Three Imaginary Girls - Nada Surf

Photoessay: Nada Surf at the Tractor

imaginary victoria — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 19:41:12 +0000

2 Feb 2012

The working subtitle for this photoessay was almost Fuck Everything Else, Indie Rock Wins Forever. Because there's no other way to say it: Nada Surf puts on one hell of a pulsing, swoonworthy, face-shredding rock show. And not just any kind of rock, mind you -- this is fully legit indie rock, a term that gets tossed around way too loosely these days. You just have to know it when you see it: in this case, Nada Surf delivers their particular take, with the kind of big-guitar storytelling madness that keeps the crowd moving for the duration of the set, while blowing out eardrums in the most beautiful of ways. Without hesitation, I'll even go so far as to say that Nada Surf comes damn close to giving bands like the Wrens a run for their money -- and those of you who know my personal dedication to all things Wrens know the {musical} gravity with which I speak when I make that kind of a statement.

To wit: the setlist was flawless, and opener Eric Elbogen {nee Say Hi} did a tremendous job warming up the crowd with his batch of attention-grabbing, carefully delivered songs. I only wish more people would have stopped their yammering to pay more mind to his set, but with a sold-out venue that's on their tip-toes readying to rock the fuck out, there's only so much you can expect past the first five or six rows.

Say Hi:

Nada Surf:

Miss the show? Well, thankfully you've got another chance to get your Nada Surf on, because they'll be playing at the Neptune at the end of March. Based on all the bliss at the Tractor, plus the absolute stellar-ness that is the newest release The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy, we're betting this one will come damn close to selling out too -- so get your tickets while you still can. We'll see you there!

{All photos by Victoria VanBruinisse. See the rest of the night and much more over at the imaginary flickr pool here!}

Say Hi:

The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy

Imaginary Steve — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:28:08 +0000

8.5

http://store.easystreetonline.com/rel/v2_viewupc.php?storenr=375&upc=65517311222

the-stars-are-indifferent-to-astronomy.jpg

The moment I hear a song written by (Nada Surf vocalist/guitarist) Matthew Caws, it takes on considerable meaning. It can be a snippet of a lyric, a certain chord change, a vocal melody, but there's always something -- and as a result, Nada Surf albums are, without exception, difficult for me to process. Which is a little odd, since the songs themselves and the corresponding recordings are generally pretty straightforward. The more I question why, the more I become convinced that it's all about emotion.

After the listen, the hard work begins: either figuring out what it means to me, or being at peace with the uncertainty and absorbing the music from there. Nada Surf inhabit a very short list (REM, Radiohead, Teenage Fanclub, and The Beatles come immediately to mind) of bands I enjoy on an uncommonly personal level -- so much so that I'm almost embarrassed by the depth of feeling. Having at least one foot firmly settled in reality, I realize that "Inside of Love" wasn't written about me. But it burrows its way into my heart so completely, there are times when that reality is hard for me to recall. I have little doubt that it's this very intimacy that has garnered Nada Surf a loyal, loving fan base that shows no signs of abating.

The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy, the band's 7th LP, is perhaps most akin to 2005's stellar (no pun intended) The Weight Is A Gift. As with that record, most of the songs on Stars inhabit a similar sonic area code, standing in contrast to 2008's more eclectic, though just as rewarding, Lucky LP. The vast majority of Stars' ten tracks are mid- to up-tempo power pop numbers which, in less skilled hands, would surely lack the impact that Caws, bassist Daniel Lorca and drummer Ira Elliot are able to conjure. Such is the advantage on a nearly two decade-long musical partnership.

While Caws seems a bit preoccupied with mortality on Stars, he refreshingly, rather than lamenting-ly, appears to view growing older more as an opportunity than an obstacle. You would be hard-pressed to discover a more life affirming collection of songs, much less one positively exploding with great hooks.

