^ I'd love to see TV-Resistori and some of the other Fonal artists. I doubt Ohio is on their radar though.
About Joanna Newsom-
It was a great little show. I got there early (shortly after the doors opened, nothing crazy), so I was able to get right up front. This was fortunate because the show was close to selling out. Maybe it ultimately did. She played two songs from Milk Eyed Mender (Bridges and Balloons + Sadie) and an unidentified Scottish traditional song solo before her "orchestra" came out. Then they played Ys straight through. I'd read that she played a few more solo songs at some locations, but not at my show. There 6 people in the band. She's on harp of course. There's one other lady who plays glockenspiel and does backup vocals. One guy does the percussion stuff, another plays accordion/saw/jaw harp, another plays guitar and some sort of Bulgarian mandolin-like instrument and the final guy plays guitar and something that's slipped my mind.
Normally I'm not a big fan of things being played just like the record, but with her new album (5 tracks, 55 minutes if some of you are unaware), it worked well. Her voice sounds really good live too. I think it's a lot easier for casual fans to appreciate on the new album regardless, but it was especially pretty at the show.
My only complaint is that it would have been more appropriate to have the show somewhere with seating. It's closer to a recital than a rock show, so there's really no need to stand the whole time. Apparently a lot of the people toward the back couldn't see much because the band is seated the entire time. The led to an awkward moment when, right before Monkey & Bear, some people called out for people up front to sit down. Surprisingly, they all obeyed. It was really uncomfortable because I was wedged up sort of between he back of the speaker and the stage (not in front of anyone). There was no room to sit, so for that nine or ten minutes, one of the girls who was near me, the people on the right side in the same position and a few along the back wall were the only people standing. Fortunately everyone stood back up after the song. I can see how having a few people sit may help, but when everyone does it, I'd be you run into the same problems. A 6 foot man is going to be taller than a petite girl whether they're standing or sitting.
I am going to Jamie Lidell tonight. It may be my last show of the year. There aren't any must see shows. I could go to Brazillian Girls, Gogol Bordello or the Hold Steady, but I'm a huge fan of any of them.
I missed Hot Chip because I'd just been to Cleveland a night or so earlier and was too tired to go out. I didn't make it to Islands either. One of my friends from out of town was visiting.
)
In January I'm seeing Tv-Resistori & Regina, and Cirque du Soleil (it counts, there's music!).
He was very entertaining last time I saw him live!
