Montag, 2. Apr 2007, 11:51
Well, it is now into April and I still have not posted my February gigs…tut tut tut!
Anyway…
Some months you just know will be special…memorable in many ways. Significant things that impact your life!
Well, I can state without a shadow of a doubt (at present in my life) that this could have been the best month in my life for live music – well, what do you expect…this is last.fm after all!
I’ll try and keep these shortish, but who knows…
Saturday 3rd February 2007
Julie Roberts and Jace Everett
The Classic Grand
I would have never believed that sitting by myself in a room where the average age was well over double mine would be such an amazing experience and phenomenal show. I was astounded by the vocals of Julie Roberts, and Jace Everett for that matter. Her voice possesses so much power and emotion, and sums up full heartedly the appeal of country music. Nothing is lost from the voice that can be heard on the CD, although there is everything to be gained from seeing her perform live.
To end an already amazing show, they both appeared back on stage and preformed a rendition of Jackson - Johnny Cash & June Carter. This ended the show perfectly, and I felt right at home cheering and tapping my foot along with the rest of the (slightly, hehe older) audience.
Sat 3 Feb – Julie Roberts, Jace Everett
Wednesday 7th February 2007
Nerina Pallot
Fopp, Union Street
As longs you arrive early enough to Fopp, this record shop creates a 'perfect venue' for an intimate gig. Without enough space for a piano, a tuned up guitar sat ready…
…ready for a lesson in ‘how to play guitar with Nerina’ !
This set fuelled me for her gig that night, while giving me a new perspective of her songs, and ultimately her talent. She is such a nice, friendly and genuine person who took time over her fans while signing after her set of 5/6 songs had finished. As she was signing, messaging…and doodling on the many items I placed in front of her we exchange an extremely unique conversation. This consisted of her dress, my bracelet, the weather and the fact I go to gigs myself…
Note: I do not go to ALL gigs myself, and I do actually have friends…just to clarify.
I WILL however attend a gig/concert/show by myself if no one wants to come with me, or no one will appreciate it as I will. I am not one to miss out in things, for the reason of not having friends with completely similar tastes as mine (why would anyone want that anyway…)
Wednesday 7th February 2007
Nerina Pallot and Luke Toms
ABC
There is something so genuine and special about seeing Nerina Pallot, a grand piano…and a large glass of red wine. This experience can’t be easily described as it’s just so perfect and makes you appreciate her heart felt music and lyrics in its true form.
Wed 7 Feb – Nerina Pallot, Adem, Luke Toms
Thursday 15th February 2007
Shiny Toy Guns and We Are The Physics
King Tuts
As I only recently discovered Shiny Toy Guns, I wasn’t completely sure what to expect from this gig…
We arrived earlish, qued, and hence got to the front when the doors opened (please tell me what is so hard to understand about that…)
As it was an unders there were LOTS of young and little people who made it their mission to attempt to push and make it to the barrier…and annoy a large percentage of the crowd in doing so!
Anyway, rant over…I really did enjoy the gig…
We Are The Physics were supporting, and did so extremely well, even with some technical problems. I had heard quite a lot about this band from friends, and friends friends who had seen them live before, and after their set was over I was left quite impressed.
After a lot of pushing…sorry, said I wasn’t going to rant…Shiny Toy Guns appeared on stage. They played a relatively short set, although the quality of said set should be the fact considered – AMAZING!
It’s the type of music that makes you feel alive inside and completely lose focus on everything else that’s going on in your life. One could, and will call it powerful stuff in that respect…
Thu 15 Feb – Shiny Toy Guns, The Sounds, Union of Knives
Note: The Sounds and Union of Knives did not support on this gig.
The week beginning the 19th deserves a special mention inside the ‘live music month’.
Monday 19th February 2007
Regina Spektor and Only son
QMU
It has become common knowledge to all that will listen that there are some bands and artists that I will never have the experience of seeing live. I have, partly grudgingly, learned to accept this, although the fact becomes even more destined by fate when you appear to be out the country when a band/artist plays in Scotland…
It has happened five times with Regina Spektor (although once was T in the Park – not as significant, and another I wasn’t aware of till two days after), and this truly makes me believe that I am not meant to experience some things in life.