It appears as though the idea with Stars was essentially to avoid over-thinking: seventh track "Looking Through", for example, was recorded the day after it was written. The result is an album that immediately sounds familiar, not because it's a retread but because Nada Surf have so aptly captured the shimmering, lovely essence of what makes them so enchanting in the first place. Opener "Clear Eye Clouded Mind" bursts with punchy, high energy guitars and (of course) flawless harmonies. I suspect it will be a highlight of live shows on their current tour and beyond. "When I Was Young" is no less than an indie-riffic masterpiece, slowly building into a heart-wrenching instant classic.

Though I didn't really need further convincing, Stars reaffirms Caws' place as perhaps the greatest writer of pop tunes in America (all due respect to Adam Schlesinger!). With Nada Surf, what you ~~see~~ hear is what you get. And in this instance, that's a beautiful thing.

Recommended show + free tickets: Nada Surf at the Tractor {2/2}

imaginary victoria — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 16:52:03 +0000

Just when we thought the new track from Nada Surf, "When I Was Young" {off the stars are indifferent to astronomy, which is officially out tomorrow on Barsuk} couldn't get any better, we stumbled across this gem of a video. While it's definitely a stripped-down version that doesn't have the same big, building, wall-of-sound vibe that the full band delivery brings, the intimacy and DIY element make this rendition a treasure of a whole other caliber -- and, of course, seeing and hearing this has gotten us that much more excited for the currently-sold-out show at the Tractor next Thursday.

Yep. Believe it or not, Nada Surf is playing at the Tractor. What's that? You didn't get tickets in time? Well, you're in luck: we're giving away a pair to one lucky winner, and you've got a whole week to enter to win! Just send us an email to tig {at} threeimaginarygirls {dot} com with the subject line "PicturesInOurPretendWallets" sometime between now and 5pm on Friday, January 27th. We'll pick a winner over the weekend, and notify you on Monday morning that you're headed to Thursday's show.

Good luck!

{21+ / 8p doors / SOLD OUT / Say Hi opens. Hat tip to Laura Musselman for sending the video our way!}

Heavy rotation: Nada Surf, Tennis

imaginary victoria — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 16:51:21 +0000

In a land where we are inundated by new music on a weekly, if not sometimes daily basis -- few things feel better than starting a nice, fresh playlist of tracks that have made the cut (in both the new-release new and new-to-me new ways). I like to organize mine by month, so at a moment's glance, I can see what's new when a friend is looking for something to woo her ear, or what to pull from for a DJ night. That first playlist in the first folder of the year holds special appeal for us over-organizing audiophiles, and while it's already starting to flesh out with some new-to-my-rotation tunes -- "For The One" / WATERS, "Goodness Gracious" / Heligoats, "The Dreamer" / Tallest Man On Earth -- one of the first outright new tracks of 2012 that's become stuck in my proverbial craw is Nada Surf's "When I Was Young".

Slated for release later this month, and undoubtedly one of the many songs the crowd will be set to swoon for when they take the stage at the Tractor on February 2nd, this song has the same kind of intimate-cum-cinematic appeal of Band of Horses' "Funeral" -- the kind of track you turn up because the opening strains start to pull at your heartstrings, and before you know it, you're thrown into this building, accelerating wall of indie-rock, while those signature vocals hold steady and soothing. If the rest of the album is anything like this, The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy will absolutely have a firm place in your top-ten list of 2012, local or otherwise. {band official} {preorder at Barsuk}

Imaginary Watch This: Nada Surf covers Depeche Mode

Imaginary Amie — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 18:26:22 +0000

Craving some cover action? This new video from Nada Surf was filmed during their 2010 European tour in Nuremberg, Munich and Dresden and features their cover of "Enjoy the Silence" from the If I Had a Hi-Fi album. Since I'm kind of a Depeche Mode purist, it took awhile to grow on me - but I now appreciate the re-styling...I'm just wondering how many people in that audience have heard the original. :)

But hey! Speaking of Depeche Mode covers, we'll be on hand at this year's Dancing on the Valentine: Strangelove benefit show on Friday, 2/11 at the Crocodile. Join the Facebook page and stay tuned for updates here on TIG.

