It’s fitting that again they start the show with the aforementioned track and it sets the tone for the whole evening. Interspersed with tracks from the new album ‘Paging Mr Proust’ is a classic from the back catalogue.
It’s the classic alternative (i.e. sans Olson) line up tonight with Louris, Perlman, Grotberg and the excellent Tim O’Reagan ably supported by Jeff Lyster on guitar and pedal steel and occasionally John Jackson on violin, mandolin and any other instrument ending in lin.
Its two hours of pure musical pleasure, highlights too difficult to mention but ‘Big Star’ and the Louris solo ‘Settled down like Rain’ were brilliant. Louris’ voice has never sounded better and the harmonies led by O’Reagan were perfect as was his spotlight moment of ‘Tampa to Tulsa’. The new songs hold their own against such a back catalogue. This is the ninth time I have seen them and hope to be there for many more.
Shout out for the venue. For a non-descript council building I have not seen a bad gig there, good sight lines, good size, good sound, good toilets but please sort out the one bar.
Keep on rockin y’all.