Reader Request – I like the way you work it
October 24th, 2007 - by Dave
Some musicians have very little stage presence. They show up for work, play their tunes, and then they exit the stage in silence. The National’s front man Matt Berninger is a perfect example of the quiet type when he’s not singing. During his songs he’s jumping around like a speed addict. But in between songs the guy barely faces the crowd.
Then there are the bands that jabber on endlessly. These are the acts that make you think you’re in a lecture hall instead of a concert. A few years ago Jello Biafra (of spoken word and Dead Kennedys fame) launched a tour with the Melvins supplying music. Biafra stopped between every song to rant about topics ranging from the evils of Walmart, to the evils of SUV’s, to the evils of yuppies. Jello is an outspoken guy. I get that. But I went to witness a legend’s return to singing, not to listen to a two hours of ramblings and tired cliches.
And then there are the masters — the acts that chat effortlessly with the crowd like they’re engaged in a one on one conversation. Country-Rock every-man Steve Earle popped into the World Cafe in Philadelphia for a lunch time set two weeks back. In between his tunes, Earle talked about the personal stories behind the songs drawing cheers and laughs from the crowd.
So, tell us your stories in the comments. What bands really know how to work a crowd? And who falls flat on their faces when the music stops?
October 24th, 2007 at 9:17 pm
A few years ago I saw Ben Kweller with Death Cab for Cutie at the Avalon in Boston. Death Cab had horrible stage presence. Ben Gibbard was pretty awkward in between songs and it was uncomfortable to watch. Maybe it was just a bad night or maybe the band improved since then, but that night definitely turned me off to Death Cab.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:06 am
Jesse Malin tells the best stories- they are rambling to be sure- i’ve definitely seen him talk as much as he played- but great. Pati Smith is a also a great in between song talker. I went to CD release party type thing for her recent covers record and it was very cool to hear her thoughts on the track selection.
I guess I feel like it’s either feast or famine. We all remember the night that John Mellencamp played every one of his hits, but said not a word to the audience. It really makes a show less fun for me, I enjoy the interaction.
October 25th, 2007 at 10:18 am
Judith Owen has been one of the best in between song talkers I’ve seen. I saw her on a whim with my sister and only knew she played piano-based songs. Little did I know she had a wicked sense of humor and would introduce each song with a hilarious story. Here’s a video I took of her:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVHRIlAycUA
She combats that with music like this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uWMzEXTCCIc
Matt Berninger of The National is definitely horrible. It got really uncomfortable during that show when he would just stare at the ground while his guitarist tuned up.
Oh and the couple of times I’ve seen Pearl Jam, I can never understand what the hell Vedder is saying into the mic.
I agree with John. I like it when the band talks or offers more insight into their songs on stage. Snow Patrol didn’t talk to me and it still burns me up inside.
October 25th, 2007 at 12:25 pm
Understanding the spoken word of Eddie Vedder at shows is an art- but he usually has something interesting to say.
October 25th, 2007 at 12:26 pm
I don’t know. It seems to me that it all really depends on the performer and their music. Sonic Youth don’t exactly chat up the audience when they play, but seeing them live is practically a religious experience (well, for those of us who aren’t particularly religious, it’s about as close as you can get). And there’s plenty of bands like that: Built to Spill, Interpol (on a good night), and classics like Drive Like Jehu and Sunny Day Real Estate, all played some of my favorite shows, but didn’t do much to acknowledge the audience.
On the reverse of that, I saw Lamb of God play, and you couldn’t pay their singer to shut up between, and even during, songs. Extreme metal just isn’t quite as powerful with some idiot constantly “working” the crowd like he was Jon Bon Jovi: “C’mon everybody, let’s get this place going, let’s get a craaaaazy pit going!” Kind of kills the mood. Maybe if he were leading us all in a revolution, or even a human sacrifice, but constantly giving a shout out to New Jersey just didn’t work.
But, if you’re looking for a good performance where the crowd is acknowledged, if not conversed with constantly, Aesop Rock, The Hold Steady, and Pernice Brothers all do an awesome job.
October 26th, 2007 at 1:33 pm
Eddie, when did you see Snow Patrol? I saw them over the summer and Gary Lightbody told funny stories in between songs and was actually pretty charming. I guess for some bands, it just depends on the night.
October 28th, 2007 at 8:09 pm
the hold steady are probably one of the most engaging performers in recent history- the banter is great- and the energy is reciprocal. last time i saw them it ended with half the audience on the stage.
November 25th, 2007 at 1:05 am
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