Teenage Fanclub at Shepherds Bush Empire on Tuesday night - alright, they're no-one's favourite band and all their albums sound the same and they look like bank clerks etc. etc. but just a nice evening out in West London - quick drink beforehand, time it to take up a good vantage point on Level 1 just as the band hit the stage, mercifully few of the usual annoyances: people who talk all the way through the show; people who have to get up every ten minutes to get another drink or go for a piss, and there's nothing like going in with relatively low expectations and being pleasantly surprised. Even the songs on the new album (that didn't make it past track 3 on first play) sounded good, the guitar solos had a beautiful sound and they have enough back catalogue now that the 'hits' came thick and fast. I pretty much had a smile on my face from beginning to end and ain't that enough?
Crowded House at the Hammersmith Odeon on Wednesday night - again, wasn't sure if I'd be a bit bored but bought the tickets months ago having never seen them but read many times how good their live show is. There have been periods where I've listened to their albums quite a bit, but not for a long time now. I instinctively warm to the beatlesque songwriting craft and execution, but without ever being a real fan. What another pleasant surprise. Neal Finn is one clever dude - cool, confident, endearing presence, songwriting/singing skills, and no slouch on guitar or keys. The stage set, the band's demeanour, the pacing of the setlist, the understated but dramatic lighting - the whole thing was just class. Again, a back catalogue big enough to easily fill a long set with all the obvious crowd-pleasers and more. Particularly enjoyed 'Whispers And Moans' mid-set, and a version of Moonage Daydream (in honour of it being Ziggy's last venue, natch) which was inspired. Connan Hosford from support band Connan Mockasin replicated Ronno's solos perfectly with a psychedelic twinge to the extended wig-out at the end. Very tempted to go again Thursday night for some Chocolate Cake...
and now the World Cup, and Summer Tour 2010, kick off - football tomorrow and all weekend + the reveal of each night's setlists.... of which, more next....
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