At a glance, The Books seem too clever by half. Their songs are intricate electronic reconstructions of bits of found sound—news reports, old TV shows, radio call-ins, people on the street—set to music, and they have witty titles like “That Right Ain’t Shit,” “A Little Longing Goes Away,” and “Enjoy Your Worries, You May Never Have Them Again.” But after a few listens to one of their three albums (their debut is called Thought for Food), you begin to notice a subtlety and depth that goes beyond craft and craftiness.
I’d go so far as to call what they do bricolage—their soft touch and precision defies the term “mash-up.” A duo, they accompany the sonic clips and extracts with nimbly plucked guitar and warm cello and, some of the time, softly spoken/sung lyrics. I was very curious to see how this music would manifest itself live at Columbia’s Miller Theater. The Books are composed of two rather bookish-looking fellows. They sat for the entire show, surrounded by electronic equipment. Behind them, I was pleased to see, was a large video screen. Because of course in addition to their skilled musicianship and clever audio mixology, they also sync everything with found visuals. The whole effect was dreamlike in an almost literal way—a series of sounds and pictures that nearly makes sense, until you stop to focus on any one detail. A sweet dream indeed.
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Saul Williams + Earl Greyhound + American Fangs - 11/15
Aladdin Theater
The Black Crowes + Truth & Salvage Co. - 11/20
Roseland Theater
Deastro + Max Tundra - 11/27
Doug Fir
Morrissey + Doll and the Kicks - 11/30
Roseland Theater
Portland Cello Project - 12/4
Aladdin Theater
Passion Pit - 12/7
The Crystal Ballroom
Ben Sollee + Daniel Martin Moore - 11/17
Tractor Tavern
The Fiery Furnaces + Cryptacize + Dent May - 11/18
Chop Suey
Mr. Lif + Dnaebeats - 11/19
Neumos
Built to Spill + Disco Doom + Finn Riggins 11/19
Showbox at the Market
Blind Pilot + Laura Veirs & the Hall of Flames 12/2
Neumos
Brett Dennen + Grace Potter and the Nocturnals - 12/6
Moore Theatre
Yep, excellent documentary.
by Matt on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 03.19 pm from the entry: Fantastic version of Tom Petty's "Nightwatchmen," from new super big live set
I’m sure that Friend the Devil cover will be great. I remember when I got the DVD doc. of his band’s career (Runnin’ Down A Dream) it came with this bonus cd of songs. And one of the songs was a cover of Hank Williams’ classic “Lost Highway.” Stellar. I’m sure his abilities will find their way into this song as well.
by Colin on Sun Nov 15, 2009 at 02.26 pm from the entry: Fantastic version of Tom Petty's "Nightwatchmen," from new super big live set
Tom Petty is the reason I got into music. Looking forward to this, especially that “Friend of the Devil” cover
by Matt on Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 03.49 pm from the entry: Fantastic version of Tom Petty's "Nightwatchmen," from new super big live set
Don’t listen to Jarrod. Buy it! Every track is a gem, a bargain for $9.99 and you are supporting an independent artist.
by Pedro on Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 02.14 pm from the entry: Keb' Mo' - "Live and Mo'" - Borrow It
great prose.
by colin on Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 02.07 pm from the entry: Ghostland Observatory - Crystal Ballroom (Portland, OR; Nov. 8, 2009)
MOM IS ON FACEBOOK LISTENING TO YOUR MUSIC LOOKING AT PIX FROM DR. PEPPER. WHERE ARE YOU DAVID & EVAN?? COSTUMES LOOK GREAT.
by WACKYMOM on Sat Nov 14, 2009 at 12.40 pm from the entry: Love in Stockholm - Precinct (Somerville, MA; Oct. 31, 2009)
where’s the west coast love?
by josh on Fri Nov 13, 2009 at 08.05 pm from the entry: RJD2 Tour Dates
Great post - I wish I could see the Books, but alas their 2 shows in Chicago have been sold out for over a month…
Thanks for the photos.
man, i love The Books. They’re such a treat live. Clever is definitely an understatement! great review.