Collberg with a French Twist
 |
 |
The songs on Andrew Collberg’s 2006 CD are listed in two groups, as if they ought to appear on two sides of a record. It’s a nice touch, a nod to the music of yesteryear that clearly influences this kid’s songwriting. Kid? Well, when he released the CD, yes; a story about the CD’s release noted that Collberg, then 19, wouldn’t be able to drink at his own release party. He’s old enough to pick up a pint after the show now, but his CD still sounds youthful and sweet, the product of a musician who clearly spent a lot of time with Beatles and Dylan records when he was even younger. You might also hear a twist of Elliott Smith or a spoonful of the Kinks in Collberg’s songs, for which he plays every instrument, from the spare percussion (he learned to play drums at 7) to the harmonica to the ever-present acoustic guitar. Many of the 16 tracks wouldn’t have seemed out of place on the Rushmore soundtrack, though you could argue about whether the almost too-brief “When We’re Old and Lost” or the tambourine-spotted “Come Home With Me” would be more appropriate.
Collberg is on tour with French-born Marianne Dissard, for whom he plays drums. Dissard’s 2008 CD l’entredeux piled up accolades for its melding of French and Americana elements; her quietly sultry voice floats atop music cowritten and produced by Calexico’s Joey Burns. L’entredeux’s languid, charming songs are sung in French, but the CD booklet helpfully provides English translations of the lyrics — a good thing, too, or you might never know that “Les Confettis,” which Dissard seems to sing with a smile, begins “Here is to our loves, to confettis, to wine that gets us drunk all night.” Take it as nostalgia or take it as affection; it’s a lovely sentiment either way. Marianne Dissard and Andrew Collberg play at 8 pm Tuesday, May 5, at Wandering Goat. Donations. — Molly Templeton
A Note From the Publisher
Dear Readers,
The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.
That’s because of you!
Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.
Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.
We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.
And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.
None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.
As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.
Thank you for standing with us!
Publisher
Eugene Weekly
P.S. If you’d like to talk about supporting EW, I’d love to hear from you!
jody@eugeneweekly.com
(541) 484-0519