Kalani was kind enough to get me on the guest list tonight for The Walkmen show at the 9:30 Club. I had seen new videos and was very interested in hearing the new songs in a live forum. I was particularly interested in the atmospheric use of the Farfisa.

It was an early show-- doors were at 6pm. I got there at 8:45 as we were working on the new record in Ape Basement for most of the afternoon. (I'm psyched, these songs are great!) And DC saw a great bit of rain from the leftovers of Hurricane Hanna. But before, I get totally sidetracked describing the rushing river and the great flood plane that was once Rock Creek Park, I will get back to the original story.

We walk in the club around 8:45 and head to the 2nd floor. It is packed. People are covering all three levels and most nooks and cranies of the club. Visibility is a bit rough but I find a little space conveniently located next to the womens' bathroom. Now, I am of the opinion that the sounds that The Walkmen create are pretty wonderful. Their tones blend beautifully and they are elegant in their delivery. But the audience is talking-- loudly. There are a lot of prep-school looking folk amongst the masses. Some nice girlie standing next to me swings wildly to the right so she can start making out with her boyfrind, seemingly overwhelmed by this song. She pivots and her big wooden heel comes crashing into my right foot. I head for the steps. I'd rather just stand at the highest point I can find and listen.

They leave the stage at 9:45 pm. We go back to Mt. Pleasant. The city seems suddenly overcrowded again. All the quiet and space of summer is about gone. I wish I had a cat.