WEEKEND MUSIC: I will follow Death Cab for Cutie into the dark
I Will Follow You Into the Dark kills me every time I hear it.
The 2005 song by Death Cab for Cutie is on the subject of literally undying love. It’s a perfect song with acoustic guitar, over which frontman Ben Gibbard sings a dark lullaby: “Love of mine, someday you will die, but I’ll be close behind, and I’ll follow you into the dark. No blinding light, or tunnels to gates of white, just our hands clasped so tight, waiting for the hint of a spark.”
Kills just reading it.
This could work for anyone: A married couple, family members, friends, any loved one who may be struggling, or maybe about to die, and scared – and hopefully soothed with the ultimate comforting thought that transcends life, death, even the afterlife: “If heaven and hell decide that they both are satisfied, illuminate the ‘no’s on their vacancy signs. If there’s no one beside you when your soul embarks, then I’ll follow you into the dark.”
This isn’t the only atheist love anthem out there (refer to Vein of Stars by the Flaming Lips), but it’s one of the most powerful.
Weirdly, I Will Follow You Into the Dark is not Death Cab’s biggest hit. There are others that charted higher in North America, like Soul Meets Body and I Will Possess Your Heart – you are perhaps sensing a theme? – and singles from Death Cab’s 2018 album, Thank You For Today. But I Will Follow You Into the Dark will go down in history as the defining song from this remarkable band. If a one-hit wonder they be, there are far worse fates.
Death Cab for Cutie plays Saturday at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, with Dizzy opening. 6:30 pm, tickets from $77
Thursday 11
Yes We Mystic – Here’s a weird Winnipeg band with dubious origins and a weird new album, Ten Seated Figures. A screed on a new video reads, “For the last six months there have been two groups of performers claiming to be the band Yes We Mystic. Both have played shows, recorded music, and consorted with the press. There is no telling who the ‘real’ Yes We Mystic is.” Whoever they are plays the Station on Jasper this night. 7 pm, $10 advance
Friday 12
Hersilia – Named for the mythical Roman anti-war Goddess , this local alt-blooze act works hard to describe themselves the “‘Edmonton as Fuck’ lovechild of The Smiths, Neutral Milk Hotel, and The Front Bottoms.” Old people respond: The who in the what in the where now? Find out at the Aviary with Hersilia’s single release show, with Paige Drobot and Days in support. 8 pm, $12 advance
Saturday 13
Jash and the Winos – This living Celtic hootenanny – kind of like a younger, hippier and more outrageous version of Captain Tractor – has been getting mad respect for its earthy, energetic performances, and for the presence of fiddler Jarret Gray, who made the news in February after being arrested and charged with “aggressive panhandling” while busking in front of Rogers Place. He challenged with chutzpah, and the charge was dropped. He continues to busk and play in several Edmonton bands, of which Jash and the Winos is one. This is what a musician has to do to make a living these days. The Winos play the Black Dog this afternoon, with opener Lutra Lutra – another favourite. 4 pm, NO COVER
Late Night at Alberta Pianofest – Who knows what these crazy Liszt-o-maniacs participating in the Alberta Pianofest get up to in their “letting loose” time? You can find out at the Naked Cyber Café, at 10303 108 Street. The fun starts at 7 pm, not so late, free admission.
Centuries of Decay – From the name alone one may guess that they’re a “death metal” band, and one would be correct – which means fast, loud, heavy riffs laden with deep distorted guitars, pounding double kicksmanship, and vocals that sound like the Cookie Monster ran amok and started eating children on Sesame Street. In short, the perfect night at Edmonton’s metal emporium, the Rendezvous Pub. Opening the show will be Waking Mayhem, Doomsday Grin, and Tortured Saint. 8 pm, $10 advance
