Sometimes when the mythology outweighs the artistry, it's at least entertaining. Like Motley Crue.

I'm sorry, I don't really get with Jandek at all. Partly the non-stop grimbong of the music, partly the high-end nerdiness/discipline/effort required to 'become a fan'. Some of it seems interestingly avant-pretty.

These events (well, the UK ones) won't be some amazing musical revelation. I doubt they will do what he does much justice neither. It will be another thrown together, tick-off-the-list, tell-your-internet-friends, archly smug The Wire-style beardy backpack brigade thing, i.e. boring as hell.
Yes I am pre-judging it based on preconceptions, but those preconceptions are based entirely on looong experience.

rashiedgarrison wrote:Only 50 odd tickets left...

Just curious, but how odd are these tickets?

rashiedgarrison wrote:

rashiedgarrison wrote:Anyone else going to see Jandek in London in October at St Giles in the Fields??

Only 50 odd tickets left...

Wow. The New York show sold out in 4 minutes.

johnnyshape wrote:These events (well, the UK ones) won't be some amazing musical revelation. I doubt they will do what he does much justice neither. It will be another thrown together, tick-off-the-list, tell-your-internet-friends, archly smug The Wire-style beardy backpack brigade thing, i.e. boring as hell.

I'm not a beardy backpack. I'm just interested in seeing him live and wondered if anyone else from this forum was going. That's all. Jeez. If I get an opportunity to go and see someone whose music I like perform live, I like to take it. And I've only heard a few of his tracks, I haven't got the time/money to collect all the Fall records, let alone this bloke. Anyway.

I saw him last night at St Giles in the Fields. I'm still not sure what to make of it all.

Once I found a spot that I could actually see him from, i really got into it. His guitar playing is very interesting, completely impressionistic and he seems at pains to never play the same thing twice. I'm couldn't really tell if he was improvising or not.
I wouldn't say I enjoyed it. I actually found it rather draining.
But I'm glad I went.

There was a Chicago show scheduled for about 23 hours before it was cancelled due to Jandek needing to stay in his home in Houston due to the hurricane. I have heard many many recounts of the shows and all seem to be somewhat unique in their arrangement, instrumentation, players, and set list. I hope to be able to see one of these shows.

And to the comment about it being draining, I agree as it also relates to the records. He certainly is not uplifting... that doesn't mean he's not worth experiencing/hearing, which I think was your point about being glad you saw it.

He's playing in Portland tomorrow, 4/20. Here is an article in our local weekly.

My bandmate Liz has tickets to that show. I am seething with jealousy.