Nada Surf vinyl re-issue, in triplicate

imaginary victoria — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:27:10 +0000

As a long-standing fan of both the "warm crackle" and one of our fave honorary locals, I'm happy to share the following imaginary goodness... the best things come in groups of three.

Best of 2008: Top 10 Albums from Becca Minkoff of the Triple Door

ChrisB — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 21:47:07 +0000

I had asked some music-related friends to send me their best of 2008 lists with the promise that I'd post them here. The first to send their list in is Becca Minkoff, the lovely and brilliant assistant marketing director and 3D webmaster for The Triple Door.

Your chance to interview Nada Surf is in this post!

imaginary victoria — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 17:29:10 +0000

They're only the nicest band, ever.

Nada Surf to release limited edition vinyl box set {drool drool}

imaginary dana — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 18:31:56 +0000

The holiday season hasn't started yet, but I've just added my top item to my "I've been a good imaginary girl" wishlist: a limited-edition Nada Surf vinyl box set featuring all five of the band's studio albums (and loads of other goodies).

Bumbershoot 2008: Day 1

three imaginary girls — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 20:36:21 +0000

30 Aug 2008

bumbershootday1.jpg

Bumbershoot is a musical extravaganza, spanning the three-day Labor Day weekend with more bands, arts, and elephant ears than anyone can possibly capture. We had a posse of imaginary writers (ChrisB, Chris Estey, imaginary elle, imaginary dana, and Cory), and photographers (Chona, Kyle, Nathan, and Andrew) all over Seattle Center, trying to capture the frenzy and mayhem of Bumbershoot 2008. Below you can see and read about our adventures during the first day, which kicked off with local electronic duo Beehive and ended with superstar Beck, and covered over 20 other bands in-between.

Enjoy!

Beehive, Wells Fargo Stage

Beehive must be one of the most hard-luck bands in Seattle. The local electronic duo had gotten a difficult timeslot - Saturday at noon but tried to make the most of it. They played an energetic rock set that lasted about 35 minutes, simulating a rock band with electronic instruments. To get the crowd on their side early started off with two covers known by everyone in the fairly large crowd - "We Will Rock You" and "Helter Skelter." Overcoming a scratchy microphone, they got a lot of the crowd to stand and even a few danced. They found their groove early and singer/programmer Alethea, or "Butterfly Beats," delighted the crowd with her soulful voice. (ChrisB)

Beehive photos by Andrew Waits.

New Faces, EMP Sky Church

I've seen this band a bajillion times -- I practically stalk them -- and this was a very good show. They had a great dynamic with a pretty big turnout. They owned that huge stage. (Chona Kasinger)

New Faces. Photos by Chona Kasinger.

Throw Me the Statue, Rockstar Stage

An important aspect to booking festivals is kicking things off with a band to set the right mood. Throw Me The Statue was just such a band, with their undemanding pop tinged with elements such as a backing horn section. Their crowd was comfortable enough to stand or sit, a few head bobbers sprinkled here and there. (imaginary elle)

Throw Me the Statue. Photo by Chona Kasinger.

Throw Me the Statue. Photo by Kyle Johnson.

Neko Case, Samsung Mobile Mainstage

It makes sense to put former Washingtonian Neko Case on the mainstage at Bumbershoot because it was the first time I've seen her in a venue big enough to contain her voice. She played for about 75 minutes and was funny and likeable throughout, making note of playing depressing country songs in the middle of the day. "Deep Red Bells" and "That Teenage Feeling," played back to back sounded enormous and expansive - especially with three different guitar parts (Jon Rahouse on petal steel, Paul Rigby on electric guitar and Case herself playing acoustic guitar). She and longtime collaborator Kelly Hogan joked midway through the set that it was too early in the day for them to get wasted. Their humor was hilarious and provided a necessary balance for the emotional content of her set. {see the setlist} (ChrisB)

Neko Case and Kelly Hogan. Photo by Nathan Feder.

Neko crowd. Photo by Kyle Johnson.

