I gotta be honest, I go to a lot of shows. Anyone who pays any attention to the calendar page of the site knows that. An unfortunate side-effect of that is that I’ve become slightly desensitized to the excitement of seeing a concert, so I’m rarely genuinely excited about seeing a show. This past Friday’s Todd Snider show at Skipper’s, however, was one of those rare occasions.

Todd Snider brought his brand of politically charged jingle-jangle with a little folksoulcountry wit to Tampa for a sit down show at the always amicable Skipper’s Smokehouse. Mother Nature even seemed to be in a good mood, giving us a break in the rains long enough for the entire show to take place sans dripping trees. The show started out somewhat clunky. First was a full-band that opened up the show (I apologize, I came in during their set and never caught their name) very well. They played a crackling ‘78 version of Americana well enough, so I was sad I only managed to catch three songs. This mystery band was followed by Rebecca Zapen, who was, in a word, forgettable. though I’m not even sure it was her fault. I mean, she may suck outright, but I was disinterested long before I could decide if she was good or not. Why? Why, WMNF, did you sandwich a largely unfamiliar girl doing standard coffeehouse singer/songwriter fare in between a full band and Todd Snider? She had no chance from the start and the entire crowd seemed largely bored with her. Personally, I headed to the bar for libations and conversation with a fella who just moved to Tampa from Chicago and I was marvelling at his shorts and ‘flops in February attire.

Todd took the stage in pretty much the most perfect way I could have imagined. No announcement, no fanfare, no shoes. He walked out and just started playing. He even saved the “I’m Todd Snider” banter ’til he was done with the opening tune. Then after a quick introduction he plowed through a short set of pre-planned songs before opening up the floor for song requests. He then spent the next 70 or so minutes playing requests, sharing stories and offering opinions.

Now, I wanted to type a short story about this show, but whilst marinating on what I was gonna say it continually boiled down to one word; inspiring. Todd Snider’s show at Skipper’s Smokehouse was inspiring. It lived up to every hope and expectation I had and I think anyone at the show understands what I’m talking about and, odds are, they’re the only ones still reading this. However, should you still be reading this but weren’t at the show, then make a mental note to go see Todd next time he is in town. It’s well worth the effort. Hell, go early and eat dinner, after all…it is Skipper’s. I recommend the fried Catfish dinner.

Todd Snider – Is This Thing On?
Todd Snider – Money, Compliments, Publicity (Song Number Ten)
Todd Snider – Doublewide Blues
Todd Snider – Greencastle Blues

These are two live tracks with some hilarious stories attached:

Todd Snider – Vinyl Records
Todd Snider – Aaron Allen

Todd’s eighth studio effort, The Excitement Plan, contains Todd’s signature whimsical, half-drunk vocal deliveries along with pared down instrumentals and another host of misfits and outsiders. It was recorded over 2 1/2 days by Todd and producer Don Was with little rehearsal beforehand. The lack of rehearsal (I assume) helps lend to Todd’s slightly ramshackle sound.

There are plenty of people out there much better educated on the back story and discography of Todd Snider than I so I’ll leave it to them to be told, as I only discovered Todd with The Devil You Know. That said, I do think The Excitement Plan, possibly moreso than any previous album, really manages to showcase and display all of his gifts. You have the biographical tale of a 70’s-era Pittsburgh Pirate pitcher, Doc Ellis, who managed to pitch a no-hitter while on LSD, “America’s Favorite Pastime,” as well as the confessional of “Money, Compliments and Publicity”. There is even a duet with Loretta Lynn (who also shared in co-writing duties) “Don’t Tempt Me”, where Todd and Loretta are romantic combatants.

My favorite thing about The Excitement Plan is that it manages to be political without feeling preachy, which is a complete turn-off even if I agree with the politics.

Check out the album, it’s a blast to listen to.

Todd Snider – Money, Compliments, Publicity (Song Number 10)
Todd Snider – America’s Favorite Pastime
Todd Snider – Greencastle Blues

Todd Snider’s Official Site, Todd Snider on myspace, Buy The Excitement Plan