Marnie Stern's 2008 release This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That did not click with me. It was just too cluttered and noisy. And so it was with some skepticism that I awaited Marnie Stern''s set at the Kill Rock Stars/Bitch Magazine day party.
Things did not start well for Stern, as she began her set by accidentally dropping her guitar pick in her beer. After she had removed the pick (amongst shouts of "chug" from the lively crowd), she proceeded to completely shred her guitar. And at the same time completely change my opinion of her music. The commotion of Stern's pieces translates perfectly to the live setting. Instead of jarring and distracting, it came across as invigorating and uplifting. In addition, Stern is extremely likeable on stage. During and between each piece she radiated happy energy, and was engaging in her crowd interaction.
It looks like I'll have to give This Is It... another listen!
