When a musician wants to “be her own band,” technology and common sense afford her a few more options than strapping on cymbals, a harmonica, bass drum, etc. and marching around the stage. The most obvious solution would be to write songs that can be performed using only one instrument at a time, but not everyone would be satisfied with such a restriction. Others, like Alaska in Winter, play prerecorded backing tracks and perform the lead parts live, perhaps with embellishments such as having a virtual band (like AIW’s mustachioed, video-projected alter egos). Finally, there is the cost-effective but practice intensive-solution chosen by performers like Theresa Andersson, who use an array of pedals and lightning-fast instrument changes to electronically loop themselves into a quasi-orchestra.
Andersson, barefoot on a white shag rug, surrounded herself with panels of pedals, drums, dulcimer, classical guitar, turntable (equipped with Smokey Johnson’s “It Ain’t My Fault"), and a custom dual-mic stand that also held her violin. In woolen leg warmers, wrist warmers, tights, a skirt, and with a frequent smile, Andersson made the performance look easy, if incredibly practiced and choreographed. She danced around joyously, ending some songs with yoga-inspired poses stretching out to the ceiling. She worked the pedals and twisted dials with her bare feet, recorded voice into one mic and sang into the other, and demonstrated mastery of all her instruments in the time span of a single song.
Andersson’s songs were beautifully arranged and delightfully catchy---the product of a Swedish-born singer-songwriter infused with New Orleans rhythm and soul. A particular highlight was the single song she performed in Swedish, which showcased Andersson’s sometimes playful, but well-trained, voice. Nevertheless, I found myself questioning more and more whether the incredible looping performance enhanced or detracted from the experience. Somewhat distractingly, I was caught up in the question of whether electronic looping is a musical skill or something more akin to a parlor trick?
The crowd seemed to love it; they were buzzing about Andersson before the set and were glowing afterwards. I loved the songs too, but felt (somewhat guiltily) like they were presented to me as a physical, rather than musical, accomplishment. To feel something in the moment and be carried away---whether it’s driving a car, reading a book or anything else---you can’t be constantly wondering at how it’s put together, or whether it will unravel. It’s fun to lift up the hood or diagram the sentences afterward, but that requires a step back that I don’t particularly want to take in a live show. So while I’ll definitely seek out Andersson’s music in the future, I think I’ll just put in the CD, close my eyes, and enjoy it.
DOWNLOAD: Theresa Andersson - Birds Fly Away (MP3) or Follow us for more Theresa Andersson MP3s (Twitter)
The Roots + Orgone + Lilla D’Mone - 1/2
Roseland Theater
Grass Widow + White Fang + Hornet Leg - 1/7
Artistery
The Moondoggies + Sera Cahoone - 1/8
Doug Fir Lounge
Steve Earle + Hayes Carll - 1/19
Aladdin Theatre
Asobi Seksu (Acoustic) - 1/19
Mississippi Studios
Steve Earle + Hayes Carll - 1/20
Aladdin Theatre
Steve Earle + Hayes Carll - 1/22
Aladdin Theatre
Courtney Love is a neurotic, drug addled, fame whore. She should focus on seeking professional help. Courtney - substantiate your allegations in court, or shut up.
Ryan Adams is a talented songwriter, and has an alert and inquisitive mind. He is also a gentleman.
by sickchip on Fri Jan 1, 2010 at 09.54 am from the entry: Ryan Adams Denies Courtney Love's Allegations
Damn man, this is a real dope list. 2009 was a great year for hip hop! we actually made a list of our own for the top 10 albums of the year which had a couple overlaps but also some new stuff too:
http://da-what.com/2009/12/31/end-of-year-top-10-albums-of-2009/
we also made one for the top mixtapes of 09:
http://da-what.com/2009/12/30/end-of-the-year-top-10-mixtapes-of-2009/
and a list for who we thought had the best year of 2009:
http://da-what.com/2009/12/29/end-of-year-who-had-the-best-2009/
we would appreciate it if you checked it out and left some comments. tell us what you think!
by ben on Thu Dec 31, 2009 at 05.52 pm from the entry: Top 10 Best Hip-Hop Albums/Mixtapes of 2009
oh noes, josh! I love this. what’s jumpy alterna-pop - like harvey danger?
by beth on Thu Dec 31, 2009 at 05.08 pm from the entry: Vampire Weekend rockin' down a deserted alley (vid)
the Yamar jam was the shit
by spencer on Thu Dec 31, 2009 at 04.45 pm from the entry: Phish - The Gorge Amphitheatre (George, WA; Aug. 7th, 2009)
now that I have a baby at home, Vampire Weekend is surprisingly more listenable when dancing with my daughter. Well, as long as I earmuff that whole “do you wanna f*ck” bit…
by Ian on Thu Dec 31, 2009 at 08.47 am from the entry: Vampire Weekend rockin' down a deserted alley (vid)
Happy New Year!!!
by nakis on Thu Dec 31, 2009 at 06.19 am from the entry: Will Stratton - "No Wonder" - Borrow It
This is a great blog for music, keep up the good reviews!
by Erik on Thu Dec 31, 2009 at 02.05 am from the entry: Mayer Hawthorne & The County - University of Washington, HUB, North Den (Seattle, WA; Dec. 10, 2009)
