Joanna Newsom: Live in Austin
Joanna Newsom's unforgettable show last night will not only contend for the best show I've seen this year, it was one of the most memorable performances I've ever seen. The first thing I noticed being so close to the stage is how strikingly small Ms. Newsom really is, and watching her tiny hands deftly maneuver around her harp is a sight to behold. It seems like it would be nearly impossible, physically, that on songs like the over 16-minute long "Only Skin" (which she introduced as "the long one"), she's able to possess such control over her instrument while recalling all of the lyrics. In fact, I'm still not sure I believe what I saw. Not sure of the exact setlist (help me out) but from memory, she played 3 songs from Ys ("Emily", "Sawdust and Diamonds", & "Only Skin") and mixed in a few crowd favorites from The Milk-Eyed Mender, including "Book of Right On", "Sadie", and the gorgeous show-closer, "Clam Crab Cockle Cowrie." Watch a video I shot of part of "Sadie" here.
click read more link to view more photos from the show...
13 comments:
If I recall correctly, she opened with Bridges and Balloons...I think you got all the rest though.
Chris,
Great photos. By the looks of it, it appears you were standing right next to some Pitchfork douche...
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/page/news/
Photos_Joanna_Newsom_Smog_The_Parish_Austin_
#38662
...one who clearly doesn't have your photographic eye.
it really was an amazing show. it weird watching that video, it just doesn't come close to capturing the feeling of actually being there. there was a definite electricity in the room.
We saw her in Dallas at the Tea Room (the small room) with Banhart in a 3/4 capacity crowd. We were standing directly in front, 5 feet from the performers. We were there to see Devendra, but she stole the show. I'd like to hear the new album sans the ridiculous orchestral Parks' production. She does just fine all by herself.
Mr. Anonymous
I guess we met that once, SXSW this past year. I didn't recognize you last night. Your photos really do look good - much better than the atrocious and embarrassing ones linked a few comments up. I thought I would share with you and your readers the article we put up this morning:
http://www.urbanpollution.com/Music/Smog/News/11076.html
Enjoy!
Ooh, I'm kind of bummed that I skipped this, but it was worth it to catch the screeing of La Brune et Moi... Thx for the recap.
It was a joy to experience that set last night. I got the Book of Right-On mess-up on video & kept watching it after we left The Parish. I was in the front row too! I guess I may have seen you, haha.
The video is on my blog [not nearly as beautiful or well-written as yours, but I'm new & giving it a go.] learnedinspace.blogspot.com
i hate myself for hating her voice because I really want to love her. sigh...
Apparently she was a big fan of the dress that Husky Rescue singer Reeta-Leena Korhola wore this past weekend...
Really though - looking forward to the new album. I hated the last one, but I really want to like this one. and that's usually more than half the battle...
Hey Chris,
Nice pictures and I agree - absolutely amazing. Unfortunately, I left afterward because it seems that throughout the day I was developing a flu and I had to get up for class early this morning too to make matters wrose so I didn't get to see Smog. This is John by the way, I was the guy who was standing next to you and we talked about the Pitchfork Music Festival for a bit. Excellent blog, keep the good work up.
That collaboration w/Smog made me wish Lisa Simpson would get off her harp and Leonard Cohen Afterworld would quit making me "sleep eternally" and just make a porno already. They can co-write the music for it! That's about the right skill level for em, anyhow.
got some good video up from the show (rock bottom riser) over at
www.partyends.com
its at the end of the post...... after a stolen GvsB picture...
I just saw her recently in Sydney. I was so impressed I saw her twice! Its really hard taking photos though, because you could literally hear a pin drop when she plays. There are photos and reviews on my blog too.
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