Das Vibenbass, Wells Fargo Stage

The aptly titled quartet Das Vibenbass bring the jazz vibe and bass to the 21st Century music listener, bringing the genre to a more accessible level. Hell, as their set progressed, I started to realize I wished we were listening to the local band--an upright bass, saxophone, drums, and vibraphone--in an exclusive, smokey hidden jazz club with a gin, rather than out in the sunshine on fold able chairs. Wait a minute… are they playing a jazz rendition of "Black Hole Sun" not in a cheesy Kenny G covers Top 40 sort of way, but a very slick, enjoyable way? Never mind, they do know how to bring jazz to the modern ear. Their entire set was brilliant, definitely fetching all the praise they have received, such as being nominated in the Seattle Weekly for Best Jazz act. Doesn't hurt that their saxophone player was a good looking, well-dressed fellow as well. (imaginary elle)

Das Vibenbass photos by Kyle Johnson.

Thao and the Get Down Stay Down, KEXP Lounge

Thao and the Get Down Stay Down photos by Andrew Waits.

The Girls, EMP Sky Church

In the dark crowded Sky Church at the Bumbershoot Festival yesterday afternoon there was briefly the flavor of a late 70s small club show, with the one "wavo" band in town that "got it." The transgressive energy of sleazy humor ("Fixing The Chairs"), light-hearted Futurism, clipped robot rhythms, weird stop-starts ("TV Glow"), and shuffle beats from Shannon Brown (vocals), Elie Goral (drums), Derek Mason (keyboards), Vas Kumar (guitar), and (bassist) Griff happily entranced the hometown Seattle mob. The crowd wasn't frenzied but it was very cheerful. Just like the shared similar aesthetic Figurines and Futureheads, The Girls is even better live than their recordings, wishing they would add more of that spontaneity and rawness next time out to their songwriting. It would be great if this city had its next Screamers, and this band maybe could be a contender for that role. (Chris Estey)

The Girls. Photos by Chona Kasinger

Grynch, Fisher Green Stage

Grynch photos by Kyle Johnson.

Mono in VCF, KEXP Lounge

Nada Surf, KEXP Lounge

The KEXP Lounge is such an amazing refuge from the hurried, elephant-eared pace of Bumbershoot. There a few hundred lucky fans can see bands in a intimate dark (air-conditioned) setting. Catching Nada Surf acoustic style was definitely a highlight of my Bumbershoot experience; Matthew and Ira's spot-on harmonies positively sent chills down my spine. Also of note: the bassist for Osma did an admirable job filling in for an injured Daniel Lorca. Watch a video of the band performing "Weightless." (imaginary dana)

Nada Surf photos by Chona Kasinger.

Fall of Troy, Exhibition Hall

Fall of Troy photos by Kyle Johnson.

PWRFL Power, EMP Sky Church

The Walkmen, Rockstar Stage

The Walkmen. Photos by Chona Kasinger.

Estelle, Fisher Green Stage

Estelle, the British R&B/soul star, delivered what will be one of my favorite sets of the weekend. Playing before a huge crowd on the Fisher Green stage, she more than lived up to the buzz surrounding her new <em>Shine</em> album. On stage she reminded me of a cross between Sharon Jones and Lily Allen - two of my absolute favorite performers. Her band was tight and funky - although I wish they would have been funkier; their obvious influences are Parliament/Funkadelic, The Famous Flames and The Dap Kings and only on a few songs ("Pretty Please" and "American Boy") did they seem to break out. "American Boy", the #1 UK single that also features a cameo from Kanye West, closed the set and the enormous crowd sang along and danced - it was one of those great moments where a huge and diverse crowd shares a fantastic performance of a song that is the soundtrack to a whole lot of summers. (ChrisB)

Estelle. Photos by Nathan Feder.

Saul Williams, Fisher Green Stage

Saul Williams. Photos by Kyle Johnson.

Man Man, Rockstar Stage

Man Man. Photos by Chona Kasinger.

Man Man. Photos by Andrew Waits.

