OZ Beat: Music That Matters

Magnus/ Franz Ferdinand/ The Darkness

Three shows--three days. Magnus on Thursday was a lot of the band shaking the rust off. They have stripped down from a five-piece to four and have done a great job of it, although a touch awkward at time, still very impressive. They performed material from the recently released CD, which is getting a really nice response. A nice warm-up to the CD release April 30. The material is so good, but have to get this band to look a little more enthusiastic on stage. Once they start selling the music as performers--there is no stopping them. Franz Ferdinand on Friday was an amazing performance by a new band hitting Chicago for the first time.

Libertines/ Franz Ferdinand/ British Sea Power

Saw the Libertines on Saturday, the middle of three London gigs that rounded off their UK tour. They filled the 5,000 capacity venue for all three, so it probably marks their entrance to a higher plane of rock notoriety or, if you prefer, fame. We spent most of the afternoon in the pub chatting to all and sundry, among them four lads who had traveled down from Liverpool. They'd already seen the band in their own city but were so stoked they had to see them again. I know how they feel! I'm afraid that gig details are sketchy because of the aforementioned pub stop and various Libs-style indulgences, but suffice to say they are still on top form and the new stuff sounds as interesting and idiosyncratic and energetic as ever.

Glad Dem & Co liked BSP. I like them too, but can see they are very much an acquired taste, so Heidi may find they are not for her. Their shows are always a spectacle and it sounds like the Chicago one was no exception. Did the giant bear make an appearance?

I trust all you Americans will be making every effort to see Franz Ferdinand on their current US tour. Trust me - it will be worth it. And remember - it's leather for leisure and velcro for sport!
--NeilM