One quickly learns that, for Syd, it wouldn’t be a show without an ample supply of irreverence and their third appearance here at Plymouth didn’t disappoint. For those of you new to campus (or waking life), the show on September 8th was the first of many musical performances brought to you by PACE. For more information and a full schedule of events, see www.paceevents.org.
Last spring Syd helped kick off the semester, opening for Michael Tolcher (a.k.a. ‘The Tolch’). Syd referenced Tolcher during Thursday’s performance, jokingly noting that, “The Tolch has a kid in every state.” Bringing to mind some bizarre game of paternal Monopoly, Syd assured the audience that he’s catchin’ up, but is still missing Alaska. Not too shabby for a guy from Vermont.
One of the notable qualities about Syd’s live performances is his consistent stage presence. He never comes across as awkward or bumbling, always comfortable. His between-songs anecdotes are sometimes bizarre, but always entertaining. After noting the low, low super-discounts at his merchandise table – merely $60 for the signed CD and hot make out session combo – Syd gave an in-depth dissertation on the pot bellied salt pork sandwich he’d devoured prior to the show. Apparently, he only eats the finest, saltiest pork found floating on the exotic Dead Sea. It’s this type of humor that endears Syd to his fans.
Noticeably absent from the stage was Syd’s ‘BFF’ (best friend forever), Tuck Stocking. When a member of the audience piped up, “Where’s Tuck?” Syd, noting that people have a tendency to bring up sore spots, exclaimed, “We broke up!” This raised some eyebrows as Syd and Tuck have an almost notoriously long-lasting friendship. Syd continued, “He doesn’t like my music anymore.” In actuality, Tuck is in high demand. “He’s got like seventeen other bands,” Syd joked. The ‘hawk rocks out the guitar, dontcha know.
Tuck’s stylistic influence was also noticeably diminished. That isn’t to say Syd and the band didn’t rock out, but rather they held to more acoustic, pop styling than metalhead. Syd owned the music a little more, displaying a talent for producing songs that are both uniquely his and show his varied stylistic influences. Inevitably, the more you listen to his songs, the more you love them.
Another revelation from the show stemmed from Syd’s explanation of Tuck’s absence. In March, Syd will be moving to California to begin work on a new series on PBS called Roadtrip Nation. An appropriate opportunity for a guy whose time is consumed with touring. As for that, never fear. Syd assured the audience he would most definitely continue rolling down the highway in his minivan.
For anyone with the urge to road trip, Syd will be at the Middle Earth Music Hall in Bradford, Vermont on September 28th. Also on the 30th, featured in the NEMO DecentXposure Showcase at the Paradise Lounge in Boston. (For more information, see www.nemoboston.com or www.thedise.com.)
To hear a selection of Syd’s songs you can go to sydband.com or check out his MySpace exclusive of the month, ‘Here’s A Love Song.’ Originally recorded on his 2002 acoustic album “Week Days, Weak Knees,” the version promo’d on MySpace is equally lovely but from 2005. Also featured on MySpace are three tracks from his new album, “Fault Lines”.
For those interested in hearing more from Syd, according to the band’s website, 100% of profits from the sale of “Fault Lines” sold at CDbaby.com will be donated to the Red Cross to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina.