Inspired by P2 accolades for Mike Nicolai, I caught a short
set of his last night at a coffeehouse known mostly for f**k music. I
thought his songwriting was a blast; really imaginative without a hint of
coyness and ultimately very personal. I like this guy. His singing reminds
me of the UT school (a style I find amiable but not particularly moving) and his
guitar work is no more than adequate but these things are not the point.
Finding delightful ways to write about the same old everyday heartaches, Nicolai
hits home. He'll be back in Chicago next week with Jeff Tweedy and others
at Lounge Ax.
Oh, and when he yodels about thunderstorms, I like it
fine.
Kelly
