Billed as a celebration/funeral for the band (introduced as “the late, great Silver Jews”), the Cumberland Caverns gig saw them perform just 15 songs — a de facto greatest-hits set — as selected by the notoriously stage-shy Berman himself. It was equal parts morose and exuberant, often somber, sometimes sweet and always self-effacing, not to mention a tad bit shambolic. Sort of like every moment of the Jews’ 20-year semi-career.

Decked out in matching ensembles — jet-black suits, blood-red shirts (though Berman’s was more gingham-y) — the Jews took the stage to the echoed whoops of the roughly 300 who managed to score tickets (and actually find the Cavern). Berman led off with a grateful speech that managed to incorporate his former job as a janitor, popcorn theft and the Loews movie theater chain. Then the band was off and galloping, plunking its way through “We Are Real,” a standout from 1998’s American Water.

via MTV Newsroom » Silver Jews Say Farewell 300 Feet Underground.