On Friday the students filtered out of the town, and I headed over to the Granada to check out Cowboy Indian Bear and the Noise FM’s joint CD release show.

I was tardy to the party and missed Muscle Worship (dang!). But I came just in time to catch Ghosty (hooray!).

I hadn’t seen Ghosty in a while. Five years ago I couldn’t swing a dead cat in Downtown Lawrence without hitting Ghosty, but I’ve been missing them lately, so it was nice to take a walk down memory lane with them.

Up next was The Noise FM.

I was unfamiliar with these guys, so I asked around. A couple of people I talked to said “Well, they’re kind of like Muse, but dancier.” I think they’re like Muse, but without the bitchy whiny stuff.

The Noise FM looked like a bunch of people who enjoy fun. I’d kind of like to jump on a trampoline with them. They threw giant balloons into the audience (think Flaming Lips), and I couldn’t help but gaze into their sparkly amps.

For a poppy band, I like where they’re headed, and can’t wait to see how they develop after about a year. It seems that they like the dancy stuff, especially since they demanded that people in the pit cut a rug during the show (and they happily obliged).

Then Cowboy Indian Bear stormed the stage with all their drummers.

Check out some sweet sleigh bell action at about 2:35:

Cowboy Indian Bear is a band that isn’t afraid to smile at each other. The local darlings almost always bring a fun, easy going and laid back crowd wherever they play.

Tonight was no exception. Most of the students had taken off for the Summer, and even though the Granada was pretty full, I didn’t feel stifled. This was the type of show where I could show up alone, yet see many familiar faces once I got to the show. I even made some new friends.

There was, however, an unusual amount of people wearing leather jackets. They were pretty much standoffish. Are leather jackets making a comeback? I hope not.

I dug enough money out of the couch to pick up their new album (and the Noise FM). The band streamed the entire album online prior to the show, so that was nice.

Since I”m on maternity leave I have no income coming in at the moment. So I was more than thrilled that this show cost $5. Four bands, people! I can’t say enough good things about Lawrence. My love affair with the concert scene usually leaves people rolling their eyes and groaning. But how can you not gush about a town that’s so good to you? I was treated to some quality music this night, and for an exceptionally low price. You can’t argue with that.

I’m so used to spending less than $7 for a show, what’s going to happen when I go out of town? “$15 for just one band? Psshtt….I think I’ll stay in tonight.”

You spoil me, Lawrence.