Steve Slaybaugh and I attended the CMJ Music Convention in 2002 and one of the few bands we both agreed to see together was The Polyphonic Spree, a band that neither of us knew much about but that had been building a buzz due to their live performances.
I’ll never forget standing in the ballroom of a hotel where the “Day Stage” had been set up and watching an army of white-robed musicians work their way to the stage. Once in place (it seemed like there had to have been 30 members, from the dozen or so people in the choir to the many different instrumentalists), the music started and so did the crowd’s bouncing-in-place. Steve and I were stuck in the middle of it, in awe and just watching this cult-like scene play out in front of our eyes and everybody … EVERYBODY … was smiling.
From that point forward, I have always recommended that if you have the chance to see The Polyphonic Spree live, you should take advantage of it because there aren’t too many live experiences like it. It’s a little odd that the band booked a tour before their new album comes out (Yes, It’s True comes out August 6) but I promise that it won’t make a difference whether or not you can sing along with every song.
The Polyphonic Spree, with special guest Harper Simon (yep, Paul’s kid), brings their spectacle to The Newport on Tuesday, June 25. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 day of show.
