Show Review: Regina Spektor at Metropolis

Last night I had the chance to attend Regina Spektor’s show as her tour made a stop in Montreal. On my way there, I have to admit I did not have a clue what to expect! The first time I heard of Spektor is when she was featured on the “500 Days of Summer” soundtrack back in 2009. I immediately fell in love with her fun and quirky lyrics, as well as her incredible unique voice; as did many others. When I walked into the venue, I couldn’t believe how many people were there. Montreal had been waiting for Regina and now I can really say that I understand why; she puts on a hell of an amazing show.

As soon as she walked on stage, a complete silence like none other emerged and only her voice could be heard as she sang “Ain’t no Cover”. Right then and there I knew I was in for a treat.

She tried a little French on us, testing “Bonsoir” and “Bonne Soirée” before continuing with “The Calculation” and “On the radio”, one of my favorites, that got everyone in the room clapping. And as the songs “Ode to Divorce”, “Patron Saint” and “How” were played, I found myself being lost in thought. Although I enjoy when artists tell stories of how their songs came to life, I realized Regina didn’t need to say one word to introduce her songs. They speak for themselves as stories being told. Not only do you get wrapped in the action, but you find yourself relating lyrics to aspects of your life.

My favorite part of the night had to be when she sang “All the Rowboats”. The live version of the song is so hauntingly beautiful and as the lights changed from red to white to blue; it couldn’t have been more visually amazing. The tone of the song was definitely set.

She then invited her opening act, Only Son on stage with her to sing “Call them Brothers”, seeming appropriate as they wrote that song together! It was the ideal

mix as their voices intertwined perfectly together.

The crowd kept growing louder and louder as the songs kept on coming. Regina played an impressive 25 song set list, something I had yet to see. To the very first notes of different songs, you could hear people yelling in excitement and then singing, dancing and clapping along without warning.

Needless to say, Regina Spektor is another one of those artists I am so glad I finally got to see live. Not only does she have amazing vocal talent but she is genuinely the sweetest thing to come over to our side of the world. I look forward to what’s in store in her future.

Regina Spektor Set list at Metropolis:

1-      Ain’t No Cover

2-      The Calculation

3-      On the Radio

4-      Small Town Moon

5-      Ode to Divorce

6-      Patron Saint

7-      How

8-      All the Rowboats

9-      Blue Lips

10-   Call Them Brothers (with Only Son)

11-    The Prayer of Francois Villon

12-   Dance Anthem of the 80s

13-    Better

14-   (Don’t Leave Me) Ne Me Quitte Pas

15-   Firewood

16-   Ballad of a Politician

17-   Sailor Song

18-   Folding Chair

19-   Oh Marcello

20-   Open

21-   The Party

22-   Us

23-   Fidelity

24-    Hotel Song

25-   Samson