1. The set in Emerson Suites this past Friday was nothing short of a life-changing experience. Playing a solo show consisting mainly of "ancient s**t," (his words) John Darnielle managed to lull hundreds of normally boisterous college students to a haunting silence during one of the most beautiful, raw performances I've ever seen.

2. The new songs he played were amazing! He debuted at least two songs for the first time ever for us, and they met every expectation. "Deuteronomy 2:12" and "Genesis 30:3" were the most memorable for me, with the latter being a far-and-away favorite. Something about the simplicity of the chorus line -- "I will do what you ask me to do because of how I feel about you" -- just gave me shivers. Can't wait to hear them on the upcoming album The Life Of The World To Come.

3. John was wearing a Farm Sanctuary shirt! Supporting one of the greatest organizations in the Ithaca area is always a good thing. When I met him before the show he even had a pocketful of Farm Sanctuary flyers he was passing out. Check it!

4. Dude really and truly loves his fan base. The set was the definition of a "fans' set," with John playing the best, oddest selections from the whole breadth of his recording career. Tuning his guitar once, he prefaced the song with "I wrote this back when I didn't really know how to play guitar, so even if it still sounds like that, at least it'll be in tune!" In addition to these old, rough gems, he delivered the best and most loved songs from Zopilote Machine, Sunset Tree, and Heretic Pride, pleasing the old and new fans alike. I don't think anyone was left desiring anything after firey impassioned singalongs such as "Dance Music" and "This Year."

5. He closed with "Best Ever Death Metal Band Out Of Denton," complete with the whole crowd shouting along with a frightening ecstacy to the ending lines "Hail Satan! Hail Satan, tonight!" Geez, what a way to end a show. Amazing. (Ed.: I particularly like the contrast here with the whole Bible theme of his new stuff -- JD's got both sides of the equation covered.)

Hit the gallery for some delightfully snarly pics from the whole affair!