OZ Beat: Music That Matters

The Darkness

I wouldn’t dissuade anyone from seeing this show for the sheer entertainment factor. Having attended some metal concerts in my past and run the gauntlet of musical tastes that I’m sure would be considered “bad,” I can appreciate the fun that something like The Darkness offered. I was excited to see them work it. From the beginning of the show, they built the drama of the entertainment factor. The packed room swelled with fans donning their matching Darkness shirts, all swirling in the build, mesmerized by the large white curtain strung across the stage only adding to the anticipation. Lights dim and against the white sheet shielding the stage,

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.

The Cooper Temple Clause

The best of plans--go so awry. I got to see TCTC in Toronto and it ranks as one of the best shows in my life. What I saw in NYC (about a 40-45 minute show) was not just doubled--but 10-fold. 15 songs stretching over 1.5 hours and all on fire. Was lucky to be standing at the stage in a great club--Lee's Palace. Even copped the set list. The crowd screamed for more after the band left and the music was turned up and the lights on. The band literally brought tears to my eyes. Songs like "Did You Miss Me" completely changed when used toward the end of the set instead of an opener like in NYC.

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

British Sea Power (Empty Bottle, Chicago)

"Bring me...... a shrubbery!!"
"A shrubbery?"

Yes, a shrubbery! And there was no lack of it at The Bottle Saturday night. I've been sick as shit all week and had to talk my way out of a hospital stay on Thursday, but there was no way I was going to miss BSP on Saturday! I wanted taxidermy animals and a hefty side order of shrubbery and I was going to get it! Damn it!

British Sea Power

An old AB Fab line--the genius of Jimi Hendrix was that he could stand up at all. British Sea Power, I expected the insanity and got a double dose. I didn't expect the intensity, focus, and musicianship that I saw tonight. But, after replaying the CD--The Decline, I don't know how I could have missed the obvious. Even so, there is no describing what this band does as a closing and when the set is done it is done. Asking for an encore would be completely without class. Asked anyway through applause but never expected them to return. If you like or love the CD--this band will blow you the fuck away. If you don't dig it, the show may not win you over--but it is so very worth checking them out at least one time.

Nightfreak and the Sons of Becker

I really started getting into The Coral about fall of last year and caught up on music by them that I had missed. The new limited release "Nightfreak and the Sons of Becker" is the most fun thing they have done to date. Very simple song structures; but what they do within them is so wonderful. Not the least overproduced and from stories I read this release was kind of a spur of the moment decision on their part while they work on releasing what is supposed to be their "real" album. If you like The Kinks circa Village Green / Arthur--you will love this album. This is the most purely entertaining album I've heard in this very young new year. There is only one pressing of 75,000 copies of this (again, from what I have read) and I haven't seen it in Chicago. I ordered out of either Tower or Amazon UK. Definitely a must for Coral fans and a great play at any party.
--Dem

Suede

Saw Suede at Brixton Academy last night. The last-but-one performance on their farewell tour. I have to say that Brett Anderson is little short of a god-like genius front man. As someone commented on the night, "Bowie is an old guy in a suit" in comparison. An unfair comparison, perhaps, and how Brett would match up vs The Thin White Duke in his prime is a debate for another day, but suffice to say he had the crowd eating from the palm of his hand within seconds of peacock-strutting onto the stage. It gives some indication of his position in the band and his acknowledged magnetism when you realise a small plinth is at stage centre so he can stand literally, as well as metaphorically, overlooking his peers.

Turbonegro

I thought they were bloody fantastic. To be honest, my enjoyment may have been enhanced by the fact that there were plenty of Germans, Scandies and Turbojugend in the audience, so they were chanting, clapping and all-around enjoying themselves. OK, so the stage show maybe a little cliched, but I think it's honest, in much the same way as say AC/DC, Andrew WK, The Datsuns etc etc are. I will definitely go see them again, and will check out the back catalogue (I already have Scandinavian Leather).

One of the many funny bits of between song banter was the comment that it was "very good of London to put on a Gay Parade for our arrival" - he was talking of the Rugby World Cup Winners open-topped tour of the city. Hank also thanked Sir Walter Raleigh and Sir Francis Drake for undertaking long voyages and virtually inventing the gay lifestyle. Finally - "people ask us why we ware make-up and wear perfume. It's cos we're ugly and we smell." For those of you who have yet to see Turbonegro, think of a production of Springtime For Hitler, where Lemmy is Musical Director, and the cast of Priscilla Queen of The Desert are in a weird gene experiment with the WWF and take the starring roles. Dress code is anything as long as its denim. They try and do make-up nicely, but got a bit drunk/stoned beforehand. They are musically incredibly tight, but not so muso that a spot of stagediving can be ruled out.
QUALITY!!!!!

--NeilM

Brief Review (from UK)

Last Friday
Ikara Colt played the Tunbridge Wells Forum. A 45 min set with about four new numbers. They are getting more accomplished live. Unfortunately, the turn-out at this gig was less than a packer, and it's only small to start with. I hope and believe that with decent promo they can start filling provincial venues rather than only in London. Bottom line - this is a great band that you should try see given the chance. Looking fwd to next year's new album.

Last night (Tuesday, 12/2/2003)
Took another trip to North London to see acouple of bands just heading out on rock's rich pageant, namely Les Girls (London) and We Rock Like Girls Don't (Glasgow). Artrocker comments followed by mine!

LES GIRLS (London)
An eternal triangle with 3 corners of glorious dark and brooding rock'n'roll. Swampy Southern blues meets Lou Reed down a dark alley in Hackney and watches while Grace Slick sidles up and gives Joy Division a good kicking, nicks their battered old carrier bag, sells the contents in Record and Tape and buys some blank CD-Rs. If you were at one of those first KILLS gigs you were amongst the luck few; If you just recently saw New York's FIERY FURNACES you know why they are so special. This debut by LES GIRLS trio could easily be as raw and exciting. Neil says - Girl singer looking a little like Nicole Kidman sans Hollywood frills sings Sheryl Crow-meets-Patti Smith country rock backed by boy guitar and drums, but without the attack or edge that the Patti comparison suggests. OK, but I won't be fending for their next appearance.

WE ROCK LIKE GIRLS DON'T (Glasgow)
We Rock Like Girls Don't are a new kicking all girl 3-piece from Glasgow in love with dirty rock n roll riffs, pop choruses and their excellent new ''I HATE GIRL BANDS'' T-shirts. The band has just recorded 2 tracks with Breeders producer Mark Freegard which have already been picked up and played on Radio1 and XFM. "Hip to You" and "Rock n Roll Freak" will be coming out as a fucking rocking double a side 7'' single in the new year..... so there! They rock! Three girls (gtr, bass, drums) bring the rock! They kick ass but retain a sense of humour. Singer put me a little in mind of Justine from Elastica vocally. I look fwd to seeing them again and catching their recordings without doubt. One to look out for, defo.
--NeilM