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Jill Sobule live at the Collective Encore in Columbia, Maryland review

BBG News

At a concert in Columbia, Maryland on Tuesday evening, Jill Sobule emphatically stated she wasn’t just a one-hit wonder. She proceeded to perform what she called a mix of her two most popular songs. While “Supermodel” might not be considered a hit by some, it did chart in Australia. Regardless, it’s an explosive tune that solidifies Sobule as one of the trailblazing female artists in pop punk from the mid-’90s.

In the second segment, she performed an exceptional blend of two songs, which, while not technically a medley as she played them one after the other, has become quite popular. The song “I Kissed a Girl” in this performance carries a deeper wisdom and wit compared to Katy Perry’s 2018 version, yet they are often compared due to their shared title. Despite the comparison potentially diminishing the uniqueness of Sobule’s work, she appears content with it now.

In the ’90s, “I Kissed a Girl” was instrumental in establishing Sobule as a prominent figure in LGBTQ+ culture. Today, her status as a gay icon remains strong, particularly after her latest musical work, F*ck7thGrade, which chronicles her experiences growing up and dealing with life as an adult without the privileges typically associated with heterosexuality.

Jill Sobule: Just as we need her

In the performance, Sobule showcased a few tunes from the musical, such as “Raleigh Blue Chopper.” This number, both rocky and emotional, encapsulates the period right before young girls enter adolescence, when they grapple with shifts in their role within the world.

Not long after, she performed “I Put My Headphones On,” a track from her most recent studio album, the 2018 release titled Nostalgia Kills. This song, along with others like “Raleigh Blue Chopper,” is a beautiful tribute to music from her past, referencing artists such as Janis Ian and Lou Reed. In songs like these, Sobule demonstrates her exceptional songwriting abilities, skillfully blending optimism and defeat, while catchy melodies subtly conceal things that were sadly misplaced.

As a devoted fan, I find myself captivated by the intriguing timing of this show, situated merely a few miles beyond Washington, DC’s bustling heart. This unique setting lends an undeniable weight to the production, and it seems that Sobule’s multifaceted personality was particularly drawn out. In many instances, her spirited, rebellious nature came to the forefront, making for a riveting viewing experience.

As I took the stage midway through the cozy cabaret at Collective Encore, I casually made my way between tables filled with fans, strumming my guitar and crooning “Resistance Song,” a hidden gem following “I Kissed a Girl.” With a hint of rebellion in my voice, I vowed to “Conceal myself, aim from cover, find love in the wilderness, like we had no tomorrow.” Nearly everyone there joined in, their voices echoing mine.

She remained amongst the throng during the 2017 event titled “America Back,” documenting not just the latest, but also the long-standing immigrants who chose the United States as their residence. Once more, the crowd echoed in unison – “When they cry ‘we want our America back’ – Just what on earth could they be referring to?

Subsequently, she stepped onto the stage, swapped her standard-sized acoustic guitar for her personal Vagabond mini, and performed – just as she often does – an unpolished, work-in-progress song. Using an iPad to help remember the fresh lyrics, she declared, “This isn’t my finest, but it drives home the message.

The song expressed that J.D. Vance was “…”. However, I’m unable to reveal it here. Noteworthy is that the lyrics showcased a variety of rhythmic matches, and one such example was the name of the actress, Emily Blunt.

She followed it with an even more inchoate political statement – “Bring Back Richard Nixon.”

Sobule kept performing a mix of familiar tunes, such as “Karen By Night,” “Mexican Wrestler,” and the powerful “Underdog Victorious” for an encore, along with some completely new tracks – though they haven’t been given names yet. Regardless, each one was enjoyable to listen to.

Robbie Schaeffer, a guitarist from Eddie From Ohio, kicked off the concert with a powerful performance of his original songs and a couple of renditions by Paul Simon and Lyle Lovett. After performing Lovett’s “If I Had a Boat,” Schaeffer, who has recently become a rabbi, asked for ten quiet moments to appreciate the song’s beauty. This pause made quite an impact. Later on, Sobule invited him back up to perform an unexpected version of “Sunrise Sunset” from Fiddler on the Roof.

At a Jill Sobule concert, it’s always unpredictable. She and her band, the Vagabond mini, embarked on a tour this week, accompanying The Fixx across the East Coast until April ends. At some point, she mused if her unique blend of political pop music would resonate with a Fixx audience. Frankly, I’m just as clueless about that.

But it will certainly be fun to see.

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2025-04-03 16:00

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