Saw the Decemberists last night! woo!
I really enjoyed the show, but next time I go to that venue (Pearl Street in Northampton), I'm not standing near the speakers again. It was so noisy, and I think the sound was mixed kind of poorly, that I could hardly hear anything distinct in the music: vocals, violin, accordion, drums, upright bass, everything fused into a wall of sound. I was a little disappointed because I've been talking them up to my friend, who came with me, but we could barely make out any of the lyrics--which are probably my favorite thing about the band. So I've loaned him my CDs so he can feel the love.
We both had a good time, but I think for me, they might actually be one of the bands that I appreciate more, musically, by listening to the CD. Or, alternatively, at a venue that knows how to mix their sound properly. (Also, Colin Meloy mentioned that he had hurt his back the night before, so he wasn't jumping around as much as he usually does. I guess the show is usually a little livelier than the one we saw.)
One part I really liked was when Petra sang a song that my coworker (who was also there) has identified as "Tam Lin"--possibly the Fairport Convention version? I couldn't make out the lyrics very well, so I can't tell for sure. Anyway, it was appropriately spooky and passionate and wild. A definite highlight of the evening.
I think my favorite album this year has been Ben Lee's Awake Is the New Sleep. Picaresque would probably be up there as well.
One part I really liked was when Petra sang a song that my coworker (who was also there) has identified as "Tam Lin"--possibly the Fairport Convention version?
Don't you have that song? I thought I sent you the Brit Folk rock mix?
You did, and in fact I also own the CD it's from,
Liege and Lief.
But it was too difficult to make out Petra's lyrics to tell for sure. I'll have to listen to it when I get home tonight to see if the tune matches.
I'm going to see the Gang of Four on Wednesday.
Currently, I don't want to rank them, but I think Picaresque, Oceans Apart, In The Reins, Gimme Fiction, Six Organ of Admittance's School of the Flower, Animal Collective's Feels (or, possibly, the Prospect Hummer EP), Eric Matthews's Six Kinds of Passion Looking For An Exit, and The Fiery Furnaces's EP (although I'm leaning towards Rehearsing My Choir if it's actually slated to be released this year) would be on my list. Oh, and at the top: The Thelonious Monk Quartet With John Coltrane At Carnegie Hall 1957, because DAMN.
Welcome re-releases: Cardinal's s/t album and Can's Future Days. I'll have more for this topic, too, when I figure out which other albums were actually re-released this year.
I'm going to see the Gang of Four on Wednesday.
Fucker. They cancelled their show here in Salt Lake. Because they were working with a SHITTY promoter who is notorious for not actually doing their job and, you know, promoting.
One part I really liked was when Petra sang a song that my coworker (who was also there) has identified as "Tam Lin"--possibly the Fairport Convention version? I couldn't make out the lyrics very well, so I can't tell for sure. Anyway, it was appropriately spooky and passionate and wild. A definite highlight of the evening.
On the first leg of the tour, she sang Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights," which was all manner of fantastic. It was also the first show I'd been to that featured a hurdy-gurdy. They like their instruments obscure.
It was also the first show I'd been to that featured a hurdy-gurdy. They like their instruments obscure.
That was the big problem for them when they had their equipment stolen last spring -- it wasn't a bunch of $300 guitars but things like accordians. I think they've only recovered a handful of the items.
Fucker. They cancelled their show here in Salt Lake.
All we had to do was sacrifice a few chickens.
