Hey kids! Your official Patty Griffin correspondent here to put in a big plug for her first full-length DVD, out today thanks to the fine folks at ATO Records. Those of you prone to remembering such things may recall my review of her Artists Den concert at NYC’s Angel Orensanz Center back in February of this year; turns out this is why they were recording things that evening. The DVD itself does a gorgeous job of capturing the rich colors inside the old synagogue; the sound is quite nice and gets a little muddled only on the very last song, "Top of the World," when Patty’s band, the string section, and piano player are all pounding away at once. Some pleasant but not necessarily revelatory interview clips from Patty herself are interspersed throughout.
And remember how they handed me a piece of paper that night saying my image will be used in perpetuity? They weren’t kidding: Within the first five seconds, there’s me and my friend Becky, bundled against the cold, standing outside in line. That made me very happy. Have I mentioned before what a dork I am when it comes to Patty Griffin? Yes, even us bitter, jaded music journos get squealy sometimes. (And before you can say it: yes, I get squealy more than most.) For those still unfamiliar with this singer-songwriter over whom I regularly salivate, why not give this DVD slice a shot? It’s the same price as a CD, and you get to watch it at home in your pajamas. Or, you know, someplace cooler, if you’re into that sort of thing.
I’m supposed to end all blog posts with a question so, uh… if you could have a DVD of any concert you’ve ever attended, which would it be and why?
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ZOWIE! OK… this is a MUST-HAVE!
She is absolutely phenomenal live. What a voice. Now if she would release a duet with Raul Malo, then I’d be in absolute heaven!
CVA
I don’t know who this Griffin person is, but I’ve missed you, Whitney! Where have you been?
As for DVD…Kelly Clarkson, Addicted Tour, Houston TX. Just ‘cuz I was in the front row. The moment at which she began the final chorus of “Since U Been Gone” and confetti dropped rates in the Top 5 moments of my life.
Having been a Patty Griffin fan since July of ‘96 (can anyone beat that?), I am delighted about this post for two reasons. One is Patty Griffin is still amazing all these years later, but more importantly Whitney is still breathing! I began to have my doubts, as while Dalton Ross is starting to return to form, Whitney is currently the only EW writer who has not completely sold out. Welcome back whittlz!
I love patty! and speaking of her and Kelly Clarkson, a few weeks ago at kelly’s beacon theater NYC concert she sang an absolutely beautiful cover of Up to the mountain. it was her best vocal performance of the night. I f i had to choose a concert id seen to have on DVD, I would choose either Neko Case or Norah Jones at the 930 club in DC
Whitney, can we be best friends? You share all my musical tastes and often write things in EW or on EW.com that I think or have said recently. Seriously, Patty Griffin is the best singer/songwriter there is. I am so proud to live in Austin with her!
Sven, that’s when I discovered her on the radio in Detroit.
Best songwriter ever, hands down. Thanks for singing (heh) her praises, Whitney, and congrats on making it into the DVD. Which I must get my hands on, stat!
I saw her at a concert in Woodstock, NY at Todd Rundgren’s old studio. She blew everyone away with her amazing acapella rendition of “Crazy”.
Whitney, to answer your question, it would be this one. I’m so excited!
She did that here at RiverFest in Detroit, Sven. So cool! She also debuted the song “Flaming Red,” before that CD was released. She’s so tiny, and so, so powerful.
Sounds like a great DVD, Whittlz. Thanks for the tip. If I could have a DVD of any concert I’ve ever been to, it would be the Radiohead concert in Montreal, August 2001. The perfect cap to one of the best days of my life.
I definitely share the Patti Griffin love. Her voice kills me, it’s so gorgeous.
I saw Springsteen and E-Street on The Rising tour in Dallas. For an encore, Don Henley (who lives just east of Dallas) came on-stage and he and The Boss sang “I Fought The Law”. I would love to have a DVD of that!
Patty Griffin is my absolute most favoritest singer/songwriter ever. Anyone who can write a song about her dog (Heavenly Day) is just about perfect.