Spinner

Tegan and Sara Show Off 'Sainthood' and Comedic Skills at New York's Town Hall

"It's so self-indulgent to play all your new music," Tegan Quin said during her Town Hall performance in New York City Friday night. "But here's the thing: it's not about you."

She had a point. Tegan and Sara had just released their latest album, 'Sainthood,' on Tuesday and were kicking off a two-night engagement at the prestigious Manhattan venue.

Dressed in black, the indie rock twins discussed the new effort (named after a Leonard Cohen lyric) and cheerfully bantered about topics ranging from texts messages from their mom to the impending Armageddon.

From the hard-charging album opener 'Arrow' to the wistful closing tune 'Someday,' the Canadian duo effervescently performed each of the new record's thirteen tracks. Tegan and Sara even managed to slip in some of their previous material, like 'Nineteen,' 'Walking With a Ghost' and 'Where Does the Good Go' during the lengthy showcase. Towards the end of the night, they announced they didn't have time to perform an encore and just had the audience cheer in between songs to simulate the experience of watching one.

Tegan and Sara not only dazzled the crowd with the breadth of their set, but also the depth of their banter. Discussing their view of New York ("It's the type of place where people get their plaid shirts dry-cleaned"), as well as famous New York institutions ("You Americans are so intense about love and guns," Sara Quin said of seeing Liza Minnelli on Broadway), the musicians playfully engaged the crowd. When an audience member requested a copy of the set list and a photo with the performers because they were from Pakistan, Tegan quipped, "I'm Canadian, what do I get? Oh yeah, free health care."

But they saved their best material for each other. "I think you're doing stand-up," interjected Tegan, after one of her sister's quirky monologues. "Sara needs someone to talk to and therapy is too expensive." Fortunately, the audience was hanging onto every word, because after all, it was all about the people onstage.

For more of the duo's music and impeccable comedic timing, check out a recap of last week's Tegan and Sara's Spinner takeover, featuring exclusive video interviews and performances.

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Anam

When an audience member requested a copy of the set list and a photo with the performers because he came from Pakistan, Tegan quipped, "I'm Canadian, what do I get? Oh yeah, free health care."



Its not a he, its a SHE. it's me lol.

October 31 2009 at 4:25 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
liz

I was there last night- INCREDIBLE.

The music was amazing as always, and the banter went above and beyond- the best.

October 31 2009 at 3:01 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jacenK

i love my girls

October 31 2009 at 2:11 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rachfaced

nice review!


Setlist 10/30/09 nyc @town hall

1) The Con
2) Walking With a Ghost
3) I Bet it Stung
4) Speak Slow
5) Arrow
6) Don’t rush
7) Hell
8) On Directing
9) Red Belt
10) The Cure
11) Northshore
12) Night Watch
13) Soil, Soil
14) Knife Going In
15) Like Oh, Like H
16) Nineteen
17) Where Does the Good Go
18) Alligator
19) Paperback Head
20) The Ocean
21) Sentimental Tune
22) Someday
23) Back in Your Head
24) Living Room
25) Call it Off

October 31 2009 at 1:38 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply