Seeing St. Vincent in London
Monday, July 13, 2009 at 08:09AM So, I was in London from last Wednesday to Saturday. This trip, despite a few logistical hiccups was one of my favorite trips to this great city. There are so many things I could say that I will try to focus on just one thing in this post (and considering that I'm about as scatter-brained as they come, this is usually a challenge for me).
The day I arrived I met up with my friend Em and we went to see St. Vincent play at the ICA. This is my 3rd time seeing her live in the last couple years, and if the opportunity presented itself more often that number would be far greater; she's that good. While her albums have, of course, blown me away (I continue to listen to them, unfolding some new layer of sound or meaning each time), I can't stress enough how important it is to see her live.
Sometimes when I am experiencing music, everything coalesces, and I feel this amazing vibration through my whole body, and chills go from the bottom of my spine to the edges of my face. It's such an intense feeling of joy, that to experience it in the midst of a crowd is something akin to being naked; it makes me blush if anyone notices...
When I listen to St. Vincent, I hear fragments that bring forth my own range of audio-memories (Judy Garland singing in the Wizard of Oz, the siamese cats from Lady and the Tramp, church choir singing, my brother's heavy rock through the bedroom wall...) but her sound is at the same moment so wholly different to me from anything else. Both the sound and the lyrics containing parts beautiful, parts sinister and subversive. Endlessly engaging in its mysteriousness and originality.
So, yeah, I'm a fan. And if you can see her live, do.
Reader Comments (4)
Wheeee, I'm no longer a lurker! Love the re-sizing - the layout seems more balanced now and, of course, the artwork is still gorgeous. So good to see you and hopefully will make it to Cork before I leave this part of the world!
I know the feeling.. It's like when the vibration of the music *becomes* your heartbeat.. it's intense and what makes live music worth the money. :)
Laura, I'm visiting from the fishbowl to say that your photography and product are just beautiful and inspiring! The colors are wowzer. I like the handwritten aspects of your banner & sidebar features, too. Feels homey, artistic and unique. It says "I know what I'm doing round here".
-pixie
It was definitely my favorite trip to London to date. I had such a fantastic time with you and St. Vincent! Thanks for sharing it with me.