Brightest Young Things

all words: Emily Amarel
all photos: Jane Briggs 

It could my own fault for having such high expectations (based on previous shows), but I was somewhat disappointed with Andrew Bird’s performance last night at the 930 Club.

I know, I know, cast the stones if you will, but allow me the chance to explain. In the Summer of 2007, just after Armchair Apocrypha had been released, I saw Andrew Bird at the 930 Club and was completely awestruck by his performance; I was overwhelmed by his music, his talent and his captivating stage presence (not to mention his loyal following).

On more than one occasion, I teared up during that show, the way he played made the building seem smaller, the space more intimate and made his music seem that much more relatable (even if his lyrics do seem to have a strong focus on drug addiction and extreme loneliness).

To watch him ‘work’ is like watching those documentaries of Jackson Pollock painting in his studio – watching it all come together is just as beautiful as the final product itself. Violin, guitar, whistle, mandolin, sing, fucking glockenspiel! Repeat. He is a one-man band! No, seriously! An actual ONE-MAN BAND! So imagine how I felt when I realized he’d be onstage with the help of others (including an awesome, but in my opinion sort of unnecessary, drummer).

To say the least, I was displeased.

In my opinion, this would have been like Jennifer Hudson having back-up singers during the Star Spangled Banner to kick off Super Bowl XLIII; fo’ realz, girl just does not need it, and Andy doesn’t need it either. Part of his allure and awe inspiring ability stems from the fact that he does it all (quite well) alone. With others on stage the audience is robbed of a vital part of what encompasses that of Andrew Bird. I know it’s often difficult to keep a crowd engaged when they don’t already know the songs your playing – but what I love about Bird’s shows is the fact that the crowds lack of familiarity with his newest songs has never seemed to matter – everyone loved him anyway.

Overall, the crowd seemed detached from him and from his music. For the most part I feel like we were all left wanting more. (The girls on the balcony however, got exactly what they wanted when in the final ten minutes he played Fiery Crash – a song they had been requesting, read: screaming for - throughout the entire show. Good God ladies, it wasn’t an N’SYNC concert – and I type that with experience. I whole-heartedly support encouragement, but honestly, there is a time for screaming like my 16-year old cousin when ‘If U Seek Amy’ comes on the radio, and an Andrew Bird show is not one of them.)

It’s probably also worth mentioning that his latest album isn’t my favorite. I know I’ll buy it, but it won’t fall under the ‘Frequently Played’ list in my iPod; and that is coming from someone who for a solid two months started ever morning with Mysterious Production of Eggs. I should probably also mention a number of positives (because one should always end on a positive note): Andrew Bird is without a doubt, whole-heartedly, unequivocally talented and it would be hard to argue that he isn’t a musical genius. He’s still dapper in a skinny tie (so Don Draper of him - and he sported that style before Mad Men was passed up by HBO) and bare feet.

He had everyone in that building at ‘Effigy’ – maybe it’s because it is so reminiscent of his beloved contradictory lyrics and melancholy tradition – but it’s likely because he played it so well, and during that particular song HE was so reminiscent of the musician (and performer) I have become such a fan of.

Additionally, I was pleasantly surprised (and equally impressed) by Loney Dear’s (Bird’s opener) performance. Perhaps it’s because I had no expectations, perhaps it’s because I’d never heard any of his music (sorry y’all I don’t have time to listen to EVERYTHING that crosses my path – that’s a lie– I have the time, I’d just rather spend it wholly engaged in day-drinking at a chain restaurant), but I think it’s mostly because he played a great set and kept a rather impatient (for Bird Man) audience engaged.

Emil is incredibly talented and has beautiful (not to mention thought-provoking) music to share with the world. As a matter of fact I am downloading some of the Dear John Album right now (but I almost feel like the recording doesn’t give his live performance justice).

Things to think consider:

• Am I way off base here? Did I miss something completely pivotal in Bird’s performance? Did I just have shockingly high expectations? If so, they are only based on his previous performances and with that said, is he losing his touch?
• When Andrew Bird is happy does he whistle? If so, is it his own previously recorded material or does he whistle what I whistle? (The theme song from Disney’s 1973 animated classic Robin Hood)
• Most importantly (despite aforementioned criticisms), is he dating anyone? If so, exactly how pretty is she?

If you need me, I’ll be listening to Measuring Cups. 

Previously in Live DC:

• 2/13: LiveDC: The Darkness @ 930 Club
• 2/9: LiveDC: Theophilus London @ 930 Club
• 2/9: Best Weekend Bets
• 2/8: LiveDC: Kathleen Edwards @ 930 Club
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/8: LiveDC: Thurston Moore/ Kurt Vile @ Black Cat
• 2/7: LiveDC: Demetri Martin @ Warner Theatre
• 2/7: LiveDC: Augustana/ Graffiti6 @ 930 Club
• 2/6: LiveDC: All Things Go Presents: Reptar/ Casual Curious/ Fort Lean @ Gibson Guitar Showroom
• 2/6: LiveDC: TYCHO/ Beacon @ RNR Hotel