Give Me New Pornography

Just so we're clear: I would pay to hear Neko Case sing the telephone book. Which was not what she was singing tonight, but you get my point.

The evening got off to a welcoming start when I walked up to the wristband guy at the front of The National. "Where've you been?" he demanded with a smile. "We missed you. What's the last time you were here? And when are you coming back?" Uh, Broken Social Scene barely over a month ago? And next week? Since when do wristband guys take attendance? On the other hand, thanks for noticing.

Inside, I was pleased to see that the music hadn't yet started. I didn't see my favorite bartender (turns out he had band practice tonight so he was off), so I headed to the bar most likely to have the good stuff (one or the other inevitably doesn't). I ordered a Sauza, was delivered a Stella Artois and clarified the difference with my clearly confused server.

She apologized, poured the Sauza and as I was about to hand over my card, the bartender stepped forward and said, "No, no, this round is on me because you're such a regular at the National." Well, that I am, but I didn't expect a free drink for my musical devotion. Did someone sprinkle fairy dust on me tonight?

The show began with, "Hi, we're Tokyo Police Club from Montreal. Welcome to Monday!" and then launched into an outstanding set of post-punk garage rock, all fast guitars, melodic keyboards and excellent vocals. Tequila in hand, music washing over me, I could not have been any more satisfied to be where I was (it might have been nice to have company, but that's another story).

"New Pornographers are paying us on a commission basis to get you warmed up," the lead singer said. "Help us out and bust a move." Plaintive pleas aside, the band's sound was compelling enough to draw the audience in and everyone was moving before long. I felt sorry for those who'd opted to show up late. These guys were great.

During the break, I returned to the bar, where the server apologized again for mishearing me (not a big deal, really) and asked how I was enjoying the show. People sure were being nice to me tonight.

With their name in flashing lights behind them, New Pornographers took the stage and totally owned it for the next two hours. There's so much talent in this group and so many excellent voices (and whistlers) that every song is a power pop gem. Factor in the incredible pipes of Neko and it's a recipe for aural awesomeness.

Drummer Kurt was wearing a "Born to Cuddle" t-shirt (and what a cuddle puddle that group would make, just sayin') and there was onstage discussion of makeout parties (I was ready to volunteer, but they didn't ask). After one song, the audience was asked if there had been any phone number trading during the suggestive lyrics. Not in my case, but I can't speak for others.

I ran into several friends, including a fellow lecture geek (who gave me a heads up about a talk I must hear) and made a new one ("Do you come to every show here?" he asked after we got to discussing what we'd seen there), but was honestly surprised that the show hadn't sold out. It was over shortly after 11:00, a completely respectable time for a school night.

Neko Case, the New Pornographers and Tokyo Police Club to start the week in River City. Welcome to Monday indeed.

Come head on, full circle
Our path blocked but sure
We'll make records, then set them
Make copies, win races
Stay with me, go places
Once more for the ages