[ATTENDED: November 8, 2019] The New Pornographers
Back in 2000, The New Pornographers sprang out of Vancouver and I didn’t know anything about them. Especially that the band was made up of all manner of Canadian musicians from other groups. I only knew that the first single “Letter From an Occupant” was awesome and I listened to it all the time.
Over the last twenty years, The New Pornographers have released reliably excellent albums. It often seemed like out of the blue, suddenly there was another amazingly catchy song from the band. I’m not really sure why I never thought to see them live before. I think missing the Neko Case show in January was an impetus to get me to the show if only to see her. (Sometimes Neko doesn’t tour with them, so I’m pretty psyched she was here on this tour).
As often happens, when a band tours they have a new album out. Somehow I had missed this new one entirely. Of course, I needn’t have worried that it would be good, because of course it was. I was just worried that I wouldn’t be familiar enough with the songs when they played them.
The lineup has remained remarkably consistent for a band made up of people who all have other bands that tour. They’ve had a couple of drummers, but otherwise, no changes. Except for one rather large one. Dan Bejar, the fantastic lyricist and singer of the band Destroyer more or less officially left the band a couple of years ago. Although he is currently described as a former and possibly future member of the band. So no hard feelings. (more…)
I Just Read About That... 