In This Place Called Heavenly
Columbus, Ohio, baby!

On my Birthday Eve, yesterday, I went to see The Decemberists (again).
I think it may be the last time for a while, from what I hear about their 2006 schedule.

They opened with The Tain. They closed with I Was Meant For The Stage, which included wholesale destruction of instruments, or at least their gentle abuse. Both were probably the best live versions I've seen yet. (I almost said "heard" but "seen" is the right word, I think.) The Newport is a great venue for them. The old opera house feel of it was the perfect backdrop for their unique brand of musical theatre. I'm also remembering a very energetic version of The Sporting Life, complete with French count-in, but it's not on the setlist. Also, a full-band arrangement of Angels and Angles. Just lucious!

As always, they were exceedingly kind and generous to me, and, somehow knew it was about to be my birthday. All in all, they made me feel special. The GOOD kind of special.
How can you NOT just love them?