Paolo Nutini @ The Culture Room

Despite my tweets complaining about the idiot in front of me, and having to rub up against sweaty concertgoers in the standing-room only crowd, the Paolo Nutini show at The Culture Room last week was well worth the $20 admission. And that’s saying a lot because I hate going to concerts by myself.

Highlights: The four-part harmony on “Keep Rolling” with The Vipers, Nutini’s backing band; the snap-crackle-and-pop of “10/10” — it’s the catchiest ska song I’ve heard in years; finally hearing “Jenny Don’t Be Hasty” live and Nutini’s adorable smile and wave after the encore. A smile might not seem like a big deal but Nutini barely looked at or addressed the crowd all night. He still seems genuinely shy and taken aback at the adulation. If he keeps making music like Sunny Side Up he’d better get used to it because it’s only going to get louder.

I’ve lived with the new album for a week and it’s some of the best soul/folk music I’ve heard all year. Add Nutini to the list of young U.K. musicians (Winehouse, Jamie Lidell, Adele, Joss Stone, Foy Vance) producing quality blue-eyed soul.

Concert Fool of the Night: The aforementioned exhibitionist and his girlfriend. When he reached back and tried to get me to join them, I had to go all Cynthia Shakes on him and if you know my mom, you know that’s not good. When he confirmed he did, in fact, want to leave with both testicles, he left me alone. Ugh. I hate getting ugly with people. In retrospect though, I’m surprised that in 11 years of regular concert-going, this is the first time that’s happened. Kudos to the Scots standing nearby who made him move.

Would I See Him Again?: Definitely, but in a bigger venue.