Nada Surf, Starbucks Stage

Nada Surf. Photos by Chona Kasinger.

West Indian Girl, EMP Sky Church

West Indian Girl. Photo by Andrew Waits.

West Indian Girl. Photo by Chona Kasinger.

West Indian Girl. Photo by Kyle Johnson.

Kinski, EMP Sky Church

Kinski. Photos by Kyle Johnson.

!!!, KEXP Lounge

I really enjoy !!!, the Sacramento-based, punk/funk/jam band but writing about them gives me fits with MS Word's grammar check; using Google isn't any easier. Still, their 30+ minute set in KEXP's music lounge was great fun. Playing mostly newer songs (singer Nic Offer even said that they would give us "a hit and a half"), they still delivered the same dance punk they are known for. Offer might have forgotten a few times that this performance was being broadcast on the radio because he dropped the f-word a few times. The funniest time was when he said that he thought the room was full because we were all "the fucks who are going to see Beck tonight" (!!! and Beck is the most unfortunate scheduling conflict of the weekend) and threatened to give a crappy performance for the last song. They didn't; in spite of their threats, they still rocked. (ChrisB)

M Ward, Rockstar Stage

M. Ward. Photo by Andrew Waits.

Beck, Samsung Mobile Mainstage

Did you think Beck was watching a legend in action, as Imaginary Kiku did? Or did you think he was, in a word, bullshit, as ChrisB did? Our imaginary coverage has a little something for everyone.

Beck. Photo by Kyle Johnson.

Enjoy!

Video: Nada Surf "Weightless" from the KEXP Studios at Bumbershoot

imaginary dana — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 20:00:43 +0000

While a few review is coming soon, I couldn't resist sharing this video, shot during the glorious Nada Surf set in the KEXP Studios. Enjoy!

Bumbershoot '08 goes green, adds bands

imaginary stella — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:42:55 +0000

Not to lose any momentum from last Saturday's fantastic Old 97's show, the band has just been added to the 2008 Bumbershoot roster. Can I get a woot, y'all?

Also joining the 97's at the fest are Nada Surf, Flobots, and, yes it's true, the Offspring.

Bumbershoot is also going green, and no, I don't mean they're serving up weed (that's Folklife, people). The festival is taking strides to save the planet, encouraging patrons to bring their own non-disposable water bottles, reducing the number of printed programs and brochures, reusing signage from previous festivals, and powering the festival with net-zero energy (via Seattle City Light) and biodiesel generators, and more. You can even purchase carbon credits to offset your travels to the festival at bumbershoot.org.

Current lineup is as follows, and the Bumbershoot peeps claim even more will be announced in about a month:

Nada Surf tour West Coast and Europe, including Bumbershoot

imaginary dana — Mon, 16 Jun 2008 20:10:50 +0000

Great news for all you Nada Surf fans out there (and I proudly include myself among you): Nada Surf just announced a slew of West Coast and European tour dates, including a Seattle stop at Bumbershoot!

Here are all the dates, straight from the Barsuk press release:

20-Jun Germany, Southside Festival
22-Jun Germany, Hurricane Festival
27-Jun Germany, Darmstadt, Central Station (part of Sommerperlen)
28-Jun Germany, Jena
2-Jul France, Orleans, Campo Santo Festival
5-Jul France, St. Dewis de Gastines
13-Jul Belgium, Liege Festival Les Ardentes
17-Jul Spain, Benicassim Festival
18-Jul France, Angouleme, Garden Party
20-Jul UK, Latitude festival
7-Aug Salt Lake City, UT, Gallivan Center
15-Aug Spain, Aranda de duero-Burgos, Sonorama Festival
22-Aug Spain, Galicia, Villagarcia de Arousa
23-Aug France, La Ferme du Rock
28-Aug Costa Mesa, CA, PAC-Samueli Theatre
30-Aug Seattle, WA, Bumbershoot
2-Sep San Francisco, CA, Great American Music Hall
3-Sep San Francisco, CA, Great American Music Hall
4-Sep Portland, OR, MusicFest NW
5-Sep Los Angeles, CA, Troubadour
6-Sep Los Angeles, CA, Troubadour

Barsuk Records 2008 vinyl releases

imaginary dana — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 16:25:14 +0000

Plan your budget accordingly.

