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JD McPherson, Live In Concert: Newport Folk 2013

NPR | By Stephen Thompson
Published July 27, 2013 at 10:48 AM EDT

JD McPherson provides a refreshing reminder that retro roots music isn't timid: His debut album, Signs & Signifiers, synthesizes blues and rockabilly and old-school rock 'n' roll with an unmistakable punk spirit. Throughout the record, he finds the delicate balance between a classic, traditionalist sound and the understanding that the styles he's emulating are rooted in rebellion, menace and even danger.

McPherson, who recorded Signs & Signifiers on old analog equipment, really brings home his raw aesthetic on the live stage. On this page, he performs as part of the 2013 Newport Folk Festival, recorded live on Friday, July 26 in Newport, R.I.

Set List

  • "Dimes For Nickels"

  • "Further On Up The Road" (Bobby 'Blue' Bland cover)

  • "Country Boy"

  • "I Can't Complain"

  • "Signs & Signifiers"

  • "Fire Bug"

  • "Abigail Blue"

  • "A Gentle Awakening"

  • "North Side Gal"

  • "Wolf Teeth"

    • Copyright 2021 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

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    Stephen Thompson
    Stephen Thompson is a host, writer and reviewer for NPR Music and Pop Culture Happy Hour. He appears frequently on All Songs Considered and NPR newsmagazines.
    See stories by Stephen Thompson