Okkervil River

World Cafe Live - Philadelphia, PA

WXPN’s Live Fridays - Free At Noon Concert Series

June 3, 2011

Highlights:

1. This was my second time venturing to World Cafe Live for WXPN’s Free At Noon Concert Series (I was fortunate enough to see Local Natives last May).  Since I’m living in Philly this summer, I plan on coming back every Friday for this incredible weekly tradition.  I can’t thank WXPN enough!

2. One of the members of Okkervil River switched off between a violin, keyboard, electric guitar, trombone, trumpet, jingle bells, and tambourine.  That is multi-instrumentation at its FINEST.

3. I have not listened to Okkervil River much in the past, except for knowing one of their more popular songs, “Our Life Is Not A Movie Or Maybe”.  The band released a new album, I Am Very Far, this past May and most of their songs at the show today were off that album.  I had given the CD a listen through earlier this week and thought it sounded okay.  In a live setting, the songs took on a new life, with a fuller intensity and moving nature.  I listened to the CD again tonight and have a greater appreciation for its tunes.  In fact, I Am Very Far is now one of my favorite CDs of 2011!

4. The band hails from Austin, TX and in true Texan style, two of the band members sported cowboy boots.

5. One of the band members played the most epic instrument of all-time for one song: THE ACCORDION. 

SET LIST:

White Shadow Waltz

Piratess

We Need a Myth

Rider

Weave Room Blues

Wake and Be Fine

Your Past Life as a Blast

The Valley

Next Week’s Free at Noon Performer:

Los Angeles folk-rock phenoms, DAWES!!!