By WILL RATH
Langhorne Slim probably isn't your friend in real life. If you were at the Record Bar Thursday night, though, you might think otherwise.
Tangibly kinetic and relentlessly enthusiastic, Langhorne Slim and his band (the War Eagles) cranked out 21 songs, covering old and new material alike. He crooned, he shouted, he shrieked; and, he did a damned good job of keeping the audience energetic and engaged. Slim, who is an entertainer at heart, is skilled at charming crowds by giving them what they want. (Or by not giving them what they don't want, as he proved later into the show.)
About two verses into the relatively somber "Sweet Olive Tree," it
became apparent that the audience was losing interest: these sweaty,
rambunctious crowd members didn't show up for the slow stuff. Instead
of sucking it up and finishing a song that the audience clearly wasn't
digging, the band grinded to a halt. Slim laughed, clearly announced
"Fuck it," and dived straight into the raucous porch-stomper "Set 'Em
Up." This is how shows should be.
The night ended with Slim politely offering anyone and everyone to
"safely make their way up on the stage" for his lighthearted,
optimistic encore, "Be Set Free." Within moments a stomping, shouting,
flash-picture-taking mob was on stage. Relinquishing control of the
microphone, Slim, and his fans (and for tonight, his friends) all sang:
"When the lights go out, I'm not lonely. It's the only thing that
matters to me. I can, we can, we can be set free."
The
crowd's predisposition towards the rowdier side of Slim's repertoire
was undoubtedly affected by the opening bands - April Smith and the
Great Picture Show in particular. The five-piece New York band merges
barroom rock sing-alongs with an indie sensibility.
Decked out in heels and an extra-frilly tutu, Smith combines powerful
jazz vocals and a sarcastic streak, punctuated by strangely graceful
rock-kicks that must have been practiced in front of a mirror for quite
some time. She manages these feats while also playing the guitar. (Hot.)
Drinking
tea between songs, Smith warned that she was losing her voice. "You
guys missed it. In a few hours we'll be the Tom Waits cover band," she
joked. "But it's alright, tonight I'm all yours."
Rebel Side of Heaven
Honey pie
Colette
Land of Dreams
In the Midnight
Restless
Say Yes
Back to the Wild
Worries
Diamonds and Gold
For A Little While
Mary
I Need Your Lovin'
I Love You, But Goodbye
Hello Sunshine
So Glad That I'm Coming Home
Cinderella
Sweet Olive Tree
Set 'Em Up
I Love to Dance
Be Set Free
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