by Tim McMahan, Lazy-i.com

Last night’s sold out St. Vincent show at Slowdown was spectacular. Show of the year? It is so far. Look for a full review (as part of this week’s column) in The Reader, which will be online at thereader.com tomorrow. Until then, below are a handful of photos taken from my usual perch just off stage left. I fear more people are beginning to discover my secret standing spot. Please, KEEP IT TO YOURSELF.

Not mentioned in the column is show opener Shearwater. This band is a long way from the original that was co-founded by Okkervil River’s Will Sheff. That band was a quiet, introspective indie folk act. Sheff no longer is with Shearwater, and the band on stage last night was anything but quiet. They had a big indie-rock sound that I guess you’d expect from a Sub Pop band (with Americana roots). Nice stuff, though ultimately forgettable in this environment. And a strange pairing for a brash New Wave-esque 4AD band like St. Vincent. I’m sure they had their reasons.

Shearwater opens at The Slowdown, May 14, 2012.

St. Vincent at The Slowdown, May 14, 2012.

St. Vincent at The Slowdown, May 14, 2012.

Moments after her stage dive, at The Slowdown May 14, 2012.

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There are no shows happening tonight (that I know of), so why not stop down to the Saddle Creek Shop for a listening party featuring Wilco’s Yankee Hotel Foxtrot? It’s part of the store’s ongoing Record Club @ Shop promotion, where fans get together, listen and talk about a classic album. The needle drips at 7, followed by robust discussion. BTW, it’s free, and a good chance to pick up some new vinyl releases.

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A reminder to all you Omaha peeps, don’t forget to vote…

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