Sunday, October 12, 2008
Gig review: Elbow in a Roundhouse
It may have taken 18 years, but Elbow have finally made it: A top five album, a Mercury Music Prize, and a three-night stint at Camden's Roundhouse. "We've never done a residency before," says Guy Garvey as the gig gets underway, "I could get used to it... We could open a little bar in Spain and call it El Bow."
I'd rather they stayed put in Camden. The intimate atmosphere and perfect acoustics at the Roundhouse (formerly a shed used to turn around steam trains, fact fans) provided the perfect setting for Elbow's delicate, heartfelt ballads. And the atmosphere on Saturday night was simply beautiful - with the entire audience seemingly there to celebrate and share in the group's belated success.
"It's just occurred to me that this gig sold out before the Mercury," noted Garvey with obvious glee.
The set focused on the new material, which was brought to life with a powerful, yet understated, sincerity. It was one of those gigs where you don't want to watch the band at all, just close your eyes and be swept away by the tidal highs and lows of the music. The wistful Some Riot and majestic Mirrorball stood out as highlights, as did the rousing sing-along of Grounds For Divorce - one of the few moments where the band really let rip.Garvey was a genial host throughout, introducing the crowd to his mother and continually inquiring after the audience's wellbeing. A minor technical fault led to an impromptu Q&A session, with the singer fielding questions on the world's largest land mammal and the temperature on stage [there's a clip on youtube (youtube)]
The show's climax came with One Day Like This, probably the most criminally underplayed single of the year. The song's rousing, extended crescendo - "Throw those curtains wide / one day like this a year would see me right" - rang on and on after the band left the stage, providing the best alternative to shouting "more" or "encore" I've ever heard.
All in all, it was a magical evening. One that provided a real sense of northern community in a town known for its stand-offishness. If Elbow can translate that warmth and humanity to their arena gigs next year, they'll deservedly become one of Britain's best-loved bands.
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
I can't move my arm for fear that you will wake
If there's any justice in the world, Elbow will win the Mercury Music Prize later tonight for The Seldom Seen Kid - a towering triumph of classic songwriting.
The band have been telling anyone who'll listen that the reocrd is "our Dark Side of The Moon". Luckily, it's not half as ponderous as that overrated mountain of mystic toss. Instead, it's a collection soaring, heartfelt rock songs written by an endearingly loved-up Guy Garvey.
Coincidentally, with the Mercury awards only 12 hours away, Polydor have released the video for the album's third single, Bones Of You. It is almost like they planned it this way, isn't it?
Elbow - Bones Of You
Update: Well done Elbow! I wish I'd put some money on it now!!
The band have been telling anyone who'll listen that the reocrd is "our Dark Side of The Moon". Luckily, it's not half as ponderous as that overrated mountain of mystic toss. Instead, it's a collection soaring, heartfelt rock songs written by an endearingly loved-up Guy Garvey.
Coincidentally, with the Mercury awards only 12 hours away, Polydor have released the video for the album's third single, Bones Of You. It is almost like they planned it this way, isn't it?
Update: Well done Elbow! I wish I'd put some money on it now!!
Labels: elbow, mercury awards, Music, video
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
What are the Kooks trying to tell us?
Here are some scenes from the new Kooks video, Always Where I Need To Be. But what the heck do they mean?
Hello! We are the Kooks. Doing musics is hard.
The song has only started, but I need a rest. Phew, readers, it is tough being a musician with carefully messed up hair.
Okay, we are back playing our song again. But we cannot look at each other because we are concentrating so very hard on being cool.
Look! I have stolen Liam Gallagher's jacket from 1996!
Am I a proper musician now?
We have seen and enjoyed episodes of The Monkees.
Hey guys, I am combing my hair! Only joking!!!!!!!!!!
This is Joe Strummer.
We are not even in the same league as Joe Strummer.
Well, that was educational, eh? Surprisingly, I do not absolutely hate this song, even if the band are trying way to hard to say "look, that stuff about us going to stage school deosn't mean we're not a proper band, okay?"
The Kooks - Always Where I Need To Be
Mind you, if we're talking indie rock, the new record by Manchester also-rans Elbow is a million times better. It's like the Strokes buggering Moby with a harmonica. IE - amazing.
Elbow - Grounds For Divorce
Hello! We are the Kooks. Doing musics is hard.
The song has only started, but I need a rest. Phew, readers, it is tough being a musician with carefully messed up hair.
Okay, we are back playing our song again. But we cannot look at each other because we are concentrating so very hard on being cool.
Look! I have stolen Liam Gallagher's jacket from 1996!
Am I a proper musician now?
We have seen and enjoyed episodes of The Monkees.
Hey guys, I am combing my hair! Only joking!!!!!!!!!!
This is Joe Strummer.
We are not even in the same league as Joe Strummer.
Well, that was educational, eh? Surprisingly, I do not absolutely hate this song, even if the band are trying way to hard to say "look, that stuff about us going to stage school deosn't mean we're not a proper band, okay?"
Mind you, if we're talking indie rock, the new record by Manchester also-rans Elbow is a million times better. It's like the Strokes buggering Moby with a harmonica. IE - amazing.
