The New Pornographers - My Rights Versus Yours (Letterman)

[calixa]

you know what pisses me off?? when I got to a New Pornographers show and Neko Case and Dan Bejar are not even on stage. Such Bullshit, happened to me twice now. You can't even call yourself the same band without those two members. Rip Off.

And in this clip, Neko is there, but Dan is missing. I guess that's the chance you take when you form a band with several UBERTALENTED people, they become successful beyond the band and have independent duties. PORNOS STILL RULE.

[Dashielus]

@calixa That's the trouble with supergroups, for sure. When I saw NP they had the girl from Immaculate Machines instead of Neko. It's disappointing, but it's good they're all still writing together.

[calixa]

@Dashielus

yeah thats Kathryn Calder, she is AC Newmans niece actually. i saw her in the band when they were just trying her out, not even a member yet. She is okay, havent heard much solo or imacc machin stuff. She was definitely brought on to replace Neko on tour.

[ACustomConcern]

@calixa It's like how you're likely not to get Amy Millan, Torquil Campbell, Emily Haines, or Leslie Feist if you go to any old Broken Social Scene show. There's never gonna be the same lineup, 'cause that's how supergroups work.

[ACustomConcern]

@calixa After all, Neko Case is usually busy being Neko Case somewhere else.

[elnigma]

This is excellent.

[pianstoppable]

This dude can't really sing that well. He sings about as well as I do. Have you heard of me? Pop culture is baffling. Why is Neko Case just saying "oooo" and backup ? What a waste of a voice.

[shawnwilliam101]

@pianstoppable if you're a person who writes great songs, tours and performs then you aren't going to sing like an angel every day, unless you are as obsessed with your voice as Neko Case is.. but that's her thing and she brings her flavor to the band.

[cookiemonstrously]

They have a melodica. :D

[JohnDCoffey]

Any lack of confidence that Carl had at the beginning of the song vanishes at 2:19. You can see it in his face and it's beautiful.

[cootaloot]

@JohnDCoffey you take the concept of "fanboy" to new and uncomfortable levels. kudos

[JohnDCoffey]

@cootaloot Not sure how pointing out where Carl really gets into the song qualifies as uncomfortable fanboy. Did you quote the right person?

[3000mhzps]

@JohnDCoffey - yeah, whoa!

[Phobie11]

I think they sound a bit like America in this Song.

[realfreakaynaughtay]

I've always loved how Carl mixes the lyrics up.

[mc7794]

To Wild Homes would have been a better song to play on Letterman in my opinion. They are a great band with a lot of heart, and I hope they go far!

[mjnotso98]

This is good music

[vcelt]

@MusicJew158 yea, but does eminem or the other rappers par up to foreigner or Kansas? there is great classic rock, and then there is good classic rock. of course no one will be the beatles but you cant get 2 miracles in one life time

[gordieK]

I'm in love with Kathryn Calder!!

[wondermusic63]

@gordieK Both Kathryn and Neko are sexy talented artists.

[GlassEyedVision]

dude the letterman film crew needs to realize that a few Neko close-ups would be extreeemely beneficial to the viewers!!! Instead of the guy smoking the synth-bong

[MusicJew158]

Ughh classic rock isn't real its a bullshit marketing term. Don't get me wrong thier is classic rock around but do you honestly think Foreigner and Styx are on par with The Beatles and David Bowie?

[yohei72]

@MusicJew158 True enough... "classic" generally just means "was Top 40 more than 30 years or so ago, and some people still have nostalgic feelings for it."

[101Volts]

@yohei72 What a saying.

[adingo8mybabe]

Way to go on Letterman and show them some GREAT Canadian talent. That was fuckin' awesome. I love these guys (and girls). The first time I heard them I was hooked. Thanks for the post. Peace, baby!!

[bludgeonbunny]

absolute crap, save for Neko. Shame on her for stooping to this level of "music" - these people have zero talent; sound like 100,000 other crap indie bands out there...

[Balimimi]

@bludgeonbunny you'd probably prefer the old spice dude singing carls part...

[Josh0889]

this song is so awesome! the girls harmonies sound great during the chorus and the lead singer has a great voice.

[101Volts]

@robgambrell78 It ought to be fantastic, Also Just wait until they start playing The Bleeding Heart Show. Lots of people were singing along with that one, Its a moment to remember.

[beeswaxlike]

It's a shame 'cause it's one of their best songs, the studio version, but this is really a mediocre performance. The lyric miss-up is juts funny, but overall it's just so weak. The thickness is totally gone and the vocals are probably mixed in too loud.

[moogoesthecow7]

No Dan!?!?

BOOOOOOOOOOOO

[andrewjwarren03]

Did he fuck up the line at 0:42? Isn't it supposed to be "Your rights versus mine" so it rhymes with the preceding line?

[systolediastole2]

@andrewjwarren03 I think so...I think he was nervous. Or he seems kind of nervous to me.

