android / Bangers 'n Mash / Pyramid Song / My Iron Lung / Bodysnatchers / Myxomatosis / No Surprises / Everything In Its Right Place

Encore I: Wolf At The Door / Down Is The New Up / Like Spinning Plates / Spooks / Idioteque
Encore II: Just / The Tourist