JULY to December 2007. Again no music photo here, just a photo of an Irish Grotto for my mate Jake, who loves Keri and Music (in that order)
A Busy year, so here are half of the reviews! Hope you like reading them and are inspired to gig it tonight!! Any feedback ... you know the score!
PowderFinger
Dublin, Republic of Ireland, The Pod 12/12/2007
View: Balcony, Front Right.
Australia’s most under appreciated talent (Odyssey No5 is a classic album) came to Ireland for the first time in 4 years to turn The Pod into the Shepherds’ Bush of Dublin; a sell out show packed full of Antipodeans. For them and the handful of locals the band did not disappoint. With a Barroom blues sound familiar of The Black Crowes at their artistic height this 6 piece gave a rocking set of three chord anthems. These Days and My Happiness (both from the above album) climaxed a brilliant set, however ….. got the crowd going early on whilst I Got you on my mind with a Stones interlude (Midnight Rambler) was floor stomping moment. A few tracks of the new album (‘Lost and Running’ & ‘Long Way To Go’) show they have probably got another solid album on the shelves. All enjoyed the cover of Cinnamon Girl (Neil Young) and although they could have played another 20 tracks the crowd enjoyed this last night of the tour – a tour that could so easily have not taken place due to band politics!
© James Masterson
1) My Love (Waiting For The Sun)
2) (how steal, keep running, I’m still lost and running)
3) Can’t Expen
4) ?
5) Just want to tell you
6) (Fell like I’ve got soul a long way to go , If you get over me I’ll get over you
7) Another Day and End is Schedule 1, …3,4 forever young ? (barroom blues)
8) ?
9) ?
10) Let me in I need somewhere to begin Bless My Soul ?
11) These Days
12) My Happiness
Stage Acoustic Encore
13) Sun Sets over Beaches
14) Cinnamon Girl (N Young)
15) Baby I got you on my mind (Midnight Rambler)
The Pointer Sisters
The Pod , Dublin
23rd November 2007
View: Centre Back,
Well rehearsed laid back style – enjoying themselves professional – despite short set of 1 ½ hours including band interlude (dress change)they gave it their all. Not purely girls on the town crowd – but people enjoying a professional band and artists. Far more appealing than the spice girls!
Almost chronological with Grand Old Opry hits Fairytale and Chainof Fools, leading to I’m so excited and Jump.
Also included great covers Fire (springsteen) and Sisters (are doing it for themselves).
Highlight was the popular version of Slow Hand – which the whole crowd enjoyed.
1) My Happiness
2) He’s So Shy
3) Automatic
4) FairyTales (Elvis Covered)
5) Slow Hand
6) Chain O Fools
7) Medley:
The Beat (Arrested development style)
Got One (On The Side) Another Lover
Can- Can
8) Tell me
9) Band interlude
10) Fire (Springsteen)
11) I’m So Excited
12) Two Turn Dance
13) Jump
14) Sisters are doing it for themselves
Encore
15) All Night Long (Extended version)
Lucinda Williams
The Pod
22/11/07
View: Balcony, Centre front.
The Artist of Choice for many more successful artists, Lucinda Williams is the ultimate name drop and she clearly enjoys the kudos this gives her.
After 9 months on the road, she and the band are noticeably tired, but still able to pt on a great set.
A great artist who is not easy to categorise. Her slow southern drawl and general demeanour bely a country sland,however her influences (and influence) are broader than most as she embraces moments of balls to the wall rap, alongside intimate folk tunes (Lake Charles)
Even her selection of cover version (Riders on The Storm) defies category - a great and diverse artist on a good night.
Never recaptured success of Car Wheels On a Gravel Road and Essence she appears unconcerned by this
Thanks giving
Slow southern drawl
1) You Can’t Change you, you can’t carry you
2) Fruits of my labours
3) I’m learning how to live without you in my life
4) Steal Your love (on Since Album)
5) Sonny Owen (Arkansas Poet)
6) Lake Charles
7) Drunken angel (intro from Maggie May)!
8) Out Of Touch
9) Are You Down
10) Righteously
11) (Baby Sweet Baby) I’m Waiting
12) Come On
13) Honey Bee
14) I don’t want you anymore
15) Riders on the storm
Encore
Those 3 days
Making the … in the sun
Insuffer me ?
