At the suggestion of Etouffe, I spent a wonderful birthday in Cleveland (land of the Cleves). We took the dames, battled a blizzard and made our way to the House of Blues to see Carl “A.C.” Newman and company, aka The New Pornographers. Despite the ban on photography we got what Oswald didn’t – a clear shot.

In town to promote their brilliant new record, “Brill Bruisers,” the New P’s had a special weapon with them at this performance, Dan Bejar the Destroyer. Of course, this meant that the band played “Myriad Harbour,” “Ballad of A Comeback Kid” and, best of all, “If You Can’t See My Mirrors.” I think we have seen the New Pornographers 4 times, but this is the only time the reticent Bejar has joined them. Oddly, he only appeared on stage to perform his own songs. Apparently, there is no Team in Pornography. Take that, Scotty J.

Opening for fans of Pornography, were The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, one of the great young power pop bands on Earth or Other Earth. Kip Berman and company ripped right into “Until the Sun Explodes” and continued to supernova their way through an awesome set. Kudos for playing “Heart in Your Heartbreak,” a personal favourite. Only disappointment was that I didn’t get a picture with Kip when he walked past my table. He said he’d be at the merch table after the show. But he wasn’t. Maybe we’ll see them again after they complete their exams.

Finally, if you haven’t purchased “Too Bright” from Perfume Genius then you’ll have nothing to discuss with your relatives during the long holiday season. Co-produced by Adrian Utley of Portishead, the music is intense, soulful and brash. It smells good too! Complete earworm!