Athens, GA, 12/9/2003

["Chris Queen" <cqueen@tmsmail.net>]

What an amazing show last night at 40 Watt!  I sat with Russ, Eric, and some
other young guy whose name escapes me.  I hadn't been to 40 Watt in a long
time, and I had forgotten how small it is.  Nice and intimate.  Everyone sat
in uncomfortable metal chairs around tables or couches in the very back.

A local duo called No River City started a short set promptly at 8:30.  They
were talented vocalists and instrumentalists, but their songs were
laughable.  Fortunately, they only played about half an hour.

Susan Enan was up next.  She played about a 45 minute set, and I enjoyed it
thoroughly.  I spoke with her briefly afterwards; she's a lovely woman, very
gracious and friendly.

Over The Rhine came out to a warm Southern welcome from the small crowd with
candles all over the stage (a nice touch).  Here's the set and my
remembrances:

Hometown Boy--I love this song more every time I hear it.  Matt Slocum's
pedal steel was a welcome surprise.  Someone placed a candle right in front
of Devon Ashley's kick drum; about halfway through the song, it was blown
out.

Show Me--Good, energetic version; a little faster than I've heard it before.
After this one Karin remarked that we were a respectful audience, and she
wanted to know if anyone had any lighters since we weren't yelling or saying
much.  Russ held up his cell phone all lit up, and Linford noticed it.

Suitcase--Karin had to tune after this one, and Linford asked if anyone had
any questions.  Karin then spoke to the college students in the audience
about finals week.  She said that it was good to be at the show because all
anyone ever needed to know was at an Over The Rhine concert.

She--Russ talked about how breathtaking it was, and I think the crowd was at
its quietest during this song.

Nobody Number One--I was excited to hear this one again.  Fun, fun fun.

Anything At All--Right before this song, Karin remarked that they had been
in a fender bender earlier in the day, but that they were all fine.  She
dedicated the song to the band because of the experience.

Darling, Christmas Is Coming--Before the song, Linford talked about how most
artists like to stay off the road in December but that OTR keeps touring
because it's such a fun time to tour.  Karin told the key change story.  I
liked the key change; I could still sing my harmony along with her.

All I Ever Get For Christmas Is Blue--Wow!  This one blew me away--very
sexy.  Afterwards, Karin talked about their perky Christmas songs.  When the
audience laughed, she said "I think we took the perky right out of
Christmas."

I Radio Heaven--I was surprised to hear this one.  Good version.

Hallelujah--I wasn't as familiar with this song as the other guys at my
table, but I was blown away nonetheless.  Matt played cello.

Ohio--Karin on piano, onstage alone.  The intensity in this song was
powerful.  She then launched into

BPD--At first I thought she was going to play it alone, but the band walked
out during the first verse.  I think they could've played BPD over and over
again for 90 minutes, and I would've been happy with the show.  I still love
the sight of Karin and Linford sitting together at the keyboards.

Silent Night--This was fun to hear.  Linford introduced it simply by saying
"here's one from The Darkest Night Of The Year."

Let It Be--Oh man, oh man!  The Beatles would've been so proud.  Karin sang
her heart out.  This one should be on the next "tweener."

As the band was coming back out for the encore, Russ shouted his request
"How Long Have You Been Stoned?"  Linford replied, "oh, about 12 years."
The encore consisted of:

Cruel And Pretty--Nice version of a song that I'm not a big fan of.

Latter Days--What a perfect way to end the night!

After the show, Russ and I--along with the too young, too drunk girl who was
hitting on me--had a nice conversation.  The band seemed more loose and
relaxed than in October, and Karin seemed to be more "into" the music last
night as well.  Linford wore all black (or black & dark grey?), and Karin
wore a red shirt with a black jacket and pants.  This was without a doubt my
favorite Over The Rhine show.  Unfortunately, my attempt to record it
failed...

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