It’s been a long time since Loudon struck novelty gold with “Dead Skunk In The Middle of the Road”. Just turned 75, and a grandpa for the fourth time, Loudon brought the comic troubadour to this renovated historic venue. I’ve followed his career intently since the release of History in 1992, a near perfect recording by my estimation. The comedy camouflages biting lyricism as it pertains to family and relationships. A notorious partier and womanizer, Loudon grew up in Westchester, the product of a country club 60s upbringing, in fact he opened with Westchester County. The setlist touched on most of his career but left out some obvious gems. No matter, I was happy to be in the front row for this solo performance. The setlist included Be Careful There’s a Baby in The House, The Swimming Song, The Picture (about his sister), I’d Rather Be Lonely, Four Mirrors, White Winos (about his mom), The Shit Song, High Wide and Handsome (from the Charlie Poole project), My Meds, One Wish, Family Vacation, and Lifetime Achievement. Loudon played acoustic, banjo, and even some ukulele. At one point, he picked up the iPad and read a hilarious description as to his wishes for his memorial service. As with any comedy inflected performance, audience “participation” plays a role. Whether it be heckling, or calling out song titles, you just know it will happen. On this evening, we were seated near the cackler ( not to be confused with her male counterpart, the bloviator). The cackler cackled, chimed in, and apparently knew Loudon. At one point, Loudon had to de-cackle this woman, a good song in the making. Closed with an excellent version of Primrose Hill.
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