Sheik Goes Minimalist
So, Duncan’s on the road and pretty disconnected from all things related to the Internets. Folks who saw any of the last few shows are welcome to post thoughts/reactions/polite criticisms in comments. Come on, people: make me feel like I was there, too instead of stuck here at my boring day-job.
In that spirit, here’s Catherine P. Lewis’s review of the Birchmere show that ran in the Washington Post last Friday (complete with shouts out to D. Poe as well as her polite criticism of Duncan’s Wonderwall cover… to each her own, I guess…). The original can be found here (free registration required).
Sheik Goes Minimalist
Friday, August 26, 2005; C03At the Birchmere on Wednesday night, Duncan Sheik devoted a third of his two-hour set to songs from his forthcoming album, “White Limousine,” which is due out early next year. Those new pieces find Sheik on a minimalist kick: The glistening instrumentation provided by his three-piece backing band was just as restrained as Sheik’s mellow vocals. His dreamy tenor drifted effortlessly to a falsetto in the meandering “Fantastic Toys and Corduroys” and a deliberate melody gave “I Don’t Believe in Ghosts” a pensive feel.
As the night progressed, though, Sheik’s music grew more aggressive, from the pulsing harshness of “Rubbed Out” to the abrasive urgency of “Genius.” A particularly grating version of Oasis’s “Wonderwall” was incongruous with the rest of his set — Sheik himself commented that he was “starting to feel like a bad cover band.”
By contrast, opener David Poe’s set was consistently mellow. His simple approach intensified the emotions in songs such as “Love Is Red” and even made a song about pornography sound like a lullaby. The highlight of Poe’s set was a pair of songs performed with Sheik. Their obvious rapport — not to mention the richness of their voices in harmony — infused Poe’s songs with warmth. The duo’s strength is a sneak peek at things to come: The two plan to form a still-unnamed band next year.
- Catherine P. Lewis
? 2005 The Washington Post Company
August 31st, 2005 at 10:13 am
My opinion of Duncan’s Wonderwall is that it is amazing. A good song originally but made SPECTACULAR when Duncan performs it live. I would not say it is incongruous. To me it fits in very well with Duncan and his music.
- Brian
August 31st, 2005 at 10:39 am
Mmmm… ok, I’ll partially agree with the comment. Just from an aesthetic point of view, putting The Gallaher Brothers (bad boys) and Duncan (good boy as far as I know) next to each other is a very…. incongrous image. Placing the original ‘Wonderwall’ cut with Duncan’s rendition, it is also very different. BUT, picturing them apart, just Duncan’s take on it, it is an amaizing thing to hear and behold (and I wish I had a cut of that song myself). To each its own, indeed. =)
But enough with the cover’s controversy and more attention where credit is due, “White Limousine” is great people….. when I was at 2 separate DS shows last month, as much as I enjoyed listening to the older stuff, I have to say that the new tunes are something else…. yes, minimalist is the word, and that feels so good….. I wish he had played more of it. Since then I’ve had the EP constantly playing in my car & office, and my friends are deaf by now by me saying “hey, listen to this, isn’t GREAT! =) I’m very, very excited about the album, and can’t wait for its full-lenght release. Seriously! This is good for the soul…. Adieu!
August 31st, 2005 at 10:56 am
The show at the Birchmere was awesome. Hope you guys had a great time here. The performance was live and full of energy and the audience was very receptive. Please come back to DC!
August 31st, 2005 at 11:34 am
Is the band still unnamed? Holy … .
So Peter, what is your boring day-job?
August 31st, 2005 at 11:43 am
it is…
…too embarrassing to mention.
August 31st, 2005 at 11:56 am
Hey Peter,
Are you Duncan’s brother, or are you Peter Wark? I just wanted to clarify for curious reasons.
