The World Couldn't Wait for OTR

This weekend, now fading, I went to hear one of my favorite bands play in Chicago. (This time of year it seems "everyone" is coming to town. Between the box office and concerts, it's one big media buzz in this grand town.) Over The Rhine has been a favorite of mine for 6-7 years now (with last night's concert being the 6th that I've seen) and I think it should be/become one of your favorites, too. Six years is a mere sliver of time compared with the time this husband-wife duo has been making music. January 2009 will mark their 20 year of making and recording music and touring together. It's not simply that we share an am amateur, but...

...well, see for yourself. It was Karin's birthday yesterday and she asked her husband to do this steamy number for her. This is one great pick from the evening; lyrics aside, I think every part of this song comes together to make for a quality, catchy little number


YouTube rarely does any musician justice, but for kicks here's another:

My friend and I decided, that while Chicago's Double Door location where OTR played last night is a simplyh fine venue you for some bands, musicians, and DJs, it's not a great venue for OTR. This crowded, standing-room only venue is a hard place for this gal in heels to stand for 3.5 hours, pressed up against some big, sweaty guy. OTR played at the Old Town School of Folk Music last year. Much better venue for this kind of music that makes you want to take a seat, close your eyes and just listening. So much of their music is spiritual and meditative; the cramped, motorcycle bar-feel of Double Door simply doesn't cater to.