March 16, 2009
Cursive @ The Troubadour 3/13
“It’s hot in here,” Cursive front man Tim Kasher said as he worked the mic in front of a sold out crowd Friday. “It’s getting very sexy up here.”
The girl at the base of the stage fondling her man friend nodded in agreement.
This was the Omaha band’s second performance in Los Angeles this week. The Troubadour and Spaceland shows were part of the promotional tour for their sixth album -Mama, I’m Swollen-, which hit the shelves March 10th.
“This is the week our album came out, so we’re really happy to be here,” said the pretty damn charming Kasher, who sported a plaid shirt and scruffy beard.
While Pitchfork.com said Cursive fans are “likely to be divided” over the new album, I didn’t pick up any “I miss the old stuff” vibes at the show. I’ll admit it, I’m not a die hard fan and couldn’t always distinguish between the new and the old material, but the audience seemed to be singing, fist pumping and crying during every song the Omaha kings had to offer. OK… Maybe not crying.
One of the old iones I’m certain they played was “The Recluse.” It’s a song off their Ugly Organ album that every Cursive fan knows by heart. (Well, not every fan. I have no idea what the guy next to me was singing during that number.) When the choir of fans belted out the chorus of “I’m not that desperate. Oh no. Oh God… I am,” it was pretty amazing.
At one point during the set, it looked like all the energy in the room was going to channel itself into a mini mosh pit, but two girls in the front put the kibosh on that one. “Chill out,” I saw them mouth as they shoved a guy in back of them.
Kasher made time to thank the two Saddle Creek bands that opened the show, Little Brazil and Ladyfinger. He said their albums were two of his favorite records this year. “If you don’t have our record, I’d prefer you have their records instead. They’re great. Check them out.” He insisted this wasn’t a fake sales pitch.
Cursive’s performance ended around the same time their late night television debut aired on David Letterman. They played “From the Hips” off the new album. It was much hotter live.