Lee Scratch Perry
The Pod, Dublin
22nd September 2007
View; Centre Back
Something of a legend for his producing rather than his performing to watch Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry live is not to attend a concert, but to witness an icon at work. However he tries hard to win over and warm a decidedly disinterested crowd who are more intent on dancing to the reggae and simply ignore his appeals for participation. Scratch himself seems not overly perturbed, draped in gold necklaces and bright coloured badges, he is the original king of good time (and bling). This is explained by possibly by the fact that he more famous in Ireland for his famous, if somewhat zany, Guinness advert than his musical genius. But there is no denying that moments of genius shine through in tracks like Jah Rastafari, Jungle Safari. He may be old – but he is still agile. Overall however, the conclusion must be - a great producer but not a consistently great songwriter or performer.
© James Masterson
Seasick Steve
Spiegel Tent, Dublin
18th September 2007
View: Centre Front.
Seasick Steve has recently risen from relative obscurity on the US touring Circuit to fame in the UK at least recently (thanks in no small part to Jools Holland) as an experienced hardened blues man from Mississippi. Disarming the crowd with his understated entrance and amiable manner, he is revelling in his new found veneration. Entering from the back of the tent he walks slowly across the floor through the audience, who love patting him on the back and taking his picture as he plays gritty blues on one of his personalised guitars. Indeed the entire evening is just him and an assortment of guitars, including his ever faithful Three Stringed Trance Wonder.
Such skill belies a man who has crafted his skills from a tough life on the road (as is oft quoted alongside legends like Son House).
He gives us his self penned blues songs from the HoBo Low to the educational Chiggers! The highlight is his Dog House Boogie. All performed with skill and energy that defy one man and his guitar on stage. And of course what could the man finish with but his alma mater – ‘It’s All Good’. It most certainly was.
© James Masterson
Some of the tracks played -
Last Po’ Man
Hobo Low
Chiggers
Dog House Boogie
Salem Blues
It’s All Good
Hayseed Dixie
The Pod, 8th August 2007
View: Up against the (side) wall.
Hayseed Dixie have been on the road honing their repertoire for the best part of 5 years, but their ability to entertain continues unabated. Potentially a one trick pony as they tear through their bluegrass interpretations of Heavy Metal classics their versions of Breaking the Law (Judas Priest) and their breakthrough interpretations of AC/DC
Classics including Highway To Hell and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap really shook the crowd all night long. Moving into the punk arena they performed a stark and truly exceptional version of the Sex Pistols Holidays in the Sun - which surely most of the crowd knew, but only a handful recognised! However everyone recognised and sang along to the relatively standard version of Hotel California, seamlessly interspersed with Careless Whisper.
Talented musicians playing on the simple Southern American Hicks they and their crowd certainly seemed to enjoy the show!
© James Masterson
1) Dirty Deeds done dirt cheap (ACDC)
2) Kirby Hill
3) Breakin the law (Judas Priest)
4) U Shook me all night long (ACDC)
5) Best Friends Girl (Cars)
6) War Pigs (Sabbath)
7) Walk This Way (Aerosmith)
8) Aces OF Spades (Motorhead)
9) Holidays in the Sun (Pistols)
10) I Don’t Feel Like dancing (Scissor sisters)
11) Hotel California (Careless Whisper chorus)
12) Fat Bottomed Girls (Queen)
13) Skinny When I met her
14) (Fiddlers Elbow)
15) Blind Beggars Breakdown
16) Keeping your poop in a jar
17) Holiday (Green Day)
18) Moonshiners Daughter
19) Down Down (Status Quo)
20) Highway to hell
21) Case of Ale? / Rider ? / corn licker?
22) Duelling Banjo’s
Steve Vai
24th July 2007
Vicar Street, Dublin
View: Centre Back.
Steve Vai may change his guitar more often than Madonna changes her costume, but that does not undermine the quality of his performance. The fact that the main man is suffering from a throat infection does dictate a change in the standard tour tracks selection.
Tonight no All About Eve and an amended version of Firewall. But his infection does not limit his virtuoso notes performed with one hand.
When with Zappa or Roth he was surrounded by talent and the same is true tonight - guitarist Dave Weiner(!) and his two violinist especially shone. All songs had guitar instrumental fans in raptures. An amazing live, but instantly recognizable, version of Whispering a Prayer and a good version of Freakshow ensured the crowds undivided attention. More generally however it is items off Passion and Warfare (great version of The Audience Is Listening) which prove the more popular numbers and everyone seems to enjoy. However for those waiting for one track - For The Love Of God certainly proved an appropriate and spin chilling climax.
