Harping On

So last Sunday, trooped along with all of Auckland's artistic pretenders to the Maidment Theatre to check out Joanna Newsom and Smog. Going to this gig was quite a hot ticket, and it had sold out a few weeks before. Luckily Jenna was organized and grabbed us some tickets early. At the time, I have to admit I wasn't too sure of who these people were, only knowing the record label through Cat Power et al.

Our seats were good, upstairs and bang in the middle. It was a nice night in that everyone who went seemed to make a bit of a night of it, even though it was on a Sunday. I was pretty tired from Hannah's party the night before when I'd stumbled home at a very unresonable hour. But I dragged myself out for a drink before and then caught up with a lot of people in the foyer, including most of the film department and about two years worth of Elam.

Smog played first, and he was good, he reminded me of Dan Reeder, an even more obscure artist who I'd love to see live. He was also more than a little creepy. And wanted the lights turned up to see the audience better. I have to admit that I kind of dozed through a lot of his set, although I strongly denied this to Jenna. It was good though, his songs had nice narratives. I'd buy his album, but not hunt it out.

After a rushed intermission, Joanna Newsom came on, wielding her harp with vigour. I was kind of fascinated by her harp, very weird instrument. One of the guys Jenna had drummed up told me it was just the equivalent of an upright piano but I find that kind of hard to believe. It's just so odd, and watching her play it was odd. She has a funny kind of warbling voice. I liked her purely because she pushes it so much. Most artists would settle for one or two of strange instrument, warbly voice and incredibly nuanced dense and crazy lyrics. She hits you with all three. So it was a funny experience.

It was a nice gig, there was a huge range of people there. We had a few families sitting around us, with kids that got excited every time their favourite numbers got played and I'm sure they got to enjoy a few carob treats at half time too. So a good night. Nice to see Jenna too. But I have to say, I'm really looking forward to seeing The Eels this weekend. With a string section. That is really going to be something special.