On to the post, tho. Wow, the only thing that really jumped out at me was when she said ‘White Limousine, which is due out early next year’. Ouch!!! I sure hope with every fiber of my being that she just doesn’t have her facts straight. I just don’t know how much longer I can last before I do something stupid like go out and buy a Maroon 5 CD (kidding). Seriously though, patience is a virtue, and I’ve got it. Duncan can take his sweet time making the album as perfect as he deems it, and when he’s ready to release it, I’ll be there ‘with arms wide open’ (Oh great, now I wanna go out and by a Creed CD, oh wait . . . no I don’t).
I’m hoping to catch a show either in CT or NY that way I can get my hands on the EP. I haven’t heard anything new yet, cause I haven’t gone to any shows, nor have I become a member, because I’m too cheap . . . on both counts.
Does anyone know if, with the apparent success of the play, an original cast recording will be made? Or something to that effect? That music blew my mind!
Anyway, I sound like a ranting idiot. I’m gonna stop for now.
~Sad Steven
August 31st, 2005 at 11:58 am
I think a lot of us are at our embarrassing boring day jobs while we hop on to the site to see what’s happening. So thanks for the post Peter.
I have to say the White Limousine EP has spoiled me to the point that other new stuff I’m giving a listen to just does nothing for me.
Unless I’m in the middle of a divorce, I plan to be at the Nov 2 show to hopefully hear Duncan and David perform together. Ah heck, damn the divorce, full speed to Manhattan!
Jeni
Indy
August 31st, 2005 at 12:23 pm
Am a Sheik, not a Wark. Although he is a good dude and (maybe still?) lives in my hood.
August 31st, 2005 at 12:43 pm
Yes, Peter Wark, from what I know of him, is an excellent fellow!! But then again, you being a Sheik ranks you way up there!
I’m sorry to say that I don’t think we’ve ever met. I wonder if you might’ve spotted me though? I’ve been to a couple of Duncan’s shows, and actually had the utter pleasure and honor to open for him at Marist College almost 2 years ago. Were you at that show?
Anyway, your brother is extremely talented, and it’s nice to see you both supporting each other!
For fellow Frieks and Posters, I’ve got a couple of recommends to listen to while waiting for the LP. There’s this new band out there call ‘The Shore’. They’re really good. The lead singer, who’s the brains behind the operation (I think), has an awesome voice that’s both synthetic and very real at the same time. Check out their single ‘Hard Road’ it rocks!! There’s also this other band that I’m starting to get into named ‘Minus the Bear’. They’re pretty good. A google search for either will lead you in the right direction :).
~Sad Steven
August 31st, 2005 at 5:44 pm
peter,
perhaps you can clear something up for me. my sister seems to think that we met duncan when we were children. it would have been around the summer of ‘73 near santa cruz, ca. is she mistaken or do i have to appologize for being a skeptic?
looking forward to the show in SF!
August 31st, 2005 at 6:42 pm
I was at the show in Raleigh, NC, last Friday night, and Duncan was incredible! I agree with the minimalist theme, but honestly, with Duncan, who needs more?
The show was at a local mall, which has a commons area, and the stage was set up outside in a grassy area. We all sat out in the grass, grouped around the stage, so it was a very loose, casual feel. The opening was not David Poe, but a local act, who were very good. Duncan and crew came out about 8pm, and except for two power outages, they played for almost two hours. He played all the new White Limousine tracks and they are incredibly good. Very deep, very enjoyable. I love his voice, and I love the way he seems to enjoy playing and performing.
Duncan and the others made themselves available after the show for autographs and pictures. He is such a nice guy. He did say on stage that the new cd would not be out until January of next year though.
August 31st, 2005 at 11:35 pm
The new band with David Poe is going to be called “The Seamen” or “The Semen” ….so said David Poe at the Charlottesville show. :) :)
September 1st, 2005 at 8:58 am
He would have been 4 years old at the time. I was not, as yet, even a glimmer in my father’s eye, so I don’t know for sure, but unless they were on vacation in Santa Cruz at some point (which I can’t imagine), I think you probably had a run in with the elusive DS doppelganger. Watch out for that dude, BTW. I ran into him several years ago while he was working as a croupier at the Tropicana. Dude was dealing aces off the bottom of the deck to this one legged drag queen all night. I tried to call him out on it, but his glass eye spooked me a little. (There’s a small possibility that this only happened in a dream I had after making an ill-advised menu selection at an Indian restaurant in Yonkers, NY.)
