The Old 97’s are all about quality. Each member plays a vital role in creating the band’s sound.

The Dallas group’s must-see live shows have been part of their appeal from the start. Their performance at Stubb’s on April 14 showed why they are one of the best bands from Texas.

Ben Kweller got things off to a great start by delivering an energetic and fun set with little more than just a guitar, the occasional trip to the piano and his voice. Judging by his performance, one would never guess that he was recovering from a bad case of food poisoning.

When the Old 97’s took the stage, they were greeted with rapturous applause. From the opening notes of the excellent “Won’t Be Home,” off of their 2004 album, “Drag It Up,” the band ripped through their 90-minute set with an energy that stayed consistent throughout.

Lead singer and guitarist Rhett Miller sang with the same sense of urgency as on record. The nervous, jealous tone of songs like “Dance With Me” was perfectly conveyed in his vocal performance. Bethea’s guitar was played with finesse and skill, sounding wiry and vital. Bassist Murry Hammond and drummer Philip Peeples each turned in strong performances with their instruments.

Hammond provided several strong vocal performances, too, his heartbreaking ballad, “Color of A Lonely Heart Is Blue,” being one of the night’s highlights. There was a lot of movement around the stage from Miller, Hammond and Bethea, as they were into the music they were playing and intent on putting on a show.

After announcing that they were going to be recording their new album in Austin, The Old 97’s finished their set, as always, with their most famous song, the barn-burning “Timebomb.” The opening notes sent the crowd into a frenzy, and everyone sang along with heart and passion.