Friday night a group of us went to Fribourg to see The Decemberists play. Fan-freaking-tastic show. The music was amazing, and I loved the way the band interacted. They really seemed to enjoy playing together... it reminded me of watching Zero 7 perform, in that regard. The venue (Fri-Son) was pretty small, and there were maybe a few hundred people there. I was surprised by the lack of a crush of people to the front, and we were able to stand right at the stage, leaning on the edge and enjoying the tunes.
Colin Meloy had a fun, be it a little offbeat, sense of humor, introducing a little 'ditty' about a double suicide a few songs in. During Billy Liar, the keyboardist had something of a false start, but instead of being detrimental to the show, it added to it as they began anew and CM sang while giggling. By the time the song was over, they were all obviously amused by the sloppy rendition, and CM threw out my favorite quote of the evening:
This show is like a lychee fruit; it's awkward to peel, it tastes weird, but ultimately, you really like it.
He also kept throwing out jokes about Swiss neutrality, but didn't get much of a response from the crowd. About halfway in, he decided to switch to cheese... "Cheese, cheese, what's something funny about cheese..." The drummer perked up at the mention of cheese and was like "It's really good.... that's not a joke. The cheese here is really good." To which everyone cracked up.
At the end of the show they staged a Swiss battle in the 1500's or something, with CM narrating as the rest of the band hung out in the crowd and 
grabbed people to play horsemen, chickens (including our own Caitlin and Melissa) and attackers (including Stefen, who was appropriately dressed in knickers and suspenders). To be perfectly honest, I'm still a little fuzzy on the whole thing, but I think the chickens won?
Great night, great show, and if you haven't had the privilege of being acquainted with the fabulous folky stylings of The Decemberists, you should go buy The Crane Wife. Now.
3 comments:
Once again, Jasie, I am jealous. Not only did you see the Decemberists, you saw a swiss chicken fight directed by meloy and friends. Damn I wish I was still in Switzerland.
holly bajolly!!!! You were up front with the Decemberist. How freaking cool. Yes I too am jealous and wish I was in Switzerland! And Stefan! Wow haven't seen of him in forever. Send him my greetings.
Yeah, my life doesn't suck. ;)
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