© James Masterson
Daniel Johnston w/ Brett Hartenbach
Dublin, Vicar St.,
11 Jul 2007
View: Centre, Back. By the Mixing desk.
Mick Jagger famously once said – all you need to succeed in Rock N Roll is three chords and lots of energy. Nervous energy is something Daniel Johnston has an abundance of, as well as a determined focus and pent up frustrations. However this may stem from his ability limitations: His guitar playing never advances beyond the 3rd Fret, and whilst he can sing and play - he seems unable to combine the two. This along side the fact that his ‘songs’ are more a collection of unrefined, unfinished thoughts makes for a set that is not always pleasant to watch or hear! However the sentiment of his songs does catch a raw never for large parts of this audience. Are they comments on human nature and the frailties of life?
That said there are glimpses of some great lyrics (‘a Flat Tyre Down Memory lane’) but the overall feeling is one of guilty pleasures at Daniel Johnston’s expense.
Whatever one’s opinion of him there is no getting away from the fact that he is a prolific artist. He has released an array of various quality albums since the late 70’s. This enables him to dip into any period. Therefore after an endearing first half of stripped down acoustic numbers the second half was more like a newly formed American college rock group. However Johnston himself appears very self aware and points out to his own detriment that ‘life without a joke is not funny’. He fitted a few jokes in between glimpses of well thought out lyrics.
© James Masterson
*** (Collection of more thoughts on Daniel Johnston!! ) ***
Daniel Johnston
Dublin, Vicar St.,
11 Jul 2007
View: Centre, Back. By the Mixing desk.
Mick Jagger famously once said – all you need to succeed in Rock N Roll is 3 chords and lots of energy. Clearly a lot of luck or chance plays its part. But Nervous energy is something Daniel Johnston has a lot of. As well as a determined focus and an abundance of Pent Up Frustrations. However this may stem from his ability limitations – his guitar playing never advances beyond the 3rd Fret, and whilst he can sing and play - he seems unable to combine the 2 – losing momentum. This along side the fact that his ‘songs’ are more a collection of unrefined, unfinished thoughts makes for a set that is not always pleasant to watch or hear! However the sentiment of his songs does catch a raw never for large parts of this audience. Are they comments on human nature and the frailties of life?
That said there are glimpses of some great lyrics (‘a Flat Tyre Down Memory lane’ ‘a girl like a spider’ ) but the overall feeling is one of guilty pleasures at Daniel Johnstons expense.
Whatever one’s opinion of him there is no getting away from the fact that he is a prolific artist.
1000 people crammed into vicar st tonight for what was known at school as laugh at the funny kid.
Famous in no small part thanks to Kurt Cobains praise and recent documentary Devil in DJ - he is enjoying the fruits of this infamy?
Songs are more a collection of unrefined, unfinished thoughts. Not always pleasant to watch or hear!
Solitude songs – a comment on human nature ?Or is it the emperors new clothes?
‘life without a joke is not funny’
These songs are horror movies’…
Nods to the beatles and Hendrix (Hey Joe) – songs about dead stars
Is this the true meaning of guilty pleasures?
Nervous, focused, pent up frustrations. Never advances beyond the 3rd Fret up the guitar. And limits himself to 5 chords –
Simplistic rather than simple
Vast back catalogue
Audience quiet albeit slight sniggers @ Points
Quiet and respectful. Amateurish – can play and sing but can’t combine the two or a perverse extension of human nature and its frailties on display?
1) Mean Girls Give Pleasure
2) There is a sense of humour way beyond
3) ?
4) ?
5) Life in Vain
6) Here we are on this planet … everything for granted. Don’t let go .. restless soul - Go ?
7) I think that I shall love you , you can’t a ??
8) Hold ME like a mother should, I’m seeing double of you
9) @ the ?
2nd Half (2nd Half More like American college rock.)
Gonna Rock This Town Tonight
Walking the Cow
Mountain pop
?
Fish (from fear yourself) – like the troggs wi/ a fuzzbox
Speedy motorbike
That Rock n Roll saved my soul
?
Encore –
True love will find you in the end.
