Thought I'd drop just a quick word about seeing John Doe in Seattle
at the Triple Door last night. First time for me to the Triple Door,
it's basically a throwback to a classic nightclub, with fine sound
and an interesting lineup of acts. Why did it take so long for me to
get here? I'm still wondering about that.

Kind of a weird place to see John, though. I guess the Knitters
played Getty Center, so having the somewhat scruffy Doe playing in
this swanky club isn't that much of a stretch. The show seemed very
constrained, though, with everyone sitting at their tables, sipping
cocktails and watching John, all alone on a big stage. And, he also
seemed to have been locked down into a fixed time slot.

John Doe was in fine form, though. It amazes me how he can be so spot-
on when he wants to be (I'm remembering the Knitters on Letterman),
and so rough most times. Both fun and enjoyable, but different.

The setlist was unusual - only one X song that I spotted (Burning
House) and one Knitters tune (Rank Stranger). First time I ever saw
Mr. Doe not play New World. The good news was some new tunes - one
announce collaboration with Exene (which he said would probably find
its way onto the next Knitters CD), and others I didn't recognize
(but could have been on an older solo CD).

All in all, a lot of fun, and John was working the CD selling table
after the show, very affably. Really bummed that I have to miss BOTH
of the X shows next month!