Nada Surf in photos

three imaginary girls — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:21:58 +0000

28 Mar 2008

nadasurf08mar.jpg

TIG photographer Laura Musselman caught Nada Surf at the Showbox Sodo and proclaimed, "They were so good. I've seen them probably 20+ times, and this may have been the best I've seen them."

Looking at these photos, we can understand why...

"They were so good. I've seen them probably 20+ times, and this may have been the best I've seen them."

See any great shows this weekend?

imaginary dana — Mon, 31 Mar 2008 17:05:45 +0000

Team Imaginary caught Sera Cahoone and Bad Dream Good Breakfast and Nada Surf (photos coming soon), but the early Spring crud caught us from making the Tennis Pro CD release show.

Lucky

Joseph Riippi — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 05:37:20 +0000

http://www.amazon.com/Lucky-Nada-Surf/dp/B0011HF60U/wwwthreeimagi-20/

Nada_Surf_Lucky.jpg

Ah, Nada Surf: the archetype of a “grower” in music. As a band, they grow on you—fast or slow, it doesn’t matter, they’ll get you—and, with the exception of that single “Popular” from their debut High/Low in 1996 (which, like so much music, only gets worse with time) each of their records since 1998’s The Proximity Effect has possessed that rare and eerie quality of only getting better with familiarity.

Lucky does not stray from the formula. From its oh-so-Nada Surf first single “See These Bones,” (see the download link below) to a tastefully crescendo-ing finale on “Film Did Not Go Round,” Matthew Caws and company have just delivered the best work of their career (until their next record, I guess).

As, quite frankly, should be expected. The trio of Caws, Ira Elliot, and Daniel Lorca have been playing together for a dozen years or more, and as a “grower” band they’re musicianship and songwriting continually matures and progresses such that, with Lucky, we’re hearing a band at the top of its powers. And they’re clearly loving it:

“Beautiful beat, get me out of this mess / beautiful beat, lift me up from distress,” goes the harmonized refrain in the jangly, power popper “Beautiful Beat.” That refrain could be the soundtrack to any of life’s everyday climaxes, and like so much on Lucky, it succeeds in transcending the muck of love-songs and sad-songs that makes up the bulk of popular music, capturing simply that joy of listening and letting the “beautiful beat” bring comfort. (That said, the end of the song brings this lyric: “I believe our love can save me, I have to believe that it can.” Somehow, though, the sentiment is delivered with sincerity. Perhaps it’s the selfish undertone to “our love” saving “me.” Regardless—the song’s got a killer beat.)

Overall, Lucky most resembles 2002’s Let Go in substance and in style. Like that excellent record (which, for the most part, reminded listeners Nada Surf existed) Lucky has its rockier songs and its softer songs, but the terrain balances itself such that it can be called an “album,” as opposed to “CD,” (on which songs are simply collected). In the age of iPods, be thankful for that.

Rocker “Weightless” might be the rock-and-roll-ing transition out of "The Weight" is a "Gift’s" more melancholy moments, but the later “I Like What You Say” deserves mention as truly the most joyful moment. Accompanying bright acoustic guitars and sailing harmonies, Caws delivers the refrain: “They say I have to have somebody, they save I have to be someone / They say ‘if you’re not lonely alone, boy there is something wrong!’” But this is countered with the ever-hopeful and jubilant: “But I like what you say, I like what you say / You say, “Baby, I only want to make you happy.”

And really, that seems to be what Nada Surf accomplishes with their music: It grows on you, and in doing so becomes more personal, more of a companion that only wants to make us happy, even if it makes us a little sad sometimes (see the pretty melancholy of “Film Did Not Go Round” or the just plaing desperation of “Who’s Authority”). “Beautiful Beat,” though, may very well bring us out of a funk in our rainy work days, just as “I Like What You Say” may very well bring a bit of sunlight into otherwise fluorescent relationships.

