Before attending the Neko Case concert at The Berklee Performance Center, I had an affordable little meal at Chili Duck, located on Boylston Street in Boston’s Back-bay. The Thai restaurant is ducked underneath some retail shops, next to the new Apple store and across from the giant Prudential tower. After dinner, I enjoyed a few pints at Bukowski’s Tavern on Dalton Street before swiftly heading out into the drizzle to witness some intelligent live music. My seats were center orchestra, balcony – not a bad view, despite being as far back as I’ve ever been in this auditorium. Crooked Fingers played about 8 songs, all of which received large applause and rightfully so, because singer Eric Bachmann is so humble, despite being one of the best songwriters in music. His lyrics are grown-up, sung with heart, and his voice is not as rough as it once was in earlier recordings (see Archers of Loaf) With only a little wait between sets, Neko Case arrived on the stage with her full band in tow – featuring five members. The entire band was in a good mood, joking around, and involving the crowd on some level. Neko and her band played all the songs I wanted to hear and did a great version of Nilsson’s Don’t Forget Me, which brought me on the edge of my seat, visibly emotional. Each song was executed well, never getting old or making me glance at my mobile phone, which can be a bit rare for me near the end of certain live shows… This concert kept me seated until the live performance was completely over (4 song encore included) and the house lights came on. Her band was tight, played brilliantly, and the Berklee staff made sure Neko’s unique sound was beyond satisfactory. No earplugs needed.
I love Spring. The grass turns green, plants and people come out of their winter hibernation, temperatures get warmer, and many records need listening. It happens twice a year – Fall and Spring. New records appear online and in stores just when you need them most. Spring releases are where most of our summer music listening comes from – and this year it begins with She & Him, Volume Two (Merge Records). It’s 13 upbeat and fun pop songs by Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward. The production is reminiscent of the 1960s girl groups – complete with orchestra, big Phil Spector-like sounds, and M. Ward’s signature reverb guitar. Zooey’s voice is part country, part 60′s rock n’ roll. Favorite tracks include Skeeter Davis’ 1964 version of “Gonna Get Along Without Ya Now,” “Thieves,” and “I’m Gonna Make it Better.”
