Singin' songs I knew

If I don't write about this now I'll never get to it, so: I saw Jakob Dylan and Three Legs last night at the Pabst!  I confess that I bought a ticket to this show for two main reasons: first, Jakob Dylan is touring with Neko Case and Kelly Hogan, whom I like very much.  Secondly, in high school I had a bit of a crush on Jakob Dylan.

Even if these weren't the soundest of reasons to attend a weeknight show in Milwaukee, I enjoyed myself.  Guitar player Paul Rigby and Jon Rauhouse on pedal steel were major reasons for that.  Jakob Dylan has really assembled an excellent band.  Most of the songs played were from Jakob's latest album Women and Country, but there were some selections from his previous solo album and two from Bringing Down the Horse ... a record I remember fondly from 1996.  It was a trip to hear "6th Avenue Heartache" live, with Kelly Hogan and Neko Case singing backup.  Neko and Jakob had a lot of fun singing together on "All Day and All Night," complete with some graphic hand gestures from Neko.  Kelly got a great response from the crowd for her lead verse of "Three Marlenas."  I'm glad I made the trip to Milwaukee - after all, what would I have done at home instead?  Packed for the wedding weekend instead of doing so right now?  (Eeep!)

Haunted by the American Dream

The Forward Music Festival is a new venture for Madison, featuring two days' worth of music spread out around downtown. I bought early, securing a two-day pass for $25. Not too shabby. My chief interest was in Friday night's featured show at the Orpheum: Neko Case and Giant Sand.

Last time I saw Neko, I was somewhat underwhelmed. I'm happy to report that this wasn't the case on Friday. Neko and her band delivered a fun, engaging show that made the ninety-plus minutes fly. The set included many new songs from Middle Cyclone, due in March. Sometimes an abundance of new or unfamiliar songs can slow down the pace of a show, but I really enjoyed everything I heard. I'm very excited about the album, especially the title track. (Side note: for as many shows as I've seen at the Orpheum, Friday was the first time I saw a dog on stage. Props to Kelly Hogan's Augie for being adorable and well-behaved, as usual.)

Giant Sand was solid in the opening slot. I sometimes had a little trouble hearing Howe Gelb's vocals, but the music came through loud and clear. I also enjoyed Howe's deadpan humor and commentary throughout the set. And he gets points for the most unique method of guitar pick storage I've seen: he licks his picks and sticks them to the front of his guitar until they're needed.

Both Neko and Howe (especially Howe) entreated the audience to register to vote, and the HeadCount presence at the show was quite prominent. I had almost forgotten from four years ago how all of the autumn concerts I see begin to take on political undertones. It's exciting: I can't wait for November.