Oh, man. Thanks to my great friend Ross Chait, I was lucky enough to see Jeff Mangum last night (picture above). I sat behind a pole, which felt oddly appropriate. I could switch eyes (camera 1, camera 2) and see the living legend, or just listen to him like I and everyone else has done since he dropped out.

I’d been waiting to see him live since I immediately fell in love with “Holland, 1945” after hearing it on Joe Poteracki’s myspace in 8th grade. It really felt crazy being in the same room as him. The performance was earnest, charming, and, overall, mindblowing with lyric-heavy songs like “Gardenhead (which I’d never heard before)” and “Oh, Comely.” His lyrical talent really shines through in an extensive sitting; it was like 2 hours. I will say his onstage banter did little to illuminate the mystery that is the man, which was one reason I felt the need to see him. 

Also, I went to his second show at BAM on Saturday, and, according to VICE, Stephen Colbert was there too. Brief Story: So my sister got me tickets to a live taping of the Colbert Report for my 18th birthday. At a commercial break, they played “Holland, 1945.” I was sitting in the front row (since I had gotten there way way early). So I was mouthing the words to the song, and Colbert noticed. During “Ride the circus wheel,” he pointed at me, mouthed the words along with me, and made a circular motion with his pointing finger. Now, I’m feeling so lucky and happy we both shared in the Mangum again.