Wednesday March 2, 2005 Over The Rhine. Tin Angel- Philadelphia, PA. Ohio's Over The Rhine have quietly created an amazing legacy of music over their 14 year career. From the massive Ohio double album, one of the best of 2003, back to their breakthrough Good Dog, Bad Dog, OTR have amassed an impressive array of catchy pop/ folk/ alternative songs. Lead by the remarkable vocals of Karen Bergquist and the keyboard and guitar of Linford Detweiler, Over The Rhine have created a very dedicated following in the past decade. Testament to this were the two sold out at the Tin Angel in Philly, and all to witness tracks that no one in the crowd had yet heard.
After the masterpiece that was Ohio, it would be challenging for the band repeat. With Drunkard's Prayer, an album that was recorded in Bergquist and Detweiler's living room. I was curious how these understated songs would come off live. "There's a lot of love in these tracks," Detweiler remarked as they opened the set. And indeed, one felt as if the Tin Angel had been transformed into the couple's living room, and had been witness to some of the most poignant and private moments of their daily lives. Highlights from the new material included I Want To Be Your Love, Born, and Lookin' Forward, as well as a stunning version of My Funny Valentine to close out the night.
Also notable were performances of All I Need Is Everything from Good Dog, Bad Dog and a gorgeous version of Suitcase from Ohio. Kim Taylor accompanied the band on guitar on backing vocals, as well as opening the show with her haunting and all-to-brief set.