September 1st, 2005 at 11:04 am
The band name “The Seaman” was a joke in case that was lost on anybody. But I hadn’t
thought about “The Semen” … interesting. Great to see y’all at the shows, thanks so much for coming out.
September 1st, 2005 at 11:12 am
SpongeBob and the Semen? To promote safe musical enjoyment.
September 1st, 2005 at 11:20 am
I myself prefer the band name “Santa’s Lap”…I’m sensing a theme here…
Laura
September 1st, 2005 at 12:15 pm
mmm, unidentifiable indian food…
September 1st, 2005 at 1:44 pm
Okay, I’m out of the loop…who is Peter Sheik? Is he the brother of DS?? I thought DS only had a sister? Who are you Peter? Show yourself!!
September 1st, 2005 at 1:48 pm
why is duncan staying far away from texas on this tour? is it his political inclinations? the allergic reaction to shellfish he had in ft worth? the run-in with the local police gerry had in austin? or is it because i’ve been a very bad boy……..
September 1st, 2005 at 1:52 pm
btw, i knew it was a joke, but i just HAD to post that…. :)
September 1st, 2005 at 3:30 pm
thanks peter!
i doubt it was a doppleganger, i suspect my sister ate at that same indian restaurant….it wouldn’t be the first time. i figured parents would be the only ones who could confirm or deny this alleged sighting, but decided to take the chance anyway.
hmmmm….”glimmer in my father’s eye” a bit long for a band name, but kinda fits the theme….
September 1st, 2005 at 3:41 pm
duncan Says:
September 1st, 2005 at 11:04 am
…..The band name The Seaman was a joke in case that was lost on anybody. But I hadn?t
thought about The Semen interesting…..
Having the name/last name “Seaman” is not a fun thing…. I have a friend who was harrased for 25 years because of it, and needless to say, she changed it and goes by a different one now….. yeah…. interesting, but not practical nor funny…. =)
September 1st, 2005 at 6:58 pm
Does anyone know who Duncan has been playing with? I work @ Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta, where he played with 3 guys on 8/30/05. The drummer and the bassist, Doug and Jeff, I met and hung out with that night, and forgot to exchange e-mails. Duncan mentioned that they play in a band with Rob Baraco and Jimmy Herring, I think called the Dragonflies. I can’t find anything on the web about the band, but I think it is because it is a side project, or because they aren’t touring now. Does anyone have any info that would help?
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
ps- the Atl show rocked, in case anyone wanted to know…
September 2nd, 2005 at 2:11 am
Blah, Blah, Blah….
I have known and seen Duncan so many, many times…enough to say…
I love him anyway and anyhow.
It is these critics who really don’t know what their listening too, nor do they have the ears for such Excellence and Grace.
Even without being at this show, I am Positive in was nothing short of GREAT!!!!
Thank you Mr. Sheik.
Love always out to you.
Much Peace, Michele XO
September 2nd, 2005 at 2:16 am
Okay…I must tell you and this is no lie, Mr. Poe himself…..though I’m afraid he was joking at the time of afer his Artist’s Den Show at the World Cafe Live show in Philadelphia last Spring told me…He thinks the name of the Band should be called, “The Bed.”
Yes, I’m letting that one out. I think Mr. Poe knows why.
love, Michele the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th….of Philly XOXO
September 2nd, 2005 at 11:03 am
How about….. “69″
September 2nd, 2005 at 2:02 pm
sandygrrl - here’s the Dragonflys page:
http://www.thedragonflys.net/
Doug and Gerry both have their own sites as well.
The Charlottesville show was excellent - I had one funny moment before the show when I was attempting to locate the restroom at Starr Hill and instead walked straight into the band room backstage :P You guys were great fun, thanks from me as well for hanging out afterwards and talking into the wee hours. Hope Jeff found his Evian before the Charlotte show ;)
-Rena M.
