Offerings
Yes, I know we talk about the prolific rapper/singer/writer/all-around-bad-assed dude who goes by the nom de plum of Astronautalis relatively frequently. We comment on his dexterity of word play, his unmatched ability to freestyle about anything (and actually create an interesting, catchy, clever song with it), and his overall skillz to pay the proverbial billz when he grabs the microphone. And if your so tired of us doing so, read no further.
Once again, Andy dragged us through his wonderful world of southern-charmed finger lickin' spittin' at Dallas' Liquid Lounge. I might add that I was at his liquid lounge show only because I missed the preceding days CD release in-store at the eminent Good Records and corresponding shindig/show at Denton's Rubber Gloves, both of which I will regret missing for the rest of my adult life. But, despite, I'm sure, pouring his all into the other shows, he was no holds barred for the 20 or so fans that graced his Saturday performance; wowing the leftover kids from the MayorJohnsonMraz-owskies band who defiled the stage before him (who racked up some extra shit-list points for playing a Ryan Adams song). I don't know how, but the freestyles just seem to get better and better (I guess practice would be one way to explain it, but I like to mysticize it more than that). Never have I heard such inspired off the cuff metaphors, fueled by so few fans, and so many drinks. It seemed that everyone in the room wanted to buy Mr. Andy a round, and it soon took on the air of offerings to the happy Buddha that is Astronautalis on stage, as he danced and wailed, the bottles and shots created their little shrine at his feet.
Covering all of his best hits (well, to me they are hits) and some tunes I hadn't heard yet, the event was more than you could ask for. Splice in the aforementioned freestyles, Andy's unprecedented stage presence and audience banter, and the fact that the usual laptop back-tracks were accompanied by an inventive and skilled guitar player, weaving crazy effects with melodic accompaniment, a top notch turntablist with a Kaos pad, and a full drum kit, the results were magical.
If you missed it, too bad, but I will always and forever suggest that if Astronautalis comes anywhere near you, to rap or otherwise, you should seek him out at all costs. And buy his new CD. And download everything you can find. And order the super-rare-Japan-only-vinyl-limited-edition-$300 album that even he doesn't know about, cause I'm sure it'll be good to.