- Live Reviews
Someone said to me sometime ago that, I should listen to the first Kelly Clarkson album without any preconceived opinions. I never did actually get around to listening to the record and the only time I have had exposure to Kelly Clarkson was via the odd song on the radio. The chance came along to tag along to her gig at the revitalised NEC last night. So I took a chance.
Yes the LG Arena is now all spruced up, a bit like a large cinema foyer effect but nicely done. The Arena itself was down to half size, (less than overwhelming ticket sales I presume) but. that made for a far more intimate venue.
Lively pop things from
So apprehension to start with but, the opening music to Kelly’s show was AC/DC’s ‘You Shook Me All Night Long’ which, gave a glimmer of hope and indeed to her credit she ripped through the first three songs with a voice Brain Johnson would have be proud of.
An absolutely superb five piece band (with three backing singers) completed the jigsaw and the entertainment level was maintained thought the next 90 minutes.
Yes it was a stadium show, but there were no diva moments, one costume change for the encore, dress for trousers and cracking stadium songs. An cover of Black Sabbath’s ‘Changes’ (Black Sabbath Vol. 4) was appropriate for Brum and was apparently a band request learnt during that afternoon’s sound check, something they do every show.
So as a unit the band actually did Rock and much in the vain of Melisa Etheridge, Kelly has that all powerful gravel Rock voice. I was impressed!
Pete
My Life Would Suck Without You
Behind These Hazel Eyes
I Forgive You
Dark Side
Walk Away
You Love Me
We Are Young
Already Gone
Don't You Wanna Stay
Changes
Because of You
Breakaway
Since U Been Gone
Catch My Breath
Encore:
Never Again Play
Mr. Know It All
Miss Independent
What Doesn't Kill You (Stronger)
- Live Reviews
Tonight, it’s the second evening of Radiohead live on the Greenwich Peninsula in London, Formerly known as 'The Millennium Dome' on land previously known as Bugsby's Marshes which is the 02 Arena to you and me.
The paperless ticketing system worked well on our arrival around 6.30pm and we were nicely in our seats (with a great view, thanks WASTE!) for the 7.30pm start of Caribou. The Arena was packed as befits the growing status of this band and with a nice light show, the guys blasted through a tasty 30 minute set.
8.45pm saw the entrance of Radiohead and without further ado, the band were straight into ‘Lotus Flower’. The pace was unrelenting for the next two hours. Uncompromising even as the band dissected ‘In Rainbows and King of Limbs’. The Daily Mail and Staircase also made an appearance.
OK Computer, Hail to the Thief, Kid A and The Bends all were represented the latter with a magnificent Planet Telex and Street Spirit (Fade Out).
The staging and light show was innovative and spectacular. The songs particularly the new ones, took on a whole new dimension live.
This was a gig you came away from with a quiet smile on your face and an enormous sense of satisfaction. A band still pushing the boundaries of their sound in commanding style. Next stop Glastonbury 2013?
Pete
Lotus Flower, Airbag, 
Bloom, 
The Daily Mail, 
Myxomatosis, 
Bodysnatchers, 
The Gloaming, Separator, Videotape, 
Nude, 
Weird Fishes/Arpeggi, 
Reckoner,
There There, The National Anthem, Feral, & Paranoid Android
Encore:
Give Up the Ghost , I Might Be Wrong, Planet Telex,
Morning Mr. Magpie, & Street Spirit (Fade Out) 
 

Encore 2:
Staircase &
Everything In Its Right Place
Encore 3:
Idioteque
- Live Reviews
At their record release party at The Lexington, Race Horses did what is surprisingly unusual: they played their new album, Furniture, in its entirety. As a result, a packed house enjoyed a thirty-five minute main set of sprightly pop followed by, an energetic encore of three oldies, including a brilliant ‘Pony’ from Goodbye Falkenburg.
The multi-instrumentalism of the band was at its peak with set closer ‘Old and New’, where the drummer played cornet, the keyboard/percussionist played violin, the multi-instrumentalist played harp and two additional musicians joined with french horn and bassoon. A talkative crowd hushed in genuine appreciation.
