Last week, well I think it was last week, anyway,  I saw St. Vincent perform. This was her second tour for her latest album, Actor, and needless to say it was incredible.

As I was relistening to Actor before the show, I was worried that all the delicate intricacies would be lost in a live show. During the opening the song I could see my fears coming to life. It seemed as if the band and Annie were tense and unrelaxed. The violin and flute seemed to dance awkwardly around Annie’s voice and guitar. Luckily though, as soon as the bass and drums kicked in the entire band gained confidence and fell into place.

One of my favorite things to see at a live show is the members of the band picking up different instruments for each song. It could be that I am so musically untalented that I am amazed at people who play multiple instruments. Whatever it is, there was a strings player, woodwinds, drums, keyboard, and guitars being passed around behind Annie and it was amazing to watch. Since Annie is the main writing force behind St. Vincent, she had to find musicians to play the live version of what she had created in the studio. Having not seen the first round of touring, I can’t say whether or not they were better this time around. All I know is that this was an all around amazing set.

I tend to base my decision on a good live show based on how much energy and emotion the band puts out instead of how much like the album they sound. Being off pitch, out of tune, having bad sound equipment, or whatever can be overcome by creating an emotional experience for me. Also, if a band sounds just like the album, I get kind of bored with it. What made this show perfect is that it took the songs and brought them to a new place. Adding bits here or taking something out there, St. Vincent created a new and singular musical experience outside of my headphones that I won’t be able to hear again. On top of this, the emotion and passion the entire band put into the performance was beautiful to watch. The Rhythm Room in Phoenix is a tiny place and a band could easily ride it off as a lame gig but St. Vincent didn’t do that. They played what I have to assume is the way they play everywhere. If what they gave us was less than everything then I really need to see them play a real gig because it would blow my mind.

Also, side note for Annie Clark fans, don’t yell out “marry me” every time a song ends. It gets really old. I know Annie is beautiful and talented and if you honestly think that it’s funny to be the fifth person to say it, you are definitely not in her league.

So in summary, go see St. Vincent! I give it 5 out of 5 for a live show. About as perfect as it gets.

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