Ramblings of a Redhead Music Snob

Sharon Van Etten
The Chapel
7/29/14

Pandora Presents Sharon Van Etten. So that’s pretty cool and it was free. So yeah, even better. The show, which started at 9pm, already had people lining up at 4:30pm. And for the most part by 6pm – it was one packed line. I didn’t show up till later, and that was a big risk as I nearly did not get in. The place was packed and people were beyond drunk and beyond talkative.

Sharon Van Etten had flown into SF for the show and came with band members (and siblings) Heather and Peter Broderick. Peter is one hell of a violinist and sounded gorgeous on the few songs he played with them. Heather as always complemented Sharon beautifully with the vocals and their harmonies are enchanting. The two also played with Efterklang when on tour and they fit in beautifully with that band. Hopefully they will also tour with them again as well.

I missed a bit of the beginning as I was still in line, but didn’t seem to miss too much. There was some yelling between her and the crowd when people wouldn’t shut up and it just got louder and louder. I heard her mention something about them being louder than her and to shut up. It seemed a recurring theme during the show, as people just couldnt shut up. But once we got passed that and onto the peace and love part, it was great. She was not playing her typical songs, but played a few songs she had never played before live. Most of the songs were off of Are We There. Some b-sides (one was, “Life of His Own” the b-side to “Leonard”) as well as “Red are the Flowers” a song she was still working on for a covers album for Karen Dalton.

SVE was self-deprecating as always. She made jokes about not being able to play the piano for shit (her words) and really being NOT good. Of course, she does sound great and the acoustics in the Chapel were perfect for her. The band sounded full with just the 3 of them when they all played together. Most the songs were just SVE on the piano or guitar. She seemed so engaged and exposed when she talked about her music and why she wrote it. She talked about her dad lots with mention of a new video and her dad blushing when he saw her on the bed with another guy (she was clothed and it was G-rated, although perhaps PG as she said). She encouraged the crowd to sing along to one of the songs towards the end even if they didnt know the words, but should make something up.

It was a short set – less than an hour – but great to have her back in town, even if just for an evening. She loves SF and definitely wanted to keep things weird at the show, which she always manages to do.

Thanks Pandora! Another soon, please!

Set List:
Afraid of Nothing
Life of His Own (b-side to Leonard)
Tarifa
Consolation Prize
Hotel 2 Tango (Live debut)
I Always Fall Apart
I Love You But I’m Lost
Our Love (Live debut)
Tornado
Every Time the Sun Comes Up
I Know

Red are the Flowers (Karen Dalton cover)