NPR Music

Nellie McKay On Mountain Stage

Published December 19, 2012 at 1:36 PM CST

1 of 4 — Nellie McKay's unique, quirky songs show off her impressive talents as a singer and pianist.

Nellie McKay's unique, quirky songs show off her impressive talents as a singer and pianist.

2 of 4 — Always difficult to pin down into one genre, the singer plays songs from throughout her diverse career.

Always difficult to pin down into one genre, the singer plays songs from throughout her diverse career.

3 of 4 — McKay's command of tried-and-true songwriting tropes shows she's a devoted student of classic pop music.

McKay's command of tried-and-true songwriting tropes shows she's a devoted student of classic pop music.

4 of 4 — Singer Nellie McKay makes her sixth appearance on Mountain Stage.

Singer Nellie McKay makes her sixth appearance on Mountain Stage.

Singer-songwriter Nellie McKay makes her sixth appearance on Mountain Stage, recorded live at the historic Keith-Albee Theatre in Huntington, W.Va. Vivacious, multi-talented and completely impossible to categorize, McKay and her idiosyncratic style emerged all but fully formed on her 2004 debut double album Get Away From Me.

In the years since, McKay has participated in a string of creative projects including a Doris Day tribute called As Normal as Blueberry Pie and her latest album, Home Sweet Mobile Home. McKay has also worked in musical theater and stand-up comedy, and her connection with comedy from a bygone era becomes clear during her banter between songs. Showing off her piano playing and impeccable vocal ability, McKay enlists the support of the Mountain Stage Band, as she often does, for a set that includes two songs from her first album, the crowd favorite "The Dog Song" and the provocative satire "Won't U Please B Nice."

Set List

"Beneath The Underdog"

"The Dog Song"

"Please"

"Won't U Please B Nice"

"The Very Thought of You"

"Work Song"