Belle & Sebastian (Wiltern/Amoeba, March 18-20) Grade: A+
While driving in my Civic (with a B&S sticker), listening to Tigermilk on my stereo and wearing my B&S shirt, I realized then that I had become that fan. Nevertheless, B&S is one of my favorite college bands, and I made sure to see them at all of their L.A. appearances this past weekend. New Pornographers opened each night and though A.C. Newman is fantastic, Neko Case’s absence was all too apparent, especially during such songs as “The Bones of an Idol.” Immaculate Machine’s Kathryn Calder filled in for Case and she was an acceptable replacement but still doesn’t really compare.

Highlights of Belle & Sebastian included Stevie Jackson’s clock dance during “Electronic Renaissance,” Stuart Murdoch’s overall stage presence and the inclusion of “Like Dylan in the Movies” (my favorite B&S track) at the end of the first night. When asked for requests during the encore, no one mentioned Life Pursuit tracks, but perhaps we all still need time to warm up to it.

On the second night, a fan threw a pair of knickers on stage. Stuart laughed and tried to throw it back in the audience, but it went in the wrong direction. “I don’t handle women’s underwear very well,” he explained. The band also invited the audience on stage and two of my friends were there dancing with producer Tony Hoffer. Lucky!

Though I typically dislike in-stores, at Amoeba, I had the opportunity to see B&S up close and personal. I suppose that’s why Stevie looked so uncomfortable throughout; he was confronted by hundreds of people staring straight at him. Most of the members looked pretty shy, with the exception of Stuart and Sarah Martin. The highlight was when Stuart changed the lyrics of “Step Into My Office, Baby” to “Tell your boss that … you’re going to go back to work after the Belle & Sebastian gig.” I didn’t go back though. I just drove to my apartment and rewatched Fans Only. Obsessed!