Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer: An Evening With Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer

Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer
An Evening With Neil Gaiman & Amanda Palmer
(8Ft Records)
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars

Even the most artsy among us can become insufferably gushy and giddy when in the throes of a new romantic relationship. Unfortunately writer Neil Gaiman and theatrical singer/songwriter Amanda Palmer capture that on tape and have now released it publicly on this three-disc set of show highlights from their short 2011, post-marriage, five city joint tour. The package has been available through a successful Kickstarter campaign for their fan club members, likely the only ones that will enjoy this bloated three hour “evening with” experience.

Both Palmer and Gaiman are more than game and noticeably aware of, and playing to, their cult status. Gaiman reads from various writings, Palmer sings (a few songs are previously unreleased), strums some ukulele and plays piano. There is a LOT of chatting, between the two and with the audience. A section of the concert even features them answering pre-submitted questions. It’s all pleasant and lively enough and those fascinated by details on Palmer’s past are in for a treat.

But the overriding implication that anything they utter is somehow witty, clever or humorous in a winking insider way gets old quickly. Over the course of three hours, anyone not already a rabid follower will lose patience and have their finger poised on the skip track button. This dry, quirky/cool, alternative intellectual vibe, just short of pretentious, is eaten up by a clearly adoring audience that is far too eager and enthusiastic in reacting to the duo’s cheerful chitchat and Palmer’s sometimes introspective, occasionally comedic lyrics. On stage together, the coy banter between the newly married twosome is as cloying as freshly married people get, only worse since you are aware that these are “artistes.”

Extended, detailed, articulated intros go on far too long and, with Gaiman’s spoken renditions of his work, delegate this to the “diehard fans only” bin, for which it was initially intended.