The James Logan Courier

By Kimmai Nguyen, Courier Staff Writer

January 15 was a night to remember: Chris Carrabba, singer from Dashboard Confessional, came to The Regency Ballroom in San Francisco to played the album Swiss Army Romance for its tenth anniversary.

With much anticipation on BART, arriving was the easy part; trying to push and maneuver to the front of the crowd was the hard part.

The first opening act was John Lefler, guitarist and pianist of Dashboard Confessional. Up next was the band Lady Danville—despite their interesting name, they were a very talented group, with witty lyrics that pleased the audience.

However, the expression "Save the best for last" did not work out for the final opening act. Chris Conley, vocalist and guitarist from Save the Day, was told to "get off the stage" and that his voice "sucks"—which was reasonable, because he sounded like a whiny little girl.

The doors opened at 7, but Carrabba came out three hours later. The tour was primarily for Swiss Army Romance, but he also sang some of his other well-known songs. His voice and dazzling eyes drew the crowd in with the first song of the night, "Screaming Infidelities". He entertained the crowd with his playfulness in 'Carry This Picture', but also gripped the crowd with powerful lyrics in 'Swiss Army Romance' and 'As Lovers Go'. He captivated the audience with songs like 'Vindicated', then slowly released listeners during the final song, 'Hands Down'. The lyrics from 'Hands Down' ended the night perfectly: "Hands down this is the best day I can ever remember".

Setlist:
Screaming Infidelities
The Sharp Hint of New Tears
Living In Your Letters
The Swiss Army Romance
Turpentine Chaser
Plain Morning
Age Six Racer
Again I Go Unnoticed
Ender Will Save Us All
Shirts and Gloves
The Good Fight
So Impossible
Carry This Picture
The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most
As Lovers Go
Get Me Right
Saints and Sailors
Brilliant Dance
Stolen
Remember To Breathe
Best Deceptions
Vindicated
Hands Down