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Low’s return to First Avenue Saturday marked not only the release of their latest cd, “C’mon“ (SubPop), but also celebrated Record Store Day (including an in-store performance earlier at the Electric Fetus) and independent arts in Minnesota. The First Ave performance was taped for Twin Cities Public Television’s MN Original series.
Low’s sparse arrangements has always made live performances tricky, in my opinion, as poor sound or quirky venues has often exaggerated the ‘space’ in their music. This evening, however, the sound was stellar. The addition of Retribution Gospel Choir (RGC) drummer Eric Pollard on keyboards helped fill-in the sound, but it was Mimi Parker’s voice, ringing out with clarion clarity that really made the show. I’ve never heard her sound so good and with her vocals up in the mix the contrast between her and Alan Sparhawks somber voice added a richness that has previously been lost on me in a live setting.
Alan Sparhawk and Mimi Parker, Low
Alan Sparhawk, Mimi Parker and Steve Garrington, Low
Steve Garrington, Low
I wonder if other elements of RGC are creeping into Low’s sound besides the addition of Pollard. It seemed to me that Sparhawk was letting go on his guitar solos with more than I’ve noticed in the past. I wouldn’t say it was glee, but certain more relish. Overall, I’d say it’s a nice evolution and added intensity to his performance.
Halloween, Alaska
Selecting an opening act for Low is a tough job. Pick a band too similar and you risk the audience being bored. Choose a band too different and you risk few showing up for the opener or outright hostility. Thankfully, the fine folks at First Ave made the perfect choice: Halloween, Alaska.
Unfortunately, Halloween, Alaska’s virtuoso drummer David King was otherwise engaged, however Luke Anderson was a solid replacement and one could argue that his style allowed the other musicians to shine more brightly. I believe this is even more true on their newer songs featuring singer/songwriter James Diers on keyboard instead of guitar.
James Diers and Luke Anderson, Halloween, Alaska
No date has been set for airing the Low segment on MN Original, however, you can find info on the Twin Cities Public Television (TPT) MN Original website: http://www.mnoriginal.org/art/.
Low’s Setlist:
Breaker
Try To Sleep
You See Everything
Monkey
Silver Rider
Witches
Especially Me
Done
Sunflower
$20
Majesty/Magic
Nightingale
Nothing But Heart
Something’s Turning Over
Murderer (Encore)
Violent Past (Encore)
Canada (Encore)
When I Go Deaf (Encore)
