Equal parts Erik Satie, grainy falsetto singing and a French chanson vibe, Patrick Watson is a songwriter that weaves fabric from a different set of threads than most. Gorgeously structured chord progressions build and twist over the clanging of traditional percussion and a set of bells that sound like partially full glasses of water. The lyrics are understated and image-laden, sung in a smoky upper register. Watson's piano shimmers and shivers, the melodies unfurling slow like ferns. The video below is for "Big Bird in a Small Cage" and gives an excellent example of how he mixes whimsy with beauty. One of my favorites!

The show is at Columbia City Theater tonight at 8:30pm. Doors open at 7:30pm. Tickets are $15 plus fees.