Travis' set a week earlier at the Patriot Center was cut short by Oasis' rock-star posturing. They played a stunning show, and in my opinion, upstaged the headliners. Going into town, I wasn't sure if I was going to see Travis or Death Cab For Cutie at 4040, but by the time I had made it to 676, I decided on Travis.

I ended up parking my car about eight blocks down, and the rain started to pick up once I started to walk down to the TLA. When I was about two blocks away, I ran into Barbie and two of her friends who let me take refuge under their umbrella. I was in for a shock once we reached the TLA and I found out that the show was sold out. Barbie and her friends went inside while I scrounged around for a ticket. Fortunately, it took me no longer than two minutes. I met up with them and in a short time, Leona Ness took the stage. She was OK, nothing too spectacular. She reminded me of a more rocking Jonatha Brooke.

If there really is a battle as to which Brit-band is going to break America first, than I think Travis has already won. For starters, the show was sold out, and when Travis came out, they got a hero's welcome. In fact, about ten minutes before they came out the welcome began. To begin their set, they played a heavy version of "All I Want To Do Is Rock," and then "Good Feeling," both off of the first album. Travis stuck to primarily songs off of "The Man Who" ("As You Are," "The Fear," "Driftwood," "Why Does It Always Rain On Me?", "turn," "Luv", and "Blue Flashing Light"), as well as two new songs: "Safe" and "Coming Around". There between song banter was great. They were very talkative, down to earth, and quite funny. The first set was concluded with "Slide Show", which some guy was shouting for the whole night. The encore was commenced with a solo Fran rendition of the second bonus track on the album, and then a cover of The Band's "The Weight." The night ended with "Happy", which Fran dedicated to everyone in attendance. The song was energetic and full of life, with Fran, Dougie, and Andy bounding about on the stage and into one another. As the band walked off of the stage, Fran managed to shake everyone's hand in the first row and wish us goodnight. This set was much fuller and more energetic than last Wednesday. They opened up more and allowed the crowd to experience Travis as themselves, not as just Oasis' support. Expect to see them back here before the end of the year.