Opening acts were It Hugs Backs who played driving, shoegazey indie rock with a bit of Neu! going on and F.U.R.S. who looked to a very hung-over mind like Dry the River fronted by a young Neko Case (any dramatic missing of the boat is the responsibility of a low quality Czech lager versus the writer…). Both were appropriately well received.
Kevin
- Live Reviews
It’s the Ely Maltings on a Tuesday night and being a ‘school night’ that means this very pleasant venue has unfortunately got the tumbleweed blowing through it, audience size wise. On a particularly autumnal and chilly night there was however, welcoming warmth from the stage.
First up was Southend’s very own Matthew Boulter a.k.a. ‘Whispering Pines’ and Simone Felice Group lap-steel and mandolin player. Looking really like he hails from anywhere other than Southend-on-Sea (
The Simone Felice Group is a three piece this time around with Simone, Matt and the multi talented, violinist, (with a voice to shake the building), Simi Stone.
With the venue being under capacity, there was always going to be a challenge to create an atmosphere but, it really just takes the first song for the audience to be hooked. In the knowledge that we now at a gig as intimate as if the group were playing down at the local hostelry, we settle in for the evening.
Simone, Simi & Matt put their all into the performance, songs came thick and fast during the 90 minute set with antidotes attached. New York Times, (If I ever get) Famous, Charade (with English translation), Shaky, .Scarecrow, Summer Rain and Radio Song were all there.
‘Dawn Brady’s Son’ kicks off the encore after being requested from the front row (a song Simone say’s that they have not played for a while,” thanks for asking for that”). Covers of Sandy Denny, The Boss, (
So a great show in lovely setting, just a pity many more people could not have enjoyed it. The band have a day off on the Norfolk coastline today before Norwich on Thursday and what should be a triumphant Union Chapel show in London to wind up the tour on Friday (21 Sept).
Pete
- Live Reviews
Perfume Genius (
As soon a Mike starts singing though, we know we are in for something special. A honey dripped voiced with minimal backing, the songs take on an almost ethereal feel. The band as such, is keyboards and drums but the set is varied between that and Mike, solo.
Chat is limited and the really fragile quiet moments do at times threaten to get overwhelmed by the bar noise but nevertheless, a very nice set. Keep your eyes on this young man.
First show in two years for Brooklyn-based Grizzly Bear shows little signs of rustiness. The ninety minute set is a total triumph with the new songs mixing effortlessly with the better known.
The chemistry is still there and the musicianship has not been lost. The band just seem to live and breathe the songs, however complex the arrangements are, when they are on stage. By the time ‘Shields’ is released in just less than three weeks time, the songs will already be old favourites.
The ninety minutes slips effortlessly by. I am sure as the tour progresses there will be video backdrops and cool lighting but for now the Prince’s of Indie, Edward Droste, Daniel Rossen,, Chris Taylor, (always a joy to watch) and drummer Christopher Bear are about to become Kings.
Pete
Speak in Rounds
Cheerleader
Sleeping Ute
Yet Again
Little Brother (Electric)
Shift
Two Weeks
Fine For Now
gun-shy
Ready, Able
A Simple Answer
Foreground
Half Gate
While You Wait For The Others
Encore:
He Hit Me (It Felt Like A Kiss)
(The
On A Neck, On a Spit
- Live Reviews
Well it was great to get to the Olympics and London 2012 at last. A fun morning spent at the men’s marathon was followed by a trip to
The event was a mix of the remaining Olympic action on the big screens and live music, kicking off which was a very accomplished Bombay Bicycle Club followed by the latest version of New Order.
From midway back, New Order seemed a bit lost in such a vast arena. The sound as has been reported was not particularly loud and the delay speakers are all to the left (looking at the stage) side of the park which did not help if you were standing on the right.
The Specials were thoroughly entertaining as the hits poured fourth but really, I think both these bands are now better suited to indoor venues, where they would blow the roof off.
- Live Reviews
Jonathan Wilson played for close to two hours, covering most of his Gentle Spirit album, plenty of songs from his forthcoming album and the occasional meandering jam that the crowd seemed to enjoy.
