Tim Heidecker & His Pretty Good Band Live @ The Sinclair, Cambridge, MA [02-10-25]

Give it up for Tim Heidecker. The man is a dynamo that won’t stop. Constantly on the move, Heidecker always has a project he is working on: from sketch comedy, to his podcast (or “show” as he likes to call it), to his standup, to legitimate acting, to his music. Not that I’m a music snob, but I never knew if Heidecker was making joke music or “real” music — you know, for the sake of writing good songs, or for the sake of telling jokes. Also, I don’t know why these would be mutually exclusive. I guess they don’t have to be. Case in point, the song “Hot Piss.”

But yes, I got into Heidecker’s music mostly because I respect the man. And, sure enough, I grew to quite enjoy it, and my wife is quite surprised by that. Why? I don’t know. Maybe because my infant son likes it too. Not saying Heidecker makes kid music. I would just categorize it as easy listening in a Tom Petty/Bob Dylan/solo Beatle kind of way. There’s a time and place for that kind of music, and when I make the time and space for it, it’s a good time.

But a live setting brings with it completely different expectations from a performer like Heidecker. You know he’s not just going to put on a show, but he’s going to put on a real performance. This is exactly what went down at the Sinclair.

First of all, I should give props to his band and their musical chops. Yes, his music is easy-listening’ but the live performance elevates the songs to a point where they’re more compelling and have more bite. That’s what happens when you turn the volume up, I guess. Also, this band (including Heidecker) are great musicians. Did I say that already? But, of course, there was also the comedy element to the night, with a hilarious mid-performance set by DJ Douggpound. The in between song banter of Heidecker was engaging and funny, doing some comedy bits, treating the crowd to a solo piano performance, and even bringing in some audience participation into the one-act plays inside the songs. Heidecker is having a pretty good time and you can feel that energy.

It was just an impressive night, sometimes hilarious, and always engaging and interesting. I don’t know if I can say that for a lot of musical acts out there. I would highly recommend you check out Tim Heidecker & His Pretty Good Band if they come to your town. It’s fun for casual or hardcore fans. And, if you’re in the balcony, make sure to wave when he looks at you.

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