*** End of my rambling thoughts ***
Smokey Robinson
Dublin, Vicar St
9th July 2007
View: Centre Balcony
Crashing on to Going to a Go-Go, Smokey Robinson gave us over 2 hours of hits! I Second That Emotion showed that his vocal abilities, as well as song writing skills, are second to none. When Smokey Sings, everyone should stop and listen, but when Smokey sings other peoples songs, (having written a disproportionate number of classics himself) people should pay special attention. It is therefore a shame that, despite his romantic reminiscing, his choice of standards (Fly Me To The Moon, Night and Day) are so standard. This contrasts sharply with his Temptations medley (The Way You Do The Things You Do, Get Ready, My Girl) - a classic collection well performed by their author! Alongside him was one of the early Miracles and genius himself, Marvin Tarplin, who gave us his haunting lead guitar intro to a powerful rendition of Tracks of My Tears.
Being With You and Cruisin proved popular crowd favourites and whilst his Love medleys were a bit insipid, you could never doubt his sincerity and the enjoyment the audience took from it.
© James Masterson
Smokey Robinson
Dublin, Vicar St
9th July 2007
View: Centre Balcony
1) Going 2 a go-go
2) I Second That Emotion
3) Quiet Storm (?)
4) Temptations Medley : The Way You Do The Things You Do, Get Ready, My Girl
5) Stevie Wonder Co written Tears Of A Clown
Standards interlude! :
6) Fly Me To The Moon
7) Night and Day (Spanish)
8) I Love Your Face
9) I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
10) Being With You (Spanish?)
11) Baby Don’t Cry ?
12) Just to see her
13) Tracks Of My Tears
Encore
14) Cruisin’
GEORGE CLINTON & THE P FUNK ALLSTARS
Dublin, Pod
4th July 2007 (US Independence Day)
View: Centre Back
Orchestration is the key to a George Clinton gig and tonight was no exception. From his entrance on stage he kept the band tight and in time, whilst also managing to give every member of the 15 strong ensemble a chance to shine. Some solos act were interludes (former Red Hot Chilli Pepper Black Byrd McKnight on guitar), others were slotted into tracks. Belita Woods’ solo vocals, whilst good, lost the crowd because her moment went on too long! Overall though, such cameos did not detract from the feeling of always being on an exciting ride on the mother ship. A melee of sounds is common place and occasionally the music gives way more to a Carnival on stage – both in atmosphere and in the outlandish clothing!
Their tribute to the Temptations - Sexy Side Of You (off the new LP) underlined Clinton’s song writing versatility. Whilst the other new track (Bounce 2 This) highlights how Clinton has never really deviated from the Parliament / Funkadelic sound.
As with all former Motown staff this man knows about value for money. Well over 3 hours of music from the seemingly ad libed (The Dublin Rap) to firm favourites (Maggot Brain).
© James Masterson
Double Bill: Joe Cocker & Al Green
Dublin, Malahide Castle
1st July 2007
View: Centre Middle – Just to right of mixing desk.
A man of immense talent and capable of spellbinding charisma when he sings, Joe Cocker, unlike Al Green, only lets the music do the talking. With little interaction with the crowd he belted through a number of classic interpretations. From the powerful Chain Of Fools to the electric Summer in the City the crowd loved his enigmatic performance. Similarly Up Where We Belong and You Can Leave Your Hat On were in his individual style; solid and similar to his album versions though. However it was his usual epic With A Little Help From My Friends that really highlighted his compelling appeal: Enthralling does not do it justice. A classic climax to a great set. Also in contrast to his co-host he performed an encore - You Are So Beautiful, and beautiful it was.
On the other hand, consistently bright and bubbly the irrepressible Reverend Al Green is clearly enjoying his newly regained status as one of the few remaining active Grandfathers of Soul. Love and Happiness and I’m Still In Love With You remind the crowd of this man’s eminence however it is his impromptu, note perfect, rasping of Hello Dolly (Louis Armstrong style) that highlight his overall skill. The notes he hits, and still holds after 50 years, on tracks like the classic Tired Of Being Alone are testament to his talents. From his protestations of wanting to be closer to his audience, which seemed genuine, to his wooing of the female contingent by throwing flowers to them throughout his set, his never let up. Soul genius extraordinaire and a great showman to boot this was entertainment personified.
