Well yes, I know this album has been reviewed by many already. And “Charlie Darwin” is possibly the best song of 2008, now isn’t it? But you know, the band is on a great big tour this summer and fall and you should go see The Low Anthem. Support music, go buy a ticket to a show and be part of an audience, my dears. I’ve been thinking lately what life on the road must be like. You spend a lot of time in a van (or a bus if you’re lucky), ending up in town after town, stage after stage of varying degree of size and familiarity. Bands never really know what kind of night to expect. Will there be a large, eager crowd or will they end up playing to 12 people who were shepherded over from the neighboring adult mental health institution. (That’s a true story, from my ex-bf’s tour days, I kid you not!) So, in reality, being on the road is a real crap shoot aside from the wonderful summer festivals that we all love.

The Low Anthem are touring a bunch of festivals with a some smaller stops thrown in along the way. Go hear them perform songs off this wonderful album. It’s full of breathy harmonies, folk-tuned guitars and banjos, and let me tell you with no hesitation, it is all top-notch. Whether they be with Joe Pug or Langhorne Slim, or on their own, they will be fantastic. I’m especially reminded of Joe Pug on “Ticket Taker,” if he hasn’t covered this song he surely should. Stories are told in these songs and in such a bittersweet way that when they end, you’re heartbroken for hearing them. “(Don’t)Tremble” is a beautiful love song, just sitting in there in the middle of this album like a gem. This record (buy it here) starts with a killer song and ends with a goodnight kiss, “To Ohio (reprise)” Filled with all sorts of small touches, here and there, that make Oh My God Charlie Darwin an album I turn to again and again,  I’m left with anticipation of their show here at the Hideout next month, where they just might play “Don’t Let Nobody Turn You Around” as they did here, in this live recording, xoxo

(get the full download of that concert from March 8, 2008 at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC here, it’s free and legal)
Tour Details