Thursday, February 23, 2006
musical round-up
I don't think I've mentioned the gigs seen so far this year so it's time for a quick round-up.
January. Mogwai did a week's residency at the ICA, one of my favourite venues in London. We went on the first and last night and they didn't disappoint. Mogwai are one of those bands who I doubt I would never have heard of if it were not for Mac, so thanks to him. Having said that, I would see them live any time (and already have tickets for the Albert Hall in September) but I don't find them the sort of thing I would like to listen to at home or in the car.
After Mogwai, Keiran deputised for Mac at Secret Machines, who were absolutely bloody great, and I saw Luke Haines on my own ina bit of a Johnny-No-Mates sort of way. At least it meant I cut down on the beer.
February started with Richard Hawley and Nick Cave. Richard Hawley is a revelation and I loved every minute of it. Nick Cave, I honestly went into the gig thinking that I have seen him enough now but he really delivered the goods. It was supposed to be an intimate gig but he was harder and louder than I've ever seen him. And he did 'God is in the House' which is probably my favourite track of his so that was fine.
Goldfrapp next, with Kathy deputising for Mac, and Kieran and Janet also on board. Opened with 'Utopia' so I was hooked instantly. Great show, wet myself laughing at the totally abyssmally synced but totally gratuitous sexy lady dancers who were all tits and ass. Kieran couldn't wipe the smile of his face.
Onto Belle and Sebastian with Gary this time covering for the Glasgow-incarcerated Mac. What can I say? They were Belle & Sebastian. No surprises in the show. Professional, pretty, sweet enough to make you want to put your arms around the person you love and kiss them. As I say, I was with Gary so instead I got him to buy me a pint, which was good enough in the circumstances.
Now Mac's back so we went to Brad Meldhau at the Barbican. I thought he was very good and undeserving of the snide reviews I read. I didn't quite think he deserved the standing ovation some people felt the need to give though.
Battles at the Luminaire. Why didn't this venue exist during the 8 years I lived in Kilburn, I ask you? Great little venue, fantastic band - like a harder, more guitar-based Tortoise without the attitude. Support from the Semi-Finalists. I think you should always be wary about having also-ran sort of names like that because it's too easy to say that there's an apt name for a band. Rather like the Ordinary Boys, in a way.
Strokes. Why did I want to see them? First album was fantastic but the two follow-ups I've had no interest in. Maybe I wanted to be convinced I was wrong and so should run out and buy them. But no. They weren't bad but they were really nothing special. Average is the best review I could give. Still, the audience of children loved them.
Sparks. Why don't enough people give them the respect they deserve? (although if they did it would be a bit harder to get tickets so there is a swings and roundabouts thing there). The new album really comes alive live and Ron is a genius. Second half hits show reminds you just how great they are. Gig of the year so far based on the list above (although full marks to Battles for coming second so far).
Finally, last night was the NME awards tour. Richard Hawley pulled out at the last minute through illness so Gary and I were left with Howling Bells, Brakes, and Editors (in the picture above). Howling Bells went through a few styles and influences trying to find their sound, and sadly settled on being a Texas tribute band. Brakes did great 4-minute songs but this was ruined by excessive (and I mean about half their set) comedy 30-90 second songs. Editors were another great revelation. The singer perhaps tries too hard to be the new Ian Curtis, the guitarist looks about 12, and the bassist is a borderline chubber that Mac would go for, but these are minor quibbles. I hope to see them again.