Ultimately neither artist broke any boundaries, personified by their classic (not new) track selection, but both put on professional performances.
© James Masterson
Dublin, Republic of Ireland, The Pod 12/12/2007
View: Balcony, Front Right.
Australia’s most under appreciated talent (Odyssey No5 is a classic album) came to Ireland for the first time in 4 years to turn The Pod into the Shepherds’ Bush of Dublin; a sell out show packed full of Antipodeans. For them and the handful of locals the band did not disappoint. With a Barroom blues sound familiar of The Black Crowes at their artistic height this 6 piece gave a rocking set of three chord anthems. These Days and My Happiness (both from the above album) climaxed a brilliant set, however ….. got the crowd going early on whilst I Got you on my mind with a Stones interlude (Midnight Rambler) was floor stomping moment. A few tracks of the new album (‘Lost and Running’ & ‘Long Way To Go’) show they have probably got another solid album on the shelves. All enjoyed the cover of Cinnamon Girl (Neil Young) and although they could have played another 20 tracks the crowd enjoyed this last night of the tour – a tour that could so easily have not taken place due to band politics!
© James Masterson
1) My Love (Waiting For The Sun)
2) (how steal, keep running, I’m still lost and running)
3) Can’t Expen
4) ?
5) Just want to tell you
6) (Fell like I’ve got soul a long way to go , If you get over me I’ll get over you
7) Another Day and End is Schedule 1, …3,4 forever young ? (barroom blues)
8) ?
9) ?
10) Let me in I need somewhere to begin Bless My Soul ?
11) These Days
12) My Happiness
Stage Acoustic Encore
13) Sun Sets over Beaches
14) Cinnamon Girl (N Young)
15) Baby I got you on my mind (Midnight Rambler)
The Pointer Sisters
The Pod , Dublin
23rd November 2007
View: Centre Back,
Well rehearsed laid back style – enjoying themselves professional – despite short set of 1 ½ hours including band interlude (dress change)they gave it their all. Not purely girls on the town crowd – but people enjoying a professional band and artists. Far more appealing than the spice girls!
Almost chronological with Grand Old Opry hits Fairytale and Chainof Fools, leading to I’m so excited and Jump.
Also included great covers Fire (springsteen) and Sisters (are doing it for themselves).
Highlight was the popular version of Slow Hand – which the whole crowd enjoyed.
1) My Happiness
2) He’s So Shy
3) Automatic
4) FairyTales (Elvis Covered)
5) Slow Hand
6) Chain O Fools
7) Medley:
The Beat (Arrested development style)
Got One (On The Side) Another Lover
Can- Can
8) Tell me
9) Band interlude
10) Fire (Springsteen)
11) I’m So Excited
12) Two Turn Dance
13) Jump
14) Sisters are doing it for themselves
Encore
15) All Night Long (Extended version)
Lucinda Williams
The Pod
22/11/07
View: Balcony, Centre front.
The Artist of Choice for many more successful artists, Lucinda Williams is the ultimate name drop and she clearly enjoys the kudos this gives her.
After 9 months on the road, she and the band are noticeably tired, but still able to pt on a great set.
A great artist who is not easy to categorise. Her slow southern drawl and general demeanour bely a country sland,however her influences (and influence) are broader than most as she embraces moments of balls to the wall rap, alongside intimate folk tunes (Lake Charles)
Even her selection of cover version (Riders on The Storm) defies category - a great and diverse artist on a good night.
Never recaptured success of Car Wheels On a Gravel Road and Essence she appears unconcerned by this
Thanks giving
Slow southern drawl
1) You Can’t Change you, you can’t carry you
2) Fruits of my labours
3) I’m learning how to live without you in my life
4) Steal Your love (on Since Album)
5) Sonny Owen (Arkansas Poet)
6) Lake Charles
7) Drunken angel (intro from Maggie May)!
8) Out Of Touch
9) Are You Down
10) Righteously
11) (Baby Sweet Baby) I’m Waiting
12) Come On
13) Honey Bee
14) I don’t want you anymore
15) Riders on the storm
Encore
Those 3 days
Making the … in the sun
Insuffer me ?
