Lou Barlow

October 12, 2021 - House Show (80 Watt Club) - DC

Playing for over 2.5 hours in a garage in Northwest DC to a sold out club driveway full of fans, Lou Barlow played some new-ish songs, many of his classics, a few rarities, and a cover or two (technically one.. but a Dinosaur song counts in my book too). Choosing to start off the set with his cover of the very early Will Oldham/Palace song, Riding and hitting classics such as Soul and Fire, License to Confuse, Skull, Magnet’s Coil, Rebound, Ocean, Wave, Homemade, etc… the audience got their money’s worth and then some. Between songs we were treated with elaborations on the genesis of many of his songs, as well as interesting notes surrounding them including a near miss to have one of his songs on Friends during a pivotal episode (point goes to U2 for that round).

For some reason I am always wary of these backyard shows not knowing what to expect, but I have not been let down once. The intimacy of the space, and the blurring of the lines between performer and audience really makes for a worthwhile experience. Looks like his last show for this tour is tonight in Cedar Grove, NJ and if what I hear is true, that one (and all previous performances) is sold out. Come armed with requests, New Jersey and you may even hear some great anecdotes about 9353, the Necros, and Dischord records.