Even though I've seen them several times since then, my favorite concert by Over the Rhine is still their appearance at Cornerstone Festival '96. That night they provided a wonderful balance between their past and future by blending the (then) new material of Good Dog Bad Dog: The Home Recordings with a generous portion of the songs that first introduced the world to their music.
In live shows since then, the past has drifted farther and farther behind in favor of focusing on the Good Dog Bad Dog songs. Combined with the new, expanded lineup that emerged last year, these shows have become a sort of second chapter in the band's history. Their recent show at Schubas in Chicago continued that chapter, but also hinted that this period may just be an intermission between the band's early years and a new, bigger chapter.
This was first shown in the music. Five new songs were unveiled (as well as the as-yet-unrecorded "Good-bye", a live staple of the last year) that both reflected on the past while enhancing the band's current direction. Lead singer Karin Berquist spent many of these songs playing an additional electric guitar, helping the sound recall the modern rock found on Eve. The extra volume, however, was never a distraction from the simple beauty of the melodies.
The highlights, though, were still the established songs. The full band versions of "Etcetera Whatever" and "The Seahorse" far outshone the album recordings. The organ accompaniment in a delicate rendition of "Poughkeepsie" helped to bring out the song's hymn-like qualities and make that performance the high point of the evening. Lead guitarist Jack Henderson's playing added electricity to the mix, ranging from atmospheric to downright scorching (which saved yet another comatose reading of "Jack's Valentine" by keyboardist Linford Detweiler). They did dip into the past for one song, adding a subtle country feel to "And Can It Ever Be?" from their debut, 'Til We Have Faces. But that would have to be enough for the longtime fans.
The other sign of the beginning of a new chapter came with Detweiler's
announcement that they would be the opening act for the fall leg of the
Cowboy Junkies' tour. Over the Rhine will complement the Junkies'
sound well, and
nationwide exposure can only benefit the little Cincinnati sextet
that could. Perhaps this will open doors for the band, making it necessary
for their die-hard fans to learn to share this well-kept secret with the
res t of the world.
By Brett MacAlpine (9/6/98)
Set list:
Faithfully Dangerous (Good Dog Bad Dog)
Tumbleweeds (new)
The Seahorse (Good Dog Bad Dog)
Etcetera Whatever (Good Dog Bad Dog)
All I Need Is Everything (Good Dog Bad Dog)
Everyman's Daughter (Good Dog Bad Dog)
three new songs
Anyway (new)
Poughkeepsie (Good Dog Bad Dog)
And Can It Ever Be? ('Til We Have Faces)
Good-bye (new)
Jack's Valentine (Good Dog Bad Dog)
Lucy (Besides)
Latter Days (Good Dog Bad Dog)
