Andre 3000+Tori Amos+Marilyn Monroe

Yeah, the Nellie McKay and The Brilliant Inventions show at Variety Playhouse was fantastic!! Nellie's rap songs were hilarious and thought-provoking, especially when she'd miss a word and have to re-do a verse. Lots of cool activist elements to the show. Her range was out of this world!! Initially, I thought, "wow, very mellow, deep voice." But then. She did her Broadway number and a few others with very impressive upper vocals. Her voice was strong all over the place. The piano ablility never fell behind. I'd say it's a toss up as to where she has more talent: voice or piano.

Then there's her stage personality: phenomenal!! That's what reminded me of Marilyn Monroe: the coy adultness (some would say tarnished innocence, but I don't like that expression) along with the high energy and in her words, "schizophrenic set list." Spicy, well-rounded, and diverse would be my description. The combination of talent, passion, and charm made her entirely adorable. And she looked so tired at the end, but she couldn't say no to the audience. She seemed so childlike, but you'd never think childish. Not with the amazing depth of her lyrics and her obvious drive to use her talents for positive change.

I'm always interested to see where The Brilliant Inventions are headed. They're certainly branching out of their established venues: Redlight Cafe and Eddie's Attic. Tough to do, but critical to a local band's potential growth beyond its own city. Nellie McKay was a much better match for them than Bobby Yang. And their set list matched her style very well, just the right mix of irony and depth.

I miss the full band sound from the one show at The Five Spot awhile back. I hope they give it another whirl at a better venue. It added major sustenance to the overall sound. Last night was my favorite intro to the "Angry Lesbian" song. Eliot, don't change strings the day of a show!! (especially the whole set of strings?!! are you kidding me?!!) At least, please don't admit it in the middle of a show. Blame it on the weather! The underwear bit was hilarious. I actually believed for a moment that Josh was either going to put them on or throw them to the audience. Gross and DOUBLE gross, and therefore spectacular slapstick humor.