concert review: Adam Green @ Cafe Du Nord 06 April 2010

Adam Green has an energy factor that surpasses the cool threshold in indie rock. His spirit would be better suited at a vaudeville show, full stage makeup and all. But then again, where would us indie kids go to work up an good sweat dancing?

His first of two nights at San Francisco’s Café Du Nord, Green’s show on the 6th was a magical combination of music and showmanship. With a masterful setlist that was obviously improvised as the night progressed, Green had the audience grinning at his erratic dancing and other eccentricities. I don’t think it’s possible to describe the sheer brilliance of his absurd dance moves. You had to be there.

Supported by a backing band of LA’s Dead Trees (who opened up the night by testing out a fresh batch of songs), Adam soon proved that—stumbling aside—he could do no wrong. Musically, he delivered his new songs in a similar vein to his older work (the restless energy that can be found on “Nat King Cole”, for example), abandoning the more tranquil nature of Minor Love. Perhaps most entertaining of all was the fact that responded to the standard shouts of “Adam, you’re hot!” by demanding that the liable girls “turn around”. Green is obviously an entertainer at heart, and he definitely thrives on the energy from the crowd. Much to the fans’ delight, Adam not only shared stories of his recent escapades to Jamba Juice but also kindly gave away some of his bracelets to girls standing up front. He is many things, but subtle is not one of them. Maybe this is why he crowd surfed—not once, not twice, but three times during the night. Combine this with the beatnick monologues interspersed between songs and you have yourself a mighty tasty recipe for success all the way from the big apple.

pictures:






The Dead Trees:






click HERE to watch Buddy Bradley & Goblin

Adam Green - What Makes Him Act So Bad [mp3]