I went back again last night. (I told myself I was just going to an AC Newman show to lower my own expectations.) I knew there'd be varying opinions when I posted the original post -- but she was there last night, and the whole set, the whole club, seemed to have a different vibe. It was fuller and richer, and just all around better -- I left there feeling giddy. There's something to be said for seeing at least three-quarters of the full band.
Does anyone have the set list? I know they played Star Bodies, My Rights vs. Yours, Unguided, Mass Romantic, Letter From an Occupant, Adventures in Solitude (the high point of the show for me), The Bleeding Heart Show (the second highest point of the show for me, as a Phoenix University graduate), It's Only Divine Right, Twin Cinema, Use It, These Are the Fables ... but at this point I have no clue about order. I was surprised they didn't play 'Slow Descent' in the encore.
Also, I don't think Neko really broke her ankle.