New Pornographers' Second Night in DC

How meta: I am writing about the New Pornographers concert that I attended last night while listening to a recording of it via NPR. (Being in attendance at an NPR recorded show is a big source of pride for me). Listening to the stream, I am reminded of both the perks and disappointments of last night's performance.

The New Pornographers is a large band that depends on the intricate coordination of eight individuals for a coherent sound. They have three vocalists (Neko Case, AC Newman who also plays guitar, Dan Bejar), a drummer (Kurt Dahle), two keyboarders (Kathryn Calder, Blaine Thurier), a bassist (John Collins), and a cellist (Todd Fancey). They spread out on 9:30 Club's stage in an elegant formation, with five members in front, and the bassist, cellist, and drummer in back. Unfortunately, this smooth formation did not lead to a smooth sound.

Though the New Pornographers is known for its music more than its lyrics, they are also known for the idiosyncratic voices of Neko Case and Dan Bejar. Last night's performance failed to highlight their vocals, as they were kind of drowned out by the drums and guitars. At times, Neko also sounded awkwardly straining. I spent the evening chiming in with the chorus of songs I knew but distracted by songs I didn't. However, the recording captures everyone's voices beautifully. I wonder if the mix for the live performance was purposely configured in a certain way to play down the voices live since they are miked for the recording.

At the same time, NPR's stream also captures the band's banter, that is much better experienced live. Having seen Neko Case on her solo tour last year, I was eager to see how far she's take a joke this time. It all started when AC Newman said "Did you know DC's our favorite city? I said it on Pitchfork...Pitchfork Media. Have you heard of it?"

Neko Case quipped, "Oh you mean those people who hate music?"

"I remember on the Mass Romantic tour when I got an interview with Pitchfork and it was like this seventeen year old kid who we had to sneak in to our show," Newman continued.

"I breastfed him for two years. Yeah we dated a bit. I breastfed him from 17 to 19. That's why he's so strong. He looks like a minotaur." The crowd went wild. "My milk's strong shit. But I'm dried up now."

On the contrary, Neko's actually as voluptuous as ever, even in pajama-type attire last night.

The band gamely tried an old song from Mass Romantic, which they hadn't played in a while. Though they were poorly rehearsed, the audience clearly appreciate this peek into NP rehearsals. Finally, the encore saw the New Pornographers go out with a flourish as they played "Electric Version" with the Guitar Hero version of it projected in the background.