Literally at the last minute I got an instant message from the NPR crew that they had extras on the guest list for the New Pornographers’ show at the 9:30 Club. Here are five stray observations from the show (not a review) — which you can hear on NPR here.
1) Neko Case puts the band over the top.
No shocker with this “revelation,” and no slight to A.C Newman but the last time I saw New Pornographers (when they opened for Belle and Sebastian), it was a completely different band. That night they were without Case and singer Dan Bejar and a few members were sick and overall the show was lacking, despite Newman’s efforts to hold it all together.
The difference between then and this show was staggering. Having Neko there pushes this band from good to great. Case added everything from stage presence and banter with Newman to her stunning vocal harmonies and leads on songs like “The Bleeding Heart Show.”
2) What is the deal with Dan Bejar?
Granted the guy also leads Destroyer and the super trio Swan Lake, so his free time must a rarity. But really what was up with him walking on and off stage all night. Every third song Bejar would slowly saunter on stage and sing, beer in hand. He barely contributes much on the new album The Challengers, so perhaps his lack of stage involvement is normal.
Frequently Case and Newman would ask “where’s Dan?” and at one point Newman even told him to “play the glockenspiel or play something.” I definitely sensed some tension there. Anyone else notice this or have any insight? Or will we have to wait until the VH1 Behind the Music special in ten years?
3) Does EVERY song have an anthemic peak?
Not that I’m complaining on this one…I could sing along to their choruses all night. But really does every song need a huge peak tailored for the last song of a set or an encore? It was never tiresome, but slightly predictable after a few songs in a row.
4) Less is less. But less is refreshing.
When it came to stage decoration, the band didn’t have much beyond a simple lighted sign and matching Orange amps. In fact even the drums were paired down to a minimal 4 piece, 2 cymbal set…almost the epitome of restraint in rock shows. Also with next to no stage antics and the bare minimum of banter, it was refreshing having the focus be simply on the ten people simply playing music… a nice change.
5) The Saturday before Halloween should’ve had better costumes.
Not much creavitity out there on the night before Halloween. Saw an “Anderson Cooper,” a few fiber-optic devil horns and a milk maid. Oh yeah best costume goes to the guy with the red leather Michael Jackson “Thriller” jacket. But if he paid as much as this dude on eBay is asking for a pleather replica, this better not be a ‘once a year’ outfit but a “I wear this every freaking day” jacket.