I’m writing this while St Vincent is still on stage because I don’t know how she could possibly add anymore awesome into this set at Pitchfork. Right off the bat she hit hard with a trio of amazing songs-“Rattle Snake” and “Digital Witness” from her most recent, self-titled record and then my favorite St Vincent song “Cruel.” If she had called it a day after that, I would’ve considered my money well spent. But no, she ripped through ridiculous performances of “Cheerleader” and too many others to mention. If the entirety of pitchfork was St Vincent playing long guitar solos for hours each day, I would consider coming every year. She’s easily one of the best six-string slingers in the last thirty years, and I’d put her right there with Jack White for pure skill and innovation. Her band is totally on point, but I wouldn’t be interested in the least if it weren’t for those screaming solos. It’s like Annie Clark and the guitar are of one mind. Truly epic stuff.
Neutral Milk Hotel is up next and there will be no review of that. You know exactly how it’s going to go.