Lee Scratch Perry
The Pod, Dublin
22nd September 2007
View; Centre Back
Something of a legend for his producing rather than his performing to watch Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry live is not to attend a concert, but to witness an icon at work. However he tries hard to win over and warm a decidedly disinterested crowd who are more intent on dancing to the reggae and simply ignore his appeals for participation. Scratch himself seems not overly perturbed, draped in gold necklaces and bright coloured badges, he is the original king of good time (and bling). This is explained by possibly by the fact that he more famous in Ireland for his famous, if somewhat zany, Guinness advert than his musical genius. But there is no denying that moments of genius shine through in tracks like Jah Rastafari, Jungle Safari. He may be old – but he is still agile. Overall however, the conclusion must be - a great producer but not a consistently great songwriter or performer.
© James Masterson
Seasick Steve
Spiegel Tent, Dublin
18th September 2007
View: Centre Front.
Seasick Steve has recently risen from relative obscurity on the US touring Circuit to fame in the UK at least recently (thanks in no small part to Jools Holland) as an experienced hardened blues man from Mississippi. Disarming the crowd with his understated entrance and amiable manner, he is revelling in his new found veneration. Entering from the back of the tent he walks slowly across the floor through the audience, who love patting him on the back and taking his picture as he plays gritty blues on one of his personalised guitars. Indeed the entire evening is just him and an assortment of guitars, including his ever faithful Three Stringed Trance Wonder.
Such skill belies a man who has crafted his skills from a tough life on the road (as is oft quoted alongside legends like Son House).
He gives us his self penned blues songs from the HoBo Low to the educational Chiggers! The highlight is his Dog House Boogie. All performed with skill and energy that defy one man and his guitar on stage. And of course what could the man finish with but his alma mater – ‘It’s All Good’. It most certainly was.
© James Masterson
Some of the tracks played -
Last Po’ Man
Hobo Low
Chiggers
Dog House Boogie
Salem Blues
It’s All Good
Hayseed Dixie
The Pod, 8th August 2007
View: Up against the (side) wall.
Hayseed Dixie have been on the road honing their repertoire for the best part of 5 years, but their ability to entertain continues unabated. Potentially a one trick pony as they tear through their bluegrass interpretations of Heavy Metal classics their versions of Breaking the Law (Judas Priest) and their breakthrough interpretations of AC/DC
Classics including Highway To Hell and Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap really shook the crowd all night long. Moving into the punk arena they performed a stark and truly exceptional version of the Sex Pistols Holidays in the Sun - which surely most of the crowd knew, but only a handful recognised! However everyone recognised and sang along to the relatively standard version of Hotel California, seamlessly interspersed with Careless Whisper.
Talented musicians playing on the simple Southern American Hicks they and their crowd certainly seemed to enjoy the show!
© James Masterson
1) Dirty Deeds done dirt cheap (ACDC)
2) Kirby Hill
3) Breakin the law (Judas Priest)
4) U Shook me all night long (ACDC)
5) Best Friends Girl (Cars)
6) War Pigs (Sabbath)
7) Walk This Way (Aerosmith)
8) Aces OF Spades (Motorhead)
9) Holidays in the Sun (Pistols)
10) I Don’t Feel Like dancing (Scissor sisters)
11) Hotel California (Careless Whisper chorus)
12) Fat Bottomed Girls (Queen)
13) Skinny When I met her
14) (Fiddlers Elbow)
15) Blind Beggars Breakdown
16) Keeping your poop in a jar
17) Holiday (Green Day)
18) Moonshiners Daughter
19) Down Down (Status Quo)
20) Highway to hell
21) Case of Ale? / Rider ? / corn licker?
22) Duelling Banjo’s
Steve Vai
24th July 2007
Vicar Street, Dublin
View: Centre Back.
Steve Vai may change his guitar more often than Madonna changes her costume, but that does not undermine the quality of his performance. The fact that the main man is suffering from a throat infection does dictate a change in the standard tour tracks selection.
Tonight no All About Eve and an amended version of Firewall. But his infection does not limit his virtuoso notes performed with one hand.
When with Zappa or Roth he was surrounded by talent and the same is true tonight - guitarist Dave Weiner(!) and his two violinist especially shone. All songs had guitar instrumental fans in raptures. An amazing live, but instantly recognizable, version of Whispering a Prayer and a good version of Freakshow ensured the crowds undivided attention. More generally however it is items off Passion and Warfare (great version of The Audience Is Listening) which prove the more popular numbers and everyone seems to enjoy. However for those waiting for one track - For The Love Of God certainly proved an appropriate and spin chilling climax.