You gotta love Nada Surf.

Nada Surf grows on you, and in doing so becomes more personal, more of a companion that only wants to make us happy, even if it makes us a little sad sometimes.

New Releases From Easy Street Records

Jflores — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 22:51:49 +0000

New Releases From Easy Street

Nada Surf only wants to make you happy

ChrisB — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 12:27:37 +0000

30 Jan 2008

nadasurf08jan.jpg

This night turned out to be close to perfect for me, if not actually perfect.

Let me get this out of the way first: The Triple Door is the most special place to see a show I’ve ever been to. I loved the Crocodile and am almost always treated well at the numerous clubs I go to, but the Triple Door is a remarkable place to see a show. The staff is always friendly, but this night they went way beyond the scope of what could reasonably be expected by accommodating me when I mistakenly thought I had a +1 for the sold-the-hell-out-way-in-advance show, and then seating me in the best seats in the place, the very front row. Three seats down from me was a dear friend whom I rarely see, and right next to me were photographer Laura Musselman and TIG contributor JFlores, both of whom I met for the first time that night and found to be quite lovely people. Throwing objectivity out the window, even if the band sucked (which they, in no uncertain terms, did not), I was bound to going home blissful.

Getting to see a band like Nada Surf acoustic in a venue like the Triple Door is breathtaking. People who listen to Nada Surf usually do so for the catchy harmonies and smart lyrics, and the band sounded crystal clear through the Triple Door’s PA.

The band consists of Matthew Caws on vocals and guitar, Daniel Lorca on bass and Ira Elliot on drums, but rather than play a drum set, Elliot sat on a box and tapped on it to simulate the bass and snare drum sounds. Another musician told me afterwards that the box has strings in it just for recreating the drum sounds. I hadn’t seen anything quite like it before. He also had a tambourine around an ankle to replicate the cymbals. After the first song (“Happy Kid”), the band was joined by cellist Phil Peterson (of Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground) throughout the entire set. Caws joked that he read in The Stranger that Peterson was playing with them before he was formally invited to. For a few songs, Gavin Guss (formerly of power-pop band Tube Top) played joined the band to play the piano parts on a grand piano.

The band’s latest record, Lucky (Barsuk), was set to be released 6 days prior to this show, so about half of the songs on the setlist came from that record; but the 2002 album Let Go was also very well represented throughout the evening. When discussing the new album, Caws humbly encouraged people to pick up a hard copy of Lucky to support record stores because they are struggling to stay open during this difficult economy. When he explained that, he didn’t sound funny or confident (which most of the banter was) but nervous, as though he shouldn’t be telling people to buy his record.

Nada Surf is a rare band that crafts songs that sound equally well acoustic and plugged-in. Caws’ harmonies worked especially well without being obscured by reverb and distortion. Most of the songs were slowed down and mellow but the evening ended in a celebratory fashion. Playing “Blankest Year,” Caws got the crowd to sing along to the “ah fuck it” parts in the chorus. Three women, all of whom are friends and readers of this site (including Imaginary Chona, whose photos are, per usual, simply stunning), ran on stage to dance.

It was a great moment, the one time throughout the night that the band let loose and rocked out. I could think of no better way to end what was already a glorious evening.

Setlist:

1. Happy Kid
2. Whose Authority
3. What Is Your Secret?
4. Weightless
5. Killian’s Red
6. Blizzard of ‘77
7. I Like What You Say
8. Inside of Love
9. Ice on the Wing
10. Here Goes Something
11. Are You Lightening?
12. See Those Bones
13. Beautiful Beat

1. Blonde on Blonde
2. Always Love
3. Blankest Year

This night turned out to be close to perfect for me, if not actually perfect.

The show I'm most sad I'm missing (this week)

imaginary dana — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 23:46:24 +0000

I know tonight's show is sold out... any imaginary readers out there lucky enough to have tickets and care to share/gloat about the details for me tomorrow?