Live Friday: 9-18-09

When it comes to choosing artists for Live Friday posts, I like to think of myself as non-discriminatory. That is, just because I may or may not like a particular artist or album doesn't necessarily preclude me from featuring it in a live session. In the case of Regina Spektor this week, I happen to think she's fantastic, but her latest album "Far" has failed to excite me the way her previous ones have. Maybe it's her or maybe it's my own tastes changing, but the songs just seemed a little more lackluster this time around. I even listed "Far" as one of the "Disappointing Albums" in my mid-year roundup this year. But Regina's finally out on tour, and though I missed her Chicago show last week, I did have a chance to hear her in-studio session streaming on Minnesota Public Radio, and it surprised me at how reasonably good it was. The three songs Regina played, all from "Far," were performed with pretty much the same tact they were on the album, only this time they didn't leave a sour taste in my mouth. In fact, it's caused me to go back and re-examine the album to make sure I didn't miss something. Turns out I still pretty much feel the same way I always have, so it must be something in this session that speaks to me. I can't quite put my finger on it, but I hope you'll give it a listen and see if it strikes you the same way.

Regina Spektor, Live on MPR, 9-11-09:
Regina Spektor- Folding Chair [alt]
Regina Spektor- Laughing With [alt]
Regina Spektor- Blue Lips [alt]

Stream the entire interview/performance at Minnesota Public Radio

Buy "Far" from Amazon

Labels: Live, Regina Spektor