The first time I went to Tinkle, the musical guest was The Aisler’s Set – I still have no idea who they are, but hey.
The second time I went, it was the Christmas show last year. The musical guest was Yo La Tengo. They rocked. I started listening to them.
The third time I went, it was the Kerry benefit over the summer. The musical guest was Ted Leo. He rocked hard. I started listening to him immediately.
So tonight, at Pianos, there was another Tinkle show. Again, the signs said “Surprise Musical Guest”. I sat, somewhat curious, as Todd Barry and David Cross started into their band introduction. (Jon Benjamin was sadly ill, with career-destroying diarrhea.)
And then they said, “So here’s Wilco.” My jaw dropped, as again, here’s a critically acclaimed band I’ve been meaning to give a shot, and they’re playing a dirt cheap show in an intimate setting.
It apparently didn’t sink in with some people, and when they actually saw the band getting on the stage, at least five people went “HOLY SHIT IT’S REALLY WILCO”.
And then they covered “Love Will Keep Us Together”, by The Captain & Tennille.
And to cap off the surreal evening, David insisted on handing out candy g-strings to everyone who was in attendance. Katie and I both got one.
Line of the night goes to Eugene Mirman:
Hey, where’s the nearest A train? …Who wants to know? How about Secret Agent I’m Going To Kick You So Hard In The Dick You’re Going To Come FEAR?!
Finally, Todd – since I know you’re reading this, can I buy you a drink or a meal or something some time? You guys have been rocking too much.
RELATED: BrooklynVegan has some pictures.
Jen Carlson yields a double dose, providing both pictures on Gothamist as well as on her own blog. Jen also wins extra awesome points for posting a video of the Captain and Tennille cover