Oh, Philadelphia. Why must you charm me so? I live in the desolate farmland of central Pennsylvania where very little happens but, for some reason, I can always count on Philadelphia to inject some much needed excitement into my hourly/daily/weekly routine.
Sure, Philadelphia missteps on occasion (sadly, they DID host a World Naked Bike Ride earlier this month), but I’m willing to forgive. After all, if I want to experience the wonders of genetic abnormalities, purchase copious amounts of records (why, I hear the crackle of Crass’ Bloody Revolution on the speakers right now!), or simply see a show, I look no further than Philadelphia, and the city always comes through.
After looking through the plethora of shows happening in the city this month, having the Sera Cahoone show at the World Live Café brought to my attention, and finding out – refreshingly enough – that Cahoone does her own PR work and answers press requests personally, I gladly partook in the two-hour drive to see her. I’m not her biggest fan (her LP, Only as the Day is Long, has only casually rotated into my set), but I’ve enjoyed what I’ve heard so far.
For the uninitiated, Sera is to Sub Pop records what Neko Case is to Anti-; she brings the country-rock in full force, and does so to a younger generation. Previously the drummer for Band of Horses, Cahoone has since taken the singer/songwriter route and released a somber, steel-guitar-ridden debut last year. All of these elements I like, so after a busy couple of weeks at work, I was curious to see what what this new venue had in store.
The World Live Café is a sight to behold. In the brick-laden-est area of Philadelphia (I’ve been told this is called Penntrification) lies this Adonis among venues; plush and multi-leveled. As my photographer and I stress about the overpriced street meters and make our way down the stairs to the main hall, I am pleased at the thorough air-conditioning of the place; the First Unitarian Church this is not! The ‘café’ itself is ample, dark, and comes with a large stage floor; hardwood panels and similar colors adorning the place.
In other words, it looks like the Hard Rock Cafe.
As I quickly grab a Gin & Tonic for my photographer and a delicious beer for myself, I see Sera setting up on stage.
Only as the Day is Long has her playing with a full backing band, but no such thing for us! Taking a page from the Minutemen, Sera’s jamming Econo tonight with just an acoustic guitar and accompaniment on the slide guitar.
As good as she is on LP, she’s stunning live. While the record is good, it becomes apparent in watching the singer live that some of the singer's personable nature is missing a little in playback that is much more evident seeing her on stage. With a quiet and attentive crowd, she skillfully makes her way through her set, stopping occasionally to talk to the crowd; joking and humbling herself. What a shame that the set is so short, but I can’t complain since she played my two favorites from her LP, “You Might As Well” and “Seven Hours Later," exquisitely.
As the both of them thank the crowd and assure us that a great set is about to come (did I mention they are on tour with Son Volt?), I’m convinced that I will be following Cahoone’s career a little more closely from now on.
ARTIST:
www.seracahoone.com/
www.myspace.com/seracahoone
