Outtake Photos: St. Vincent and Pattern Is Movement at Webster Hall
Not having fallen in love with her new album, Actor, I decided to catch St. Vincent live to see if it would help me appreciate the new music better. I concluded that I prefer the older work after all: Marry Me is a better album because it’s a better showcase of essential songwriting might, which gets lost, or at least takes a back seat, in the newer heavily-produced aesthetic; and St. Vincent the solo act (just Annie on stage) is a more interesting live act because once again I’m a fan of the essentials, the bare minimum that takes an awesome flight under the right hands and the right mind.
Download “The Strangers”
When Annie’s just a tiny barely known figure dramatically freaking out on her guitar at Mercury Lounge, the effect is totally different from when she does the same thing at a headlining gig at Webster Hall where everyone adores her. In short, it starts to look more conceited. Also, my tolerance for Manhattan venues is suffering these days, except when it comes to places like Cake Shop and Pianos. Last night I couldn’t help thinking I was in Irving Plaza, which is a place I’ve vowed never to see a show at. It feels too industrial and MTV over there. Having said all of that, I think the success is well-deserved.
This set of pictures are outtakes and rejects. For a better collection of photos, head over to my write-up at The Tripwire.
Pattern Is Movement
On the other hand, I was perfectly satisfied with the Pattern Is Movement set. Got to see for the first time (can you believe it?) and they were pretty amazing.
Download “Sound of Your Voice“
May 21st, 2009 at 4:29 am
I haven’t heard the new record yet, but having first seen her play with John Vanderslice a couple of years ago I was really blown away with what she was capable of all by herself up on stage.
Then when I picked up the record, I thought that it was overproduced. It didn’t show through how much raw talent she had. It just sounded like 100 layers of production, which I guess anyone can do, but certainly not everyone can do the things she can do with a guitar. So I guess what it comes down to is that it’s worrisome you say the new record sounds overproduced in comparison to Marry Me.
May 21st, 2009 at 1:38 pm
I love your site! Such beautiful pictures and the layout is so gorgeously designed.