Anyway, point being I finally got to see her live…and I would describe it as well worth the wait.
Supporting Miss Spektor was the New Yorker, Only son – after hearing great things about this guy I was definitely not disappointed. His voice and quirky comments were so unique while being real, and joined by his guitar and iPod on stage he charmed most of Glasgow into his little world. My one regret now…is not buying his album!
Finally, Regina Spektor graced the stage wearing a bright red Borat t-shirt and began with the expected Ain't No Cover. The crowd hushed, then silenced…
Her beautiful voice, music and lyrics all contributed to an undoubtedly amazing gig, which was only slightly tainted by the accompaniment of her band part of the way through. I will and have used the word tainted with a pinch of salt, as I unquestionably consider this gig as a member of my highly ranking live music experiences. The set list was exceptional, and I suppose the variation of 'solo' and 'with band' sets also added to that fact. Some songs however, thrived on the band and they added something extra special to already phenomenal songs.
The best things in life usually are indescribable, and that’s what gives them their edge and makes them so special and unique. The same can be said about some types of music, as anyone who has had the pleasure of witnessing a live set by Regina Spektor will know. As all of her performances are unique and distinctive I will take away and remember this one, slighty bizarre and weird, word; 'Glaswegianalisticalitiousskinskylove' along with the memory of *finally* seeing her live.
Mon 19 Feb – Regina Spektor, Only son
Wednesday 21st February 2007
Tilly and the Wall and The Little Ones
King Tuts
Tilly and the Wall are what I would describe as real, raw live music. This quality, in my opinion is not a common occurrence, and can very seldom be pulled off effectively…but here it is. They create a sense of belonging in their music, and an important fact to note is that you know that they’re all having as much fun being there as the audience!
They could be described as many things including eccentric and quirky, although when it comes down to it, their music and performance basically speaks for its self. Without experiencing Tilly and the Wall live, you have no idea what to expect…
Wed 21 Feb – Tilly and the Wall, The Little Ones
Friday 23rd February 2007
The Feeling and The Fray
Corn Exchange
Last summer, I was thrilled to find out I would be able to see The Fray in their home town of Denver when I was on holiday…until I realised I was looking at the wrong date…they were playing two days before I arrived. I *again* put this down to fate…
The moment I saw a tour date for Scotland I booked tickets…I didn’t care who they were supporting, the price or the location – just had to see them.
This concert ended the infamous special week inside the ‘live music month’…and what a way to end…
We spent a brilliant day in the countries capital, and then (with one less person entering the venue than came with us), we wait for The Fray to come on!
With the male/female proportion being completely skewed…I can only relate it to the experience of a Rooster concert…or even maybe the image I have of a boyband’s arena tour…aren’t I glad I never experienced anything like that…I was a child of my fathers taste in music…
Anyway, point being there were a lot of hysterical, screaming girls, all waiting for The Feeling to come on…
When The Fray finally graced the stage my face lit up, and I knew it was going to be an immense night.
As they were supporting, I had accepted their set wouldn’t be that long and the songs would be generically limited…I was very wrong…
They played an astounding 45 minute set with a great variety of songs, creating a phenomenal set! This included most of the songs off 'How To Save A Life' with the addition 'Wonderwall' and 'The Bonnie Banks Of Loch Lomond' embedded into the ever variable Look After You.
The brilliance of the night was also emphasied by meeting them after. I got a photo with Isaac Slade and Joe King, and got my ticket signed by all of them. They were all so nice, friendly and all in all genuine people who really wanted to make an effort.
As the main reason we were there was The Fray, we stayed for a few The Feeling songs…then left…we had to travel back to Glasgow after all, with the deciding factor being our dislike for The Feeling!
On our way out we managed (it has to be said, with great difficultly) to get two huge promo album posters which was a rather cool way to end our day in Edinburgh, and begin our drive back to Glasgow.
Fri 23 Feb – The Feeling, The Fray
Although I did wait forever to post this, didn't it sound like a great month of live music…
Anyway, I would say 'more next month'…although I will be posting 'March' in the next few days - hehe! Well, hopefully if I get round to it.