The New Pornographers (Bimbo's, 27 September 2005)

Damn it's nice to be back in San Francisco! It was a very nice, chilly evening in North Beach -- just the way I like it. And I'm indoors for once and at a small venue. Although I was tired from ACL, I was looking forward to seeing the New Pornographers. Their brand of indie pop is just the remedy I need from rock overload in Texas.

New Pornographers are one of those bands who I like listening to but have yet to see live. Their popularity over the years just keeps on growing, as evidenced by their 2 night residency at Bimbo's.

They played a total of 24 songs, 22 of which I stayed for. The setlist was:

Twin Cinema
Use It
The End of Medicine
Mass Romantic
Jackie, Dressed in Cobras
These Are the Fables
Three or Four
The Bleeding Heart Show
Ballad of a Comeback Kid
Falling Through Your Clothes
The Laws Have Changed
Streets of Fire
It's Only Divine Right
Stacked Crooked
The Fake Headlines
The Bones of an Idol
The Slow Descent into Alcoholism
Sing Me Spanish Techno
All for Swinging You Around
Jackie
From Blown Speakers
Miss Teen Wordpower
The Electric Version
Letter from an Occupant

I like Twin Cinema but I'm more familiar with the two previous albums. So, anything from those albums I liked listening to. "From Blown Speakers," "Miss Teen Wordpower" and Fake Headlines" were the highlights for me.

A.C. Newman likes to engage in conversation with the crowd tonight. They were especially chatty throughout the night. I forgot what the audience member said that ignited laughter for everyone, but it was a clever remark.

Bejar, a member of NPs and Destroyer, joined NP for a couple of songs. He looked seriously fucked up when he joined NPs. It was just hilarious! Of course, during opener "Twin Cinema," people yelled and hollered when the "16th and Valenica" line was said.

Overall, it was a great show but it was a bit too long for my tired ass. I would definitely see them again. I will enjoy it better I'm sure.

Beer Rating:1/2