If you've listened to one or even both of Rice's albums, it's possible you might have formed an image of a miserable Irish man spending his time moping whilst writing beautiful, sad songs. I certainly had at least a shadow of that character in my head, went into gorgeous Massey Hall (have you seen that ceiling?) prepared for a night of incredibly talented depression.


Kind of like this...

Instead I was pleased to find that Mr. Rice is dryly witty, totally self-deprecating (in the comedic way us Canadians have so refined) and well, quite hilarious. He also is one of those performers that transforms from the aforementioned funny Irish man into a tower of sound and furious emotion, wrenching some of his songs ('Me, My Yoke and I' and a few others...I'm especially looking at you) from some deep dark part of his musical soul.



I actually managed, thanks to the fact that Massey is one of them civilized venues with seats (oh the luxury!), to write out a complete set list, copied below:

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Set List

9 Crimes
"Baby Sister" (a b-side I didn't know)
Volcano
Me, My Yoke and I
Aimee
Coconut Skins
Woman Like A Man
Delicate
Never Leave You - performed by his cellist
I Remember
Accidental Babies
Cannonball


[Encore]
The Professor
Blower's Daughter
Unplayed Piano
Cheers Darlin'

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He played almost all of the songs I was wishing for (with the exception of 'Rootless Tree'), my personal highlights being 'Delicate', 'Accidental Babies' and 'Blower's Daughter' (since each of those songs rends my heart in the most beautiful way).

The first four songs of the set were played back to back with no exposition whatsoever - it wasn't until 'Aimee' that Rice let slip his knack for storytelling (he is Irish after all) and getting laughs from the audience.

Within these first four songs I was thoroughly impressed by the way he altered each tune just enough to set it apart from the album version - '9 Crimes' was preceded by a sweet piano melody that ever so gradually evolved into the intro for the song itself, and 'Volcano', well it blew me away. What is, on O, a relatively quiet song started out in that vein live, but near the end it began to gain momentum as an electric guitar joined Rice's acoustic and a cello, which was in turn followed by a sudden rush of what could only be called epic sound when the drums tuned in.

'Accidental Babies', one of my top five, all time favourite Rice songs, was incredible to hear live, the raw emotion in the lyrics (such as, "do you come together ever with him? / Is he dark enough, enough to see your light? / Do you brush your teeth before you kiss? / Do you miss my smell...") pouring into the air and bringing a few audience members to tears (the girl beside me was sniffling something fierce).

The final song of the initial set, 'Cannonball' was performed without a microphone at the front of the stage, bringing an even greater sense of intimacy to the show, as even from my spot in the balcony I could hear him perfectly.

After the properly timed conceit of "we've left and might come back if you clap," Rice and crew returned to play another four songs, the highlights of which were 'Blower's Daughter' (played pretty much like the album version, but that song is so incredible already it was better without embellishment/experimentation methinks) and the final song 'Cheers Darlin''.

At this point the rest of the band had exited stage right, and Rice was left standing alone in the centre, one spotlight trained to his position. Suddenly, a man dressed as a waiter, apron and napkin-on-the-arm included, walked onstage and poured Rice a glass of red wine, which he took to a nearby chair and proceeded to sit down. After a sip or two, the melody of 'Cheers Darlin'' began, and Rice put on a spot of acting for us to match the story of the song (the short version: a man is at the wedding of a woman he's always loved but never was brave enough to tell her...here's a link to the lyrics if you're interested). It was completely hilarious and a great way to end a fantastic night.



Rice said at the end of the concert that he'll probably be coming back to Toronto in September. I shall be there with bells on - one night with Damien Rice could never be enough.