When John Darnielle stepped onto the small stage at the Swedish American Music Hall the audience knew they were in for a special show. It was billed as a solo Mountain Goats show. Darnielle picked up one of the two acoustic guitars placed on stage and comfortably sat on his stool. The Swedish American Music Hall offered an intimate setting. But the true extent to which this show would be unique became apparent shortly into the set.
Darnielle opened with the song “Alphabetizing.” He then announced that there would be a lot of older Mountain Goats songs performed that evening. He expanded on this as the set went on. Darnielle explained that the songs were ones he doesn’t normally play live, even though they get requested. He also pleaded that the specifics of the setlist not be divulged. He doesn’t want fans on upcoming tours to expect these songs played. He went so far as saying he would personally hold this San Francisco audience responsible for future audiences repeatedly shouting out these requests.
Before his fourth song, “Dance Music,” he explained why the show was a benefit for the Family Violence Prevention Fund. Darnielle has chronicled in song his childhood with an abusive stepfather, most notably the album which included “Dance Music,” The Sunset Tree. After the ninth song of the evening, Darnielle asked if anyone had deduced the organization of the song sequence. After giving some strong hints, it was determined that the setlist was in alphabetical order.
Not only was the audience treated to an incomparable set of songs, Darnielle also talked a fair amount between songs. He offered commentary, stories behind these songs, jokes, and even some “rants” – as he is prone to do on his blog. Darnielle played certain songs for specific friends who were in attendance. This was not your typical music concert, but the overall experience was more to the effect of a musician sharing a night with some elite friends.
The audience would have stayed all night. After his generous set, the audience begged for an encore. The house lights came up, but the audience kept applauding. Darnielle eventually returned the stage and bestowed and additional three songs. The intimacy and exclusivity of this show will be unmatched for quite a while.
It should also be noted that the opening band, The Papercuts, swathed their set with music that was both mellow and melodic. Jason Quever’s vocals were tranquil as he switched between synthesizer and guitar. The keyboardist, who played electric piano and synthesizer, added serenely sustaining tones. The rhythm section was subdued while the bass added to the melodic sense of the band. It was a laid-back rendition of the band’s chamber pop sound that perfectly fit the venue.
The Mountains Goats' Heretic Pride of The Best Albums of 2008 list
Live review of full band Mountain Goats' show
Short story review of The Papercuts' Can't Go Back
The Mountain Goats' official website
The Papercuts at Gnomonsong Records
The Papercuts at myspace
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