The periodic incense, vintage gear, dress and appearance, primarily long scraggly hair, evoked a stereotypical Californian band in the 70s. A very good Californian band, though. The entire band was very tight. The guitarists regularly switched from electric to acoustic, rocking leads to gentle finger-picking and strumming. All underpinned by a swirling
There was limited chat, but what there was amusing with a highlight of Jonathan predicting a bright future for the fellow he's been touring with, Tom Petty! Overall, a truly excellent gig that was very well received by an enthusiastic crowd.
Kevin
JW at the Latitude Festival last weekend
- Live Reviews
The evening started out with X the 35 year old punk band from
8.50 and the houselights dim, the PJ sign lights up behind the stage and the band stroll on and launch into ‘Release’ from debut album Ten. An intense moment and one that has the crowd singing, from the off. it’s a mark of a great band is that they don’t have to start an arena gig with a blast but, can start a gig with one of their greatest songs because there is more than enough in the locker for the rest of the evening.
‘Do the Evolution’ from Yield and ‘Corduroy’ from Vitalogy gets three albums covered in three songs and the concert is well and truly on the move. "How are you doing?" Eddie asks. "It's a question we ask of you as a collective, but we mean it individually." and I really do believe that they do.
These first 70 minutes are a non-stop breathless set which is very impressive after twenty years. The audience are rap in attention and enjoyment. Very little back and forth to the bars, toilets etc., which is quite amazing for such a large capacity gig.
- Live Reviews
It is not often that Tom Petty and his Heartbreakers find their way to our shores but in 2012, we are in luck.
On a European tour which takes in various festivals including this weekend’s bash on the Isle of Wight, tonight at the Royal Albert Hall in
Tickets as you can imagine were like gold dust. Most were sold through fan club sales. I managed to get some tickets in the Gods of the Choir, right up in the crows nest which, actually turned out to be a very good vantage point.
- Live Reviews
James Yorkston in part came to prominence by way of airplay from John Peel and Laurence Bell of Domino Records, who signed him to the label. James’ debut for Domino was released in 2002, Moving Up Country which was recorded with a number of friends and associates accredited as "The Athletes"
First thing to do before tonight’s gig is read the poster…. I went in assuming James Yorkston & The Athletes (The poster actually said, James Yorkston). The audience only numbered 52 (James mentioned). Some more tickets went on the door no doubt but, it was a sparse crowd for the size of venue and disappointing although, the flip size is that the select few did get a very intimate show.
This was a solo show and Seamus Fogarty was first on. A charming chap, nice songs and a typical 'Fence’ lovable mishap strewn set. Tuning a string Up takes time, then a busted string, but he carries on even though ‘D' is needed for the next solo! Then he gets hold of James’ guitar to finish the set. Great fun and lots of applause.
- Live Reviews
I have seen Sharon van Etten in concert a few times home and abroad and I pretty much think all of these have been solo. Last night was the first time I had seen the ‘new’ Sharon van Etten and a lovely evening it was too.
First up was EXITMUSIC, the Brooklyn-based duo of Aleksa Palladino and
The band delivers expansive musical soundscapes that filled the space of the Scala with ease. Keyboard and guitars drive the sound with the vocals strong enough to soar above the instrumentation. New album Passage is released on 21st May via Secretly Canadian and is well worth checking out.
- Live Reviews
I seem to start most gig reviews these days by saying it was a cold, dark, wet, dreary night, and last night was no different. On Monday 14th May, it was still light, but wet, cold and miserable - perhaps just the night for a band from
First up it’s Siobhan Wilson. As Louis from Admiral Fallow explained later in the evening, there was no support booked for the gig, so he rang Siobhan who had yesterday moved from
A very unique and smoky voice delivered some beautiful fragile songs. She really brought a hush over the room, much to her credit. An idea voice for jazz, Siobhan is certainly one to watch for the future.
9.30pm, and the seven piece Admiral Fallow hit the stage. Well, five of them do, two could not fit on, and so they played behind the “splendid” merchandise table.