[kirieflowergirl]

Kathryn Calder is adorable. the end.

[101Volts]

@kirieflowergirl She seems like a nice person too, I had the pleasure of talking to her at the end of their June 13th 2010 concert.

[celloprofundo]

Guy can't hold a candle to Neko, give 'er the dam microphone !

[rebonkitybonkbonk]

I <3 this.

[ExodusPessoa]

I love it

[ExodusPessoa]

@SheedaWood Get the heck out of here I'm bored too sure I'll chat with you and take your photo (lol).

[MrMagneticPelican]

gotta love kathryn calder, what a fox

[poyoung]

Let's not reduce ourselves and our music appreciation to the idle chitchat of luddites and wannabes, please. Just sayin'...

[101Volts]

To each their own...

[101Volts]

@ 5hane5hane5hane - I thought if anyone was a fan of The New Pornographers they'd know that not all music is appealing in the first so many listens. Guess I thought wrong.

[hgturner2008]

**that he seems

[hgturner2008]

Despite A.C. Newman's creepy facial hair, and the fact seems really nervous, I still love it. And of course, you gotta love Neko Case!

[kurthoop]

Does he have a lisp ive never noticed on the albums

[djscoo]

OH GOD! I don't think I'll ever be able to listen to this song the same way...knowing that they are gingers now.

[joe44850]

Ha, funny comment BUT Neko Case is freakin' gorgeous, you gotta admit! And this song, this song! So effing gooood

[joe44850]

GREAT song, I love the Brian Wilson influence in the versus

[casaburdan]

How about, "Why did they name themselves..." Before you start picking on their name, make sure you have a grasp of the English language.

[Funkussionist]

I saw them live in Wellinngton - they were fantastic!

[pistola007]

They make me feel super strong and motivated. Love them.

[ki4gmb]

Neko!

[unpopBB]

Three gingers

[highlandsanlowlands7]

They are quite lovely

[thebaconsnake]

Only recently discovered these guys but haven't stopped listening to them since. Really catchy intelligent songs with great vocal harmonies from Newman and Case. This song reminds me a little bit of Belle & Sebastien.

[101Volts]

Good for you, Don't stop listening. They have taught me what a quality band is and I do believe they will continue to be my favorite band. Check out the discography of all of the members, Most members have other bands or solo acts and there are lots of albums to choose from.

[khalahh]

Orgasm! at 3:00

[andrebreton4]

lies

[tafedafe]

Right, melodica/bong hella (really ) flat, lead vox nervous in the tv show, but wtf. One of the most promising outfits I find. Conventional harmonics but unconventionally put together and performed without a look back. Positively uncool.

[rokbom]

What?

[Lewspade]

is that guy smoking out of a synthesizer bong, just kidding.

[Bazonigo]

@Lewspade Its called a melodica. 

[avion105]

@Lewspade I think you're on to something

[blatspanner]

neko case's legs are almost as nice as my arse.

[blatspanner]

indeed,but not as nice as my ears.

[YoungDommer]

tee hee i think he messed upped the lyrics

[YewLogs026]

lol I noticed that too. But hey i mean the guy had to be nervous. I'd be if I was on letterman. :D

[BlackNGoldBuff13]

Where is Danny Bejar? I don' see him in here.

[jrkooljake109]

he doesnt always perform with the new pornographers, i guess he is busy with "destroyer"

[Ghostmaker16]

Ah bless Carl for being nervous - he need'nt have been - he IS a demi-god x

[fullofkittens]

Man, that French Horn player was hella flat.

[greatrayray]

kathryn <3

[jnbeer]

nice legs

[Nieghorn]

amen to that ... I always knew, but ... wow :)

[edjohnson1]

Did he screw up the lyrics of the first verse?

[jezkemp]

Yes he did! =]

[earthling404]

Still a credible performance even if not loose.

[JazzSpazzMimi]

I love this band..this is the best song!It is like The Shins,Wilco and BeachBoys and amazing combined!

[jukeboxhero4242]

God damn... I want to see these guys live, I love their stuff, really unique sound... they don't really follow any new trends or anything. I hate this performance,though, the blend towards the end is off, or at least sounds funny to me. I'm not exactly sure, but I think it's the woman on the piano.

[songOmatic]

Yeah I saw em live last nite. They did "Don't bring me down" by ELO. Great. Good and loud. BIG sound.

[wharfrat89]

I just consider the New Pornographers just one of those "New wave" crap rock bands before i saw them live....And honestly they rocked my socks off when i saw them live....And im a hardcore classic rock dude....so thats saying a lot....these guys have a good sound

[aaronaverill]

@wharfrat89 welcome to the party, dont be so judgemental. even us old farts can appreciate some new wave stuff once and awhile. ok they are from candada = explains it

[MusicfreaK955]

@wharfrat89 Same here man lol

[kugayama]

@wharfrat89

i loved them before my first live show - but i can totally relate to your comment. they are a fantastic live band. especially the drummer is amazing. this is one of their weaker songs though...