© James Masterson
Daniel Johnston w/ Brett Hartenbach
Dublin, Vicar St.,
11 Jul 2007
View: Centre, Back. By the Mixing desk.
Mick Jagger famously once said – all you need to succeed in Rock N Roll is three chords and lots of energy. Nervous energy is something Daniel Johnston has an abundance of, as well as a determined focus and pent up frustrations. However this may stem from his ability limitations: His guitar playing never advances beyond the 3rd Fret, and whilst he can sing and play - he seems unable to combine the two. This along side the fact that his ‘songs’ are more a collection of unrefined, unfinished thoughts makes for a set that is not always pleasant to watch or hear! However the sentiment of his songs does catch a raw never for large parts of this audience. Are they comments on human nature and the frailties of life?
That said there are glimpses of some great lyrics (‘a Flat Tyre Down Memory lane’) but the overall feeling is one of guilty pleasures at Daniel Johnston’s expense.
Whatever one’s opinion of him there is no getting away from the fact that he is a prolific artist. He has released an array of various quality albums since the late 70’s. This enables him to dip into any period. Therefore after an endearing first half of stripped down acoustic numbers the second half was more like a newly formed American college rock group. However Johnston himself appears very self aware and points out to his own detriment that ‘life without a joke is not funny’. He fitted a few jokes in between glimpses of well thought out lyrics.
© James Masterson
*** (Collection of more thoughts on Daniel Johnston!! ) ***
Daniel Johnston
Dublin, Vicar St.,
11 Jul 2007
View: Centre, Back. By the Mixing desk.
Mick Jagger famously once said – all you need to succeed in Rock N Roll is 3 chords and lots of energy. Clearly a lot of luck or chance plays its part. But Nervous energy is something Daniel Johnston has a lot of. As well as a determined focus and an abundance of Pent Up Frustrations. However this may stem from his ability limitations – his guitar playing never advances beyond the 3rd Fret, and whilst he can sing and play - he seems unable to combine the 2 – losing momentum. This along side the fact that his ‘songs’ are more a collection of unrefined, unfinished thoughts makes for a set that is not always pleasant to watch or hear! However the sentiment of his songs does catch a raw never for large parts of this audience. Are they comments on human nature and the frailties of life?
That said there are glimpses of some great lyrics (‘a Flat Tyre Down Memory lane’ ‘a girl like a spider’ ) but the overall feeling is one of guilty pleasures at Daniel Johnstons expense.
Whatever one’s opinion of him there is no getting away from the fact that he is a prolific artist.
1000 people crammed into vicar st tonight for what was known at school as laugh at the funny kid.
Famous in no small part thanks to Kurt Cobains praise and recent documentary Devil in DJ - he is enjoying the fruits of this infamy?
Songs are more a collection of unrefined, unfinished thoughts. Not always pleasant to watch or hear!
Solitude songs – a comment on human nature ?Or is it the emperors new clothes?
‘life without a joke is not funny’
These songs are horror movies’…
Nods to the beatles and Hendrix (Hey Joe) – songs about dead stars
Is this the true meaning of guilty pleasures?
Nervous, focused, pent up frustrations. Never advances beyond the 3rd Fret up the guitar. And limits himself to 5 chords –
Simplistic rather than simple
Vast back catalogue
Audience quiet albeit slight sniggers @ Points
Quiet and respectful. Amateurish – can play and sing but can’t combine the two or a perverse extension of human nature and its frailties on display?
1) Mean Girls Give Pleasure
2) There is a sense of humour way beyond
3) ?
4) ?
5) Life in Vain
6) Here we are on this planet … everything for granted. Don’t let go .. restless soul - Go ?
7) I think that I shall love you , you can’t a ??
8) Hold ME like a mother should, I’m seeing double of you
9) @ the ?
2nd Half (2nd Half More like American college rock.)
Gonna Rock This Town Tonight
Walking the Cow
Mountain pop
?
Fish (from fear yourself) – like the troggs wi/ a fuzzbox
Speedy motorbike
That Rock n Roll saved my soul
?
Encore –
True love will find you in the end.
