First of all, we will never, ever, ever again forget that it is occasionally very windy at the Mann Music Center, and we will always, always always bring a sweatshirt with us in the future, because we were seriously freezing during Friday night's Crowded House concert at the Mann.

Fortunately, we were also seated next to a raucous group of Aussies who were thrilled to, as one of them put it, 'See the band for way cheaper than we would at home.' (We're sorry, Crowded House. If it were up to us, you'd be just as huge here. Sadly, you play fairly intimate shows at the Mann and Ashlee Simpson is performing huge shows. There's just no justice in this world.) Oh, man. If ever you want to be energized during a concert, sit next to these guys. The energy rubs off, and eventually you'll find yourself dancing wildly in the aisle as the band launches into 'Locked Out.' Er, or so we heard.

Anyway, we had more fun at this show than we've had at any other show in recent memory. The band still sounds great, and new drummer Matt Sherrod more than holds his own. (Lead singer Neil Finn's son, Liam, is also touring with the band, and performed a set of his own before opener Pete Yorn took the stage.) Neil can still (thankfully) hit the high notes, and Nicke Seymour is just as endearingly irreverent as ever.

We were a little worried about how the old songs would sound, given the loss of the late Paul Hester and the passage of time, but we shouldn't have worried. We may have actually gotten goosebumps during 'Fall At Your Feet.'

Admittedly, this Phillyist is an unabashed fangirl and her opinion might be a little biased, but we cannot encourage you strongly enough - if you get a chance to see this band, go. If not, do yourself a favor and go pick up some of their albums. Believe us, you won't regret it.

Image credit to flickr.com user Slushpup.