Ok, it's been a minute. It's always is with this thing, and with most other things in my life but let me rant about The New Pornographers for a bit.
Ruby and I went to go see The New Pornographers last Saturday night at the White Oak Music Hall. It's a show that Ruby is sure NOT to skip. The few times they book a show in Houston, she is sure to purchase tickets, without letting me know if she so chooses. She doesn't have to as I love them as well. The show was no disappointment at all either. They bring it every night, that, I am sure of. Also, I will say that going to a show these days that does not allow pictures or video recording at all was actually pretty damn nice. There was a moment or two that my mind wished I could have gotten a picture of the band, but I didn't want to get kicked out of the show. The White Oak Staff was all over it and jumped on a few folk with the quickness. Good on them.
I don't remember how I got into The New Pornographers. I do know it was "The Laws Have Changed," that hooked me. I think that was their first big hit. I remember the video, but I doubt that MTV had anything to do with it. How did one discover music in 2003? I am not sure. I did used to have an actuall magazine subscription to NME that featured indie artist that also included an actual, physical CD that had a mix of the bands featured in that month's issue. Can you dig that? Maybe the were featured in there? In any event, I found them some how and purchase Electric Version in the year it was released. Smart move.
Not to take away from the rest of the musicians in the band at all, but Neko Case was the stand out. The vocals just stick out so much. I guess that the song writing is the thing that helps bring that out and just absolutely hook you in. I think that I really have enjoyed every album that they have put out. A solid catalog from top to bottom.
In 2005 we were lucky enough of to catch them while on a vacation trip to San Francisco at an awesome venue called Bimbo's 365. If we were every going out of town, I would always scan to if we could potentially catch a show from a band we like if we could. That was probably one of the smartest things I did that year. I think Twin Cinema had just come out so I hadn't heard anything off of it yet, but we went and I bought the cd at the show. I was also lucky that in 2005, Hotel Rooms sometimes had alarm clocks that had CD players in them. The venue was like a 1940's ballroom. It was fucking classy as shit. It had giant as Chandelier and they, as a venue, also did not allow any photography at all. As an added bonus, Destroyer opened the show and Dan Bejar also joined The New Pornographers as and played two sets that night. I didn't know him at the time, but also became a fan that night.
During the Houston set, they ended with "The Bleeding Heart Show." That might be a perfect song for them to end any one of their shows. There was a moment during that particular song that I am not sure that I have ever felt at a live show. I might have, but I don't recall off the top of my head. During the Coda of the song (I am not sure if that is what it is called - AROUND THE 2:40 MARK IN THE SONG), I got fucking chills. I mean straight up Goose Bumps. It was an absolute amazing feeling, that just hit me. I am not sure why. I mean the song is amazing, but to actually get god damn Goose Bumps!?!? Incredible. Maybe it is because I am getting older, I was just in the moment and all these feelings hit me? I am not sure, but it was like a runners high. Exhilarating. It was a great night to a great, professional, awesome sounding show. I am glad that I felt the way I did and went to the show. I could go on and on and I sure, but I will end it there. I just wanted to make sure that I recorded this feeling down some how and glad that I did.
