Concert Review: Jonathan Coulton in Nyack NY
Singer-Songwriter Brings the Funny to Riverspace
Nov 25, 2008
Singer, songwriter, and self-professed “man of science” Jonathan Coulton led his audience on a mad chase through the realm of science fiction at Riverspace Theater in Nyack, New York. As much a comedian as a supremely talented musician, Coulton’s set was frequently punctuated by the laughter elicited by the Brooklyn resident’s unusual songs.
Coulton Pays His Dues, Releases Music Through Creative Commons
Jonathan Coulton is a graduate of Yale University, where he studied Music and was a member of two performing a cappella groups from the school.
After college, Coulton moved to New York City, where after working a few McJobs, settled in as a software programmer while writing and recording music. Coulton turned professional in 2005 and soon began his “Thing a Week” Project, which launched him into semi-stardom.
Jonathan Coulton has a unique method of distributing his music to the masses. Coulton uses the Creative Commons License, meaning that others are welcome to reuse his work as they see fit. As a result, many music videos have appeared on the Internet using his work, further exposing him to the public and making him a sort of geek-folk hero.
Coulton at Riverspace
Coulton opened his performance at Riverspace with his song about teenaged wish fulfillment and evil robots, “The Future Soon.” He called it his test for the audience, if the audience was confused by references to robot armies and cyborg scientists, it would be a long night.
Because of the humorous nature of Coulton’s songs, it is easy to overlook his superior song craft. Coulton is a masterful songwriter, tossing around jazz chords with the glee of a fourteen year old playing the riff to “Smoke on the Water” on his Strat Squier.
Coulton preceded most of his songs with an introduction, explaining the origin of the song or his feelings regarding it. This is where Coulton’s sense of humor shines. His rapport with the audience is uncanny--it is no wonder why his fans are so devoted.
The highlight of the show was a rave up of the song “Mr. Fancy Pants.” Coulton performed the song using a Zendrum, a MIDI controller/ percussion instrument that records and loops sounds. Coulton sampled parts of the song, then played them back and remixed them as a solo of sorts, climaxing in a sample of “Never Gonna Give You Up,” by Rick Astley, a “Rickroll” of epic proportions.
Coulton finished his show with a pair of upbeat fan favorites, “I Feel Fantastic” and “Chiron Beta Prime,” eliciting a standing ovation from the audience.
Although many consider Jonathan Coulton a niche performer, his combination of clever lyrics, sophisticated chord progressions, and stage presence makes his show appealing to anyone. Fan or no, he will leave the audience laughing, visions of twisted science dancing in their heads.
 |