*** End of my rambling thoughts ***
Smokey Robinson
Dublin, Vicar St
9th July 2007
View: Centre Balcony
Crashing on to Going to a Go-Go, Smokey Robinson gave us over 2 hours of hits! I Second That Emotion showed that his vocal abilities, as well as song writing skills, are second to none. When Smokey Sings, everyone should stop and listen, but when Smokey sings other peoples songs, (having written a disproportionate number of classics himself) people should pay special attention. It is therefore a shame that, despite his romantic reminiscing, his choice of standards (Fly Me To The Moon, Night and Day) are so standard. This contrasts sharply with his Temptations medley (The Way You Do The Things You Do, Get Ready, My Girl) - a classic collection well performed by their author! Alongside him was one of the early Miracles and genius himself, Marvin Tarplin, who gave us his haunting lead guitar intro to a powerful rendition of Tracks of My Tears.
Being With You and Cruisin proved popular crowd favourites and whilst his Love medleys were a bit insipid, you could never doubt his sincerity and the enjoyment the audience took from it.
© James Masterson
Smokey Robinson
Dublin, Vicar St
9th July 2007
View: Centre Balcony
1) Going 2 a go-go
2) I Second That Emotion
3) Quiet Storm (?)
4) Temptations Medley : The Way You Do The Things You Do, Get Ready, My Girl
5) Stevie Wonder Co written Tears Of A Clown
Standards interlude! :
6) Fly Me To The Moon
7) Night and Day (Spanish)
8) I Love Your Face
9) I Can’t Give You Anything But Love
10) Being With You (Spanish?)
11) Baby Don’t Cry ?
12) Just to see her
13) Tracks Of My Tears
Encore
14) Cruisin’
GEORGE CLINTON & THE P FUNK ALLSTARS
Dublin, Pod
4th July 2007 (US Independence Day)
View: Centre Back
Orchestration is the key to a George Clinton gig and tonight was no exception. From his entrance on stage he kept the band tight and in time, whilst also managing to give every member of the 15 strong ensemble a chance to shine. Some solos act were interludes (former Red Hot Chilli Pepper Black Byrd McKnight on guitar), others were slotted into tracks. Belita Woods’ solo vocals, whilst good, lost the crowd because her moment went on too long! Overall though, such cameos did not detract from the feeling of always being on an exciting ride on the mother ship. A melee of sounds is common place and occasionally the music gives way more to a Carnival on stage – both in atmosphere and in the outlandish clothing!
Their tribute to the Temptations - Sexy Side Of You (off the new LP) underlined Clinton’s song writing versatility. Whilst the other new track (Bounce 2 This) highlights how Clinton has never really deviated from the Parliament / Funkadelic sound.
As with all former Motown staff this man knows about value for money. Well over 3 hours of music from the seemingly ad libed (The Dublin Rap) to firm favourites (Maggot Brain).
© James Masterson
Double Bill: Joe Cocker & Al Green
Dublin, Malahide Castle
1st July 2007
View: Centre Middle – Just to right of mixing desk.
A man of immense talent and capable of spellbinding charisma when he sings, Joe Cocker, unlike Al Green, only lets the music do the talking. With little interaction with the crowd he belted through a number of classic interpretations. From the powerful Chain Of Fools to the electric Summer in the City the crowd loved his enigmatic performance. Similarly Up Where We Belong and You Can Leave Your Hat On were in his individual style; solid and similar to his album versions though. However it was his usual epic With A Little Help From My Friends that really highlighted his compelling appeal: Enthralling does not do it justice. A classic climax to a great set. Also in contrast to his co-host he performed an encore - You Are So Beautiful, and beautiful it was.
On the other hand, consistently bright and bubbly the irrepressible Reverend Al Green is clearly enjoying his newly regained status as one of the few remaining active Grandfathers of Soul. Love and Happiness and I’m Still In Love With You remind the crowd of this man’s eminence however it is his impromptu, note perfect, rasping of Hello Dolly (Louis Armstrong style) that highlight his overall skill. The notes he hits, and still holds after 50 years, on tracks like the classic Tired Of Being Alone are testament to his talents. From his protestations of wanting to be closer to his audience, which seemed genuine, to his wooing of the female contingent by throwing flowers to them throughout his set, his never let up. Soul genius extraordinaire and a great showman to boot this was entertainment personified.
Ultimately neither artist broke any boundaries, personified by their classic (not new) track selection, but both put on professional performances.
© James Masterson
