MOG

Like hearing about an illicit amorous affair, we've all been nail-biting about She & Him. Lady C's been chatting it up since Jan. Brooklyn Vegan. Pitchfork. Industry-wise, it's the buzz of the town. And what of their debut last night, March 2nd in San Fran- part of Noise Pop festival?

Is it worthy of all the buzz? The answer is YES- see them or buy the CD- let it be the only one that breaks records in this struggling industry this year.

Revel in M Ward’s deep whiskey-pitched drawl paired with Zooey’s velvety cupid voice in ‘You Really Got a Hold On Me.’ There’s not a pair out there today that have similar talent, vigor, naiveté, and sexual tension all bundled into one, on a dim lit stage.

True, Zooey was nervous as *&@^!- but she pulls off the dainty, demure, naïve and innocent- as the whole act is a bit rough on the edges. At the same time- much thank to M Ward's gently guitar massaging- the overall effect was skin-prickling, lush 1950s country-blues strumming. Perfect for a sock-hop, when the lights dim, and your well-suited man has a hand on your hip swaying. Yes- most of the San Fran hipsters looked lost- bemused- and perhaps disappointed the act wasn’t more Hollywood-infused. Instead, it was cool, calm, unaffected porch strumming, wishing-on-a-star blues. More grand ol opry sans glitter than hollywood tinsel town. Thank whatever lord you believe in.

Some songs played: This is Not a Test, Sentimental Heart, Lonesome Town, You’ve got a hold on me…etc…

M Ward’s gently and wistful guitar strumming has guided us to ephemeral sonic bliss each time life- for about 4 years now- so little surprise came from the left side of the stage.

Instead, I focused in on the doe-eyed princess- and as Zoeey let her first note- all our breaths suspended- I am pretty sure all the audience submitted. True- she shivered with nervousness –as though a loud “boo” might blow her off stage. But M Ward was a master of sorts, kicking off each song with bravado. And she slipped into it- like Dolly did. Her version of Ricky Nelson’s “Lonesome Town” weeped with emotion- that feeling of being lost in a crowd all alone in a land of broken dreams. Over time, I think she will learn to linger on certain words- and feel them a bit more- rather than recite them- in the same way that M Ward strums and holds and lingers on one cord for sonic emphasis- but regardless- you fell into the slumber of lonesome daydreaming in that song. Regardless, her vibrato was velvety and impassioned

For some reason, I hadn’t yet envisioned the whole band, but there they stood: a female 1930’s flapper-style bassist, a gray-haired guitarist and a drummer that added much-needed hearty, beat-driven sustenance to each of the songs.

The show? Decidedly short. They did a row of covers, as well as a checkering of originals- including Why Do You Let Me Stay Here- which sounded very similar to the recorded version, except Zooey’s heart seemed to be beating a bit faster- and hence she was a bit sharp and nervous- but hey, wouldn't we all be?

They did one M Ward song “The Magic Trick” that had the crowd wild- Matt did a long expansive guitar solo- fingers apocalyptically massaging the guitar. It left us salivating for more. We also wished the guy let himself lead his own songs. More M. More M. We want more M Ward songs and more M Ward leading~! (after all it's a fair equal collaboration no?)

One of the last songs “I Put A Spell On You" fell a bit flat. Literally and emotionally. Can't explain much why except I saw 3 ppl around me start to yawn (keep in mind it's sunday folks), and I started to think Zooey's ethereal voice was starting to sound...familiar.

Despite that fact, the growth factor, et al, I'd say this show alone justified ALL of Noise Pop (and I went to a line of concerts.) It's rare I feel anything close to goosebumps these days. And here, I did. The beauty? It's such global, expansive music- my bro, grandma, my mom, my father, my grandpa would all have felt the same way. A rare gem really.

Release, as they gloriously mentioned, is March 18th off Merge Records.