September 2nd, 2005 at 10:22 pm
Hi,
Huge DS fan here, I just noticed the other day he’s coming to my hometown (Columbus, OH) in late October and I am stoaked. I have been a fan since 1997, and met him in fall of 2002(?) for this 97.1 (local radio station) contest with a “intimate lunch & playing session”. :)
This is not related to the post, but I was wondering how to put my 10% in at the DS store? I am hoping this fall to buy the lyrics book, but it seems to just add to the cart and then ask for my payment/mailing information, that’s it. No place (unless I am blind, which is entirely possible) to say “hey i get a discount!!”. :) OH! Does the 10% apply to purchases of DS items at shows too?
Thanks in advance for any help!
-Tiffany
September 3rd, 2005 at 1:51 pm
—-
(Stories of absolute stupidity and hate in N.O. makes me want to vomit)
—-
Today was the first time I heard “Good Morning”. Hearing Duncan describe the circus made me want to drive out and shake his hand, wherever he may be.
Thank you Duncan Sheik.
September 3rd, 2005 at 11:03 pm
“…The elusive DS doppelganger.”
The habitat in which you saw this creature
reminds me of a club I go to in the city…
Lots of interesting people:
some with horns on their heads.
(I’m serious)
Peter,
as long as you aren’t a contract killer, I think its safe to spill the beans. I handle extracted teeth and used floss in exchange for the almighty bling.
Is is worse than pulled teeth?
Susann
PS. In regards to the review…
Subtlety isn?t something that critics can really comment on.
The only way to really write a review of something is to feel it, not just witness it. Reviews are only unused coloring-books.
September 4th, 2005 at 8:53 am
Dear Duncan,
As you might know I`m brazilian and currently living in Asheville. Yeaterday I was @ the Gray Eagle and I never though that seeing you for the first time would touch me like it did. The music was perfect, the White Limo set was amazing and, God, you are cute! (hahaha)
I wish I was annoying enough to ask if I could talk to you for a second, because I don’t see Brazil in your future plans and i really regret that I didn’t get a chance to tell you how much i love your work and how wonderful was to see the guy that sings for me every night just right in front of me!
Thank you so much for doing such a great work and for filling my life with happiness and understanding….
With love,
Fabio
September 4th, 2005 at 7:04 pm
Hello there…. completely new to DS’ music after being referred to it through something else - but would like to ask whether he’s going to be touring Canada at some point. Perhaps he you could fit Vancouver in after doing Seattle? It’s only a little trip over the border….. no? Some other time then? We’d be glad to have you here! Jen x
September 4th, 2005 at 11:01 pm
I just saw the Duncan Sheik concert here in Charleston, WV at Regatta and have been listening to the White Limousine LTD ED EP ever since I got it right after he left the stage. The show was amazing. And the cd is awesome. Has to be the best cd that I’ve bought in a LONG time. I can actually see myself listening to it more than just once.
Thank you so much DS for being so awesome here in Chas.
Loved it and hope to see you here again!
Erica
September 4th, 2005 at 11:06 pm
Happy Holiday Duncan. Hope your having some fun atleast…whatever your doing…. Hard to believe that the Summer is over. Huh???
Cooler weather abounds….
See you soon in Philly.
Love, Michele :) XO BW
September 5th, 2005 at 7:01 pm
I went to the DS concert in Ann Arbor, Michigan in August at The Ark and I still can’t get it out of my mind! It was amazing, mind-blowing, and soul-rocking! DS, your voice is so smooth and soothing and I keep seeing you sitting on stage, hugging your guitar and singing from the depth of your being. I actually thought your version of “Wonder Wall” made the Oasis version sound rough and immature. I wish I could find a download of you singing it! I am so thrilled that you will be in Detroit in October (40 minutes from Ann Arbor!) and I will definately be there! Are the same guys with you that night as those that were with you in Ann Arbor? What up to you and you alone!
