A Magical and Historic Night

by Robin Hilton

I'm thrilled to be able to share a very special concert with you: It's the Elephant 6 Orchestra, recorded live at Chicago's Bottom Lounge, on Oct. 21.

You've likely heard us talk about Elephant 6 before on All Songs Considered (I also mentioned the group a couple of weeks ago on this blog). This is a large, sprawling family of bands (Neutral Milk Hotel, Of Montreal, Elf Power, and The Apples in Stereo are some of them) that formed in the early '90s. After releasing a number of acclaimed and influential albums, E6 eventually dissolved, as members moved on to other projects or went on indefinite hiatus.

When E6 reunited for this special October tour, it marked the first time in more than a decade that many of the group's members had performed together. I was particularly giddy over the news because it meant I'd finally be able to see some of my favorite artists live. I was living out of the country during the collective's most prolific and exciting period back in the '90s and never got to see any of the E6 bands in concert (with the exception of Elf Power and Of Montreal, two of the group's bands that have continued releasing records).

I was totally geeking out at the Chicago show. I'll let you listen to the performance and read more at our concert page. But it was a very special and memorable night for everyone in E6 and everyone in the audience.

So what's a favorite band you've never gotten to see?

3:52 PM ET | 10-27-2008 | permalink

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