There’s Still a Little Bit of His Song in My Ear

Do you remember last month I told you that Irish troubadour/god – yes, I said god! – Damien Rice was releasing his latest CD, 9, and that he was going to tour in America this holiday season?

Well, I’ve just returned from New York City, where last night I caught the first of his two-night engagement at the Beacon Theater, and I’ve only got one word to sum up the experience: exquisite. Oh, and totally worth the trip.

Not only does Rice put on a great show – he puts on an experience. He started, surprisingly enough, with a harder sound than I expected, very rock, and quickly moved on to his signature, heart-tugging ballads. The highlight of the night had to be his completely stripped down rendition of “Cannonball” (done completely unplugged...even sans mic). And “The Blower's Daughter.” And “Volcano.”

I know these are tracks off his first CD, O, but I like what I know and I know what I like – which isn’t to take anything away from newer songs like “9 Crimes,” “Elephant,” and “Rootless Tree.”

I was a little disappointed that he didn’t play “Delicate,” which is the song that first introduced me to the Rice, or “Unplayed Piano," one of the many beautiful duets he sings with the gorgeous vocalist Lisa Hannigan. But I don’t want to come off as greedy – it was an awesome evening.

(By the way, The Swell Season opened the show. Check them out sometime, too.)

So do yourself a favor and pick up some Damien Rice this holiday season. Then try to imagine him live. Trust me when I tell you it is quite something.

Let me know if you get jealous. Because I so would be if I’d missed this concert.

P.S.: While in the Big Apple, I finally – finally! – saw Casino Royale, which I found extremely entertaining; it's really one of the best action films I’ve seen this year. Daniel Craig is a total star, and with him wearing the Bond tux for the foreseeable future, I shall continue to sing the praises of this new 007 for years to come.
Photo: Rhapsody.com.