September 5th, 2005 at 9:39 pm
I was at the Nashville show on Friday night. It was awesome! Even though Duncan “doesn’t believe in ghosts” he, David and the band overcame a few “ghosts in the machines” to put on a great show to a very appreciative audience. The set was awesome with a great mix of the old stuff, new stuff and covers!! I was thrilled to get to meet Duncan & David after the show and get pics and autographs. After spilling it all out for us on the stage, Duncan was so gracious to take the time for his fans!! Can’t wait for the full release of White Limo!!
EJ from Alabama
September 6th, 2005 at 1:42 am
I am so excited. I have been waiting for a chance to see Dunkan in concert for 10years.
September 6th, 2005 at 2:31 am
I was at the Asheville show. It was an amazing night for me despite my father being ill in the hospital. The music was amazing, I conversed with Duncan and the band, got a hug from Duncan, got a pic if it ever gets emailed, helped load the truck, and had dinner with everyone.
I just read SheikFreik.com. I was made fun of for yelling things out. I admit I had been drinking, but I was trying to release some stress and enjoy myself. I wish I hadn’t drunk at all now. FYI - My father passed away the next evening.
One of the most amazing days of my life prior to one of the worst. My life is the epitome of bittersweet.
September 6th, 2005 at 3:41 am
Please go to www.sheikfreik.com, tours, “Ashevegas” to see my more elaborate post.
Namaste.
September 6th, 2005 at 4:50 am
Ah insomnia!
But some good of it: I just figured out how to burn cds off of my comp!
First one to come off the production line?
The setlist from Halsted days. :beams:
I know you’re not as available to read these posts now-a-days, but I’m sayin’ it anyway: thank you again Duncan, for providing a lovely sonic experience. I’m so looking forward to Oct. 28th.
:sigh/yawn:
Now enough of this, I’ve really gotta get my bum to bed!
September 6th, 2005 at 9:23 am
duncandonut Says:
September 1st, 2005 at 1:44 pm
Okay, I?m out of the loopwho is Peter Sheik? Is he the brother of DS?? I thought DS only had a sister? Who are you Peter? Show yourself!!
Sorry, I just assumed Peter was Duncan’s brother. I probably shouldn’t have done that, since I really have no idea, but I still stand by what I said, that it’s great that Duncan and Peter support each other so.
~Sad Steven
September 7th, 2005 at 1:11 pm
As a show of support, how about posting a version of Wonderwall on the Members only section. The only one we have is the Aimee Mann duet on SheikFriek? I thought it was a great cover and one of the best songs in concert in Ann Arbor.
September 7th, 2005 at 3:47 pm
We don’t have a decent version of it. Mostly that’s my fault for not recording as many shows as I would have liked (due mainly to time constraints). As soon as we have a version that sounds half-way decent, we’ll throw it up in the M.O.
September 16th, 2005 at 11:25 am
Duncan…
Thank you for coming to Tucson last night, City Limits. I love the new music and what you are creating with David Poe. Can’t wait to hear it all!! Too bad we ran out of EPs…..
Awesome show. Moved me to tears and joy. Gracias
September 19th, 2005 at 1:11 pm
The Coach House Show:
Thank you, Duncan. Thank you for playing Memento, thank you for playing End of Outside, thank you for playing She Runs Away, thank you. I can’t say it enough. These are some of my favorites, and this was only my second show since I’ve been a fan, almost 10 years ago. It seems that David and Duncan’s voices compliment each other very well, as well as their chemistry. I just wish Duncan wasn’t swimming under that sea of hair he calls a beard. He’s too beautiful to cover it all up. But that didn’t stop me from having a blast. Thanks again…..told ya I couldn’t say it enough.
Mel
September 21st, 2005 at 12:29 pm
This monday was one of the greatest night I have ever had. I finally got to see and hear Duncan live. It’s really important that a band sounds good live and I have to say that Duncan made it sound more than just good. Even though it ended early due to rain, I enjoyed the show. Hey Duncan Sheik, I hope you come around to Los Angeles again. I would really like to hear some more of my favorite songs live. Thanks for the good night.
Ever
September 21st, 2005 at 9:15 pm
This is more of a pre-album tour, right? Will there be a post-release tour (IhopeIhopeIhopeIhopeIhope)?
Anthony
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