Apr

16

Andrew Bird Live @ The Southgate House

Posted by Administrator

April 16, 2007 |

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It has been awhile since I approached the legendary Southgate House in Newport to a sign explaining anything about a sold out show but there on the front door, a sign read, “Tonights Andrew Bird Show is Sold Out.” And while I knew the response would be a good one, a sold out (in advance) show was great to see. Of course it was not so great for those that were turned away.

And this is how it should be, Bird is touring in support of what is arguably his best album to date in Armchair Apocrypha and is also now a part of the Fat Possum family. He has also recently added to his live lineup (which already includes talented percussionist Martin Dosh) with a bass player that also happened to make his electric guitar debut during the evenings set.

So, as I’m standing there, getting ready for the set, the guy behind me mentioned that tonight’s set would be a rock based attempt. I kinda rolled my eyes at this thinking that Andrew Bird’s fans probably came for more stings and whistles than heavy guitars. But, what do you know, right before Bird launced into the first track from the new album, “Fiery Crash”, he said, “We are gonna be leaning towards the rock a bit tonight.” I gave a raised eyebrow glance at the guy who promised this behind me and he nodded. It turns out that he was in attendance the night before in Columbus, where Bird played a more serene show and had mentioned that the next night would be different. And rock they did, as Bird and his band gave an edge to the already familiar batch of tunes.
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The set included all the songs from the new album that I expected, “Imitosis”, “Plasticities” and “Darkmatter” were all represented. As well as some more older but familiar songs like “Fake Palindromes.” Also of note was a stellar encore performance of “Tables and Chairs” which is a tune from Andrew Bird and The Mysterious Production Of Eggs. Overall, the night had everything that an Andrew Bird performance should have. I am quite positive that fans of his work, myself included, left very happy with the set and those that may have been on the fence were likely won over by the show.

It’s funny, I was standing toward the back after the encore and was struck at how many people marched directly to merch table immediately after the last song and bought the new record. And that, also, is how it should be…..
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Check out my Flickr photoset from the show.

Related Posts:
Andrew Bird - Armchair ApocryphaCincinnati Concert Reminder - Andrew Bird Tonight @ Southgate HouseCincinnati Concert Updates Feb-AprilAndrew Bird Unveils New Songs At MusicNOWMy Top 10 Concerts Of 2007

Comments

3 Comments so far

  1. dave on April 16, 2007 2:22 pm

    Couldn’t agree more my friend. Great evening.

  2. p.- on April 23, 2007 7:20 pm

    One of the best shows I’ve seen in a long time. Too bad the crowd was so sedated. I just wanted to jump up and down and everyone was just standing there. Oh well, awesome show.

  3. My Top 10 Concerts Of 2007 : Each Note Secure on November 30, 2007 12:04 pm

    […] #2 Andrew Bird @ Southgate House […]

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