Nick Cave in slow motion, sans Gothic fire and brimstone.  Leonard Cohen were he a European sophisticate.  Scott Walker had he the benefit of a little soul.

While any of these descriptions are perfectly serviceable boarding passes when describing Tindersticks to the uninitiated, they’re all completely wrong.  Last Friday the 13th, Tindersticks proved in performance they are nothing less musically than the sound of the conscience confronting the heart — and the episode of whiplash which ensues.

Tindersticks helmsman Stuart Staples led his six comrades through what almost instantly revealed itself to be an extraordinary occasion.  Wielding guitars, drums, bass, keys, vibes, cello and various horns, Tindersticks repeatedly transcended their recorded works with flawless and improved renditions of songs that didn’t really require any improving to begin with.  Each subsequent performance built upon the one before until it seemed an impossible, insurmountable zenith had been achieved.

And then Tindersticks said the hell with that and kept going anyway.

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Tags: 1960s soul, Angel donor, Claire Denis, Friday the 13th, George Burns, Henry Fonda Theater, Introduction, Leonard Cohen, live review, Los Angeles, Morning Becomes Eclectic, Mother Dear, My Sister, Nic Harcourt, nick cave, NPR, Salome, Scott Walker, She's Gone, Sleepy Song, Stuart Staples, The Hungry Saw, Tindersticks, vegansexual