LOCATION: 40 Watt Club, Athens, GA
LINEUP: Karin, Linford, Matt Slocum, Devon Ashley, Rick Plant
REVIEW BY: otrfan, Chris Queen
Saw the band in fine, fine form last night at the 40 Watt. There were 75 or so people there, people that were extremely lucky to be a part of the show. It still baffles me why they aren't more known. I was even expecting (maybe really, really hoping) to hear Ohio and OtR annouced as Grammy nominees. There is always next year. ChrisQ has the set list and some notes he jotted down so he will give a "formal" review, probably later today. He also took some pics which he may or may post. I will start with this: When watching K & L perform, sing, play, whatever, I always get the sense that I am seeing some very good friends play their hearts out. Their music has been such a huge part of my life over the past 9 or 10 years that I feel like I know them on a very personal level. Karin and Linford were in fine form, having a great time with each other and the crowd, a little interaction with us here and there. I would say the high-light for me was hearing Hallelujah, which cut me to the core. Leonard Cohen would be very pleased upon hearing it. Karin sang Ohio, which is always great to hear, then went into BPD (much laughter at our table thinking of Border's Panini Delight...), which blew the roof off. The intensity in which she sings and Linford plays are amazing. You KNOW they sing from the soul and believe what they sing about. SHE, another amazing point in the show. When Karin sings the line "What she ought to do, is put a gun to your head..." the emotion that spills out is otherwordly! Again, ChrisQ will share more later, but this is just a glimpse of the entire night. Susan Enan did a little longer set than she did in October, which was brilliant. She is a perfect opening act for our little band. Good, good stuff. That's it for me for now. Looking forward to seeing them again tonight at the Echo. as usual, all over the boardChris Queen What an amazing show last night at 40 Watt! I sat with Russ, Eric, and some other young guy whose name escapes me. I hadn't been to 40 Watt in a long time, and I had forgotten how small it is. Nice and intimate. Everyone sat in uncomfortable metal chairs around tables or couches in the very back. A local duo called No River City started a short set promptly at 8:30. They were talented vocalists and instrumentalists, but their songs were just laughable. Fortunately, they only played about half an hour. Susan Enan was up next. She played about a 45 minute set, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I spoke with her briefly afterwards; she's a lovely woman, very gracious and friendly. Over The Rhine came out to a warm Southern welcome from the small crowd with candles all over the stage (a nice touch). Here's the set and my remembrances: Hometown Boy--I love this song more every time I hear it. Matt Slocum's pedal steel was a welcome surprise. Someone placed a candle right in front of Devon Ashley's kick drum; about halfway through the song, it was blown out. Show Me--Good, energetic version; a little faster than I've heard it before. After this one Karin remarked that we were a respectful audience, and she wanted to know if anyone had any lighters since we weren't yelling or saying much. Russ held up his cell phone all lit up, and Linford noticed it. Suitcase--Karin had to tune after this one, and Linford asked if anyone had any questions. Karin then spoke to the college students in the audience about finals week. She said that it was good to be at the show because all anyone ever needed to know was at an Over The Rhine concert. She--Russ talked about how breathtaking it was, and I think the crowd was at its quietest during this song. Nobody Number One--I was excited to hear this one again. Fun, fun fun. Anything At All--Right before this song, Karin remarked that they had been in a fender bender earlier in the day, but that they were all fine. She dedicated the song to the band because of the experience. Darling, Christmas Is Coming--Before the song, Linford talked about how most artists like to stay off the road in December but that OTR keeps touring because it's such a fun time to tour. Karin told the key change story. I liked the key change; I could still sing my harmony along with her. All I Ever Get For Christmas Is Blue--Wow! This one blew me away--very sexy. Afterwards, Karin talked about their perky Christmas songs. When the audience laughed, she said "I think we took the perky right out of Christmas." I Radio Heaven--I was surprised to hear this one. Good version. Hallelujah--I wasn't as familiar with this song as the other guys at my table, but I was blown away nonetheless. Matt played cello. Ohio--Karin on piano, onstage alone. The intensity in this song was powerful. She then launched into BPD--At first I thought she was going to play it alone, but the band walked out during the first verse. I think they could've played BPD over and over again for 90 minutes, and I would've been happy with the show. I still love the sight of Karin and Linford sitting together at the keyboards. Silent Night--This was fun to hear. Linford introduced it simply by saying "here's one from The Darkest Night Of The Year." Let It Be--Oh man, oh man! The Beatles would've been so proud. Karin sang her heart out. This one should be on the next "tweener." As the band was coming back out for the encore, Russ shouted his request "How Long Have You Been Stoned?" Linford replied, "oh, about 12 years." The encore consisted of: Cruel And Pretty--Nice version of a song that I'm not a big fan of. Latter Days--What a perfect way to end the night! After the show, Russ and I--along with the too young, too drunk girl who was hitting on me--had a nice conversation. The band seemed more loose and relaxed than in October, and Karin seemed to be more "into" the music last night as well. Linford wore all black (or black & dark grey?), and Karin wore a red shirt with a black jacket and pants. This was without a doubt my favorite Over The Rhine show. Unfortunately, my attempt to record it failed...