[medular]

@wharfrat89 I know what you mean. Their sound reminds me of classic rock. It's propelled by guitar, drums and absolutely great melodies. It reminds of the days of rock operas.

[totovillefranche]

They did this song plus a cover of an ELO song recently on french telly, brilliant.

[IslandersLikeMe]

Yeah that seems pretty appropriate, I was gonna say the chugging guitar line here sounds a lot like "Turn to Stone". I think it's songs like this that can put them in the same lofty company as ELO.

[CAJman01]

i can't believe they sound so good! they actuallly sound better live! reminds me of Jacksoul, WAYYYY better live

[AaronRes]

He was so nervous he started getting pitchy and lost control of his vibrato a little. Nevertheless, I love this song and the band. They seem to be okay live too.

[Nigeman]

they are awesome live. They seemed a little clean and restrined, as bands tend to be on letterman

[prowsej]

His voice sounded whiny in this video. Unlike on the album or on other videos of them performing live. It's unfortunate that they didn't come across as well on Letterman as some of the other Canadian indie supergroups - like Arcade Fire - have. Instrumentally, it was a solid performance. The backup vocals were spot-on. But Carl, well, he just didn't bust it out with the power and dynamic range that I know he can muster.

[slimma03]

I was at this taping. whoop whooop

[rimor51]

the new pornographers are EXCELLENT live

[alemarc72]

Excellent. Thanks!. Regards from Argentine

[realfreakaynaughtay]

I remember seeing this live! I was sooo excited!

Mass Romantic-9

Electric Version-10

Twin Cinema-9

Challengers-10

:D

[87885579253]

Wow, I so wish I hadn't of missed them when they played in toronto now.

[boneshk]

do anyone think kathryn and neko's sound always overlapped?

[PlanetTelex2]

did anyone else hear like 1 second of Neighborhood 1 (Tunnels) at the beginning of this?

[VeniceKnipe]

Yeah, both songs begin on the same note. Strange...

[DeathBySitar]

My goodness, I was thinking the same thing.

[AgentMull]

Now that you say that, I do. But the first time listening I didn't notice it.

[Bezu87]

Yeah, that's the first thing I thought about :P

[billygerdts]

neko case is a siren :)

damn, they're all good.

[MetalLink1979]

Funny that you mention that, because she voiced an actual Siren in ATHF lol

[spacecowboy2606]

This is so full of win

[cpinc40]

Neko's legs look great.

[rriul]

Really nice.

[benspraker]

Is that someone in the back playing a french horn?

[Havenscope]

I think that's a melodica.

[albayalbay]

These are my ratings for all NP albums:

Mass Romantic 6/10

Electric Version 10/10

Twin Cinema 9/10

Challengers 7/10

So Electric Version tops all!

At least for me!

[xHimirux]

What did you think of Myriad Harbour in particular? I thought the video was just awesomely done and its a great song too..

[SocietyPuffin]

wow, that is sooooo wrong

mass romantic 10/10

electric version 8/10

i agree with everything else but hey thats what makes an opinion right?

[MetalLink1979]

They sound great live, almost as good as the album

[Dorchester155]

Well, that's something real special.

[ConwayStreet]

he messed up the lyrics at the end of the first verse

[Teresasaurusrex]

True, but it sounded great all the same.

They are superb performers.

[Hardflip723]

not much of a stage presence though. :(

I mean it sounds good, but I almost fell asleep watching it.

[MetalLink1979]

There doesn't need to be a stage presence as long as the performance is top shelf. Too many artists sacrifice their sound for stage antics.

[johnnyecho]

there is a certain amount of certain presence to 3 redhead at the front of stage.... ;)

but i thought neko's legs had a bit of stage presence though?

[polosaint]

yeah i noticed that too

[ConwayStreet]

he messed up the lyrics at the end of the first verse

[reckonerdc]

they look like a great show. i'm going to see them in dc.. hope neko shows up!

[applepai23]

What is the keyboard/flute-ish thing the guy playing called?

[spinkovij]

Melodica.

[CarrotBallSquash]

Killa Carl always pulls it out.

Neko is basically Venus De Milo.

Where's Dan?

[theboyjordo]

challangers takes a few runs to reveal itself, but its fucking amazing. defo up there with mass romantic.

[christophhelbich]

this song rocks!

[TaterMySalad]

Challengers sucks compared to Electric Version and Mass Romantic. Still pretty good though.

[mgb108]

I have to disagree....Their songs aint so wild but more melodic. The best for me is Twin cinema.

[sliplip]

I love this song the winds flows so good over the lead singers crunk mot

[eaturbeats]

yo. it think the rhythm picked up far earlier than the album recording, it gave the song a different momentum that would have rung bells live. come to the land of oz, we know how to party downs heres yo.

[antiflag177]

I love AC Newman. SO much.

[GBCgirls]

omg they are soo awesome!