OK, this was an amazing show. Ani seemed absolutely giddy, and made some
rather witty comments. She started out by complaining about being bit by a
bug, which led her to describe her 'malodorous' dressing room. She also
quipped that "if you like someone, shouldn't you stop throwing things at
them?", addressing a few out of control audience members. "oh well, at least
they were throwing soft things."
Before she played Letter To A John, she kinda explained the song, and she did
so by comparing a gig to a date - "you're always trying to think of something to
say -- I guess a gig is kind of a date that you pay for" -- and she proceeded
to rock through an impecable rendition of Letter To A John, which led directly
into Pulse, which was mesmerizing, with some beautiful vocals from Andy.
As a prelude to My Country 'Tis Of Thee, Ani told the audience to "love the
country, our country, because the people and the government are two seperate
things. Even if you hate our government, love your country." It was the
first time I had heard this song -- I though it was rather nice, too!!!
Gravel was invigorating, and Come Away From It was beautiful - Julie, Andy,
and Ani harmonized - they are amazing when they sing together!
Then Ani got silly again, and said she was "gonna have a little hoedown with
the two ho's up front" -- meaning she and Julie, who sung together on yet
another new track, I'm Not Angry Anymore.
Anticipate had a slower, more sensual feel than usual, and it was
breathtaking. Afterwards, the band took a break and left Ani alone with her
guitar which she strummed the hell out of on Swan Dive (my favorite of the
night). She seemed so into that tune!!
Cradle And All seemed to come from nowhere, I really didn't expect it, and
then she made a deal with us -- "if your really nice, maybe we can get Big
Sexy out here to play drums with us" -- and so the snare player from Rebirth
Brass Band came out to jam during a drum interlude in Shameless with really
worked everyone into a frenzy! as Ani bid us "adieu, or whatever the fuck that
word is," the audience began to roar.
For their first encore, they played an extremely lively song, with an
appearance by the Rebirth Brass Band. It sounded to me like a Stevie Wonder
song, but all i know is that Ani was git-less and clapping up a storm - fun
fun fun!!!
For her second and final encore, Ani left us with a little lullaby - or tried.
during the first lines of Everest, the audience began to clap, at which point
Ani stopped and said "I hate to be a bitch, but this is really not a clapping
number - its more a navel gazer" -- and she began again - towards the end,
when people were shouting out final requests ("Dilate!! and "Untouchable Face"
rang through the pavilion), Ani pleaded with us to quiet down so she could
finish, and with a small chuckle she finished her set.
Overall, the set was very lively, and it was a hit!
Ryan