Hiss Golden Messenger is something else. The size of the crowd for this anticipated show was smaller than I thought it would be. The band gets a ton of play on WFPK and fits into the Louisville vibe, but whatever, we were there and loved it.
MC Taylor asked the eager (maybe even a little aggressive) crowd: “How is Louisville these days?” It has been at least 2 years since HGM had been in town, so a little small talk to catch up seemed appropriate. Food came up, tacos were mentioned, and then he asked if we, too, were seeing gentrification. That hit home. With all the “positive” change happening in Louisville and other cities around the country, it is easy to forget that it comes at a cost to other folks. “It is hard to know how to feel about it when you eat a good taco/piece of food.” Amen, friend.
His voice is just…it cuts into you. The high pitch – almost strain – behind his words makes you feel all of the things. It is the voice of a guy who has seen and lived through some stuff and is here to share those experiences with us through song. And that laugh was like so Halloween sounding. Like, deep and dark.
Sometimes I like recorded stuff better than live and vice versa. I like this in both varieties. Hiss Golden Messenger on vinyl is the perfect cold Sunday afternoon vibe. This Saturday night show gave the same good feelings.
-Aubrey
Live Music Louisville 