What was your last concert you went to ?

I'm sure Mr Springsteen was told what time he was allowed to play until. Probably assumed none would challenge him if he ran over.

As for McCartney. He joined Neil Young when I was there a few years back. Didn't really bring anything to the show except his name.

I expect I would feel differently if I was a fan of either though.

regards

Kevin

Saw Dawes in the Bullingdon Arms, Oxford last night. Excellent show.

I would take a lesser known band in a small venue, over a big name in a field any day.

regards

kevin

The real action was at the O2 Shepherds Bush last thursday night. Daryl Hall plus a bunch of his 'house' band played a blinding set, in spite of the iffy house PA sound in the stalls (all overhung bass and kick drum). Songs old and new plus two guests, KT Tunstall (boring) and Rumer (fantastic voice, she's on the next Live at Daryl's House programme). Special mentions for the lead guitarist, bassist and sax player too. Various tracks are on tube you, the sound upstairs seemed to include full vocals at least! The support act never stood a chance, Natalie Duncan and her band, you couldnt hear her voice at all. Nice venue otherwise, they just need a new PA system or some HF and MF units firing into the stalls. He hasnt been over for a while and seemed surprised at the rather warm reception he received. he may be back soon, dont miss!

Cheers John 

Hi John,

I was at the Daryl Hall gig as well, but experienced different issues standing 10 yards in front of the mixing desk. I'll use that term loosely, because this was another practitioner from the "couldn't mix a bowl of custard" school. There was a strange, empty cave like sound from Daryl's mic, which is criminal for one of the best singers in pop/rock music. I could barely hear Daryl when he spoke between songs. It also  took the guitar tech's at least 30 mins to sought out Daryl's guitar, which must have bothered him, but as a professional he kept smiling and outwardly it did not affect his performance.

I have seen Steven Wilson (twice), Ane Brun and Love & Money at SBE in the last 9 months and each gig produced excellent sound from voice (Ane Brun especially) and instruments.

At a recent dinner a gaggle of forum friends had a discussion on gig sound quality and I remember saying it was 50/50 in my experience that the mixing desk man new the difference between sound & custard

BTW, as you watch LFDH, I hope you saw Allen Stone. He is the best male singer I have seen 'live' in years and his band are the dogs. Allen is in the UK in November and tour info is here  - http://www.allenstone.com/ The London tickets don't seem to be on sale yet.

LFDH - http://www.livefromdarylshouse...rentep.html?ep_id=66 

Denis

Download festivlval 8-10th june. Black Sabbath were amazing.

Then Die Walkure by opera north at the Lowry, 14th July. A bit different to the above but equally amazing.

Fragile : Excellent YES tribute band -  Fri 13th South Hill Park - Bracknell. Unexpectedly preceded by

" an audience with Roger Dean" . Amicable chap with lots to say.

Paul Simon, O2, Dublin, 12th July. Voice is a bit challenged but musicianship and rapport excellent and (mercifully) proper sound levels so we could hear what was going on. If they put out a live album I'll definitely buy!

July 1st  SWMBO dragged me kicking and screaming to Hammersmith to see Tom Jones.

Was actually very surprised how much i enjoyed it.Over 2 hours on stage for someone of 71 was pretty good.

Biggest surprise was the age range from the very young to the very old.

Did most of the stuff from his last 2 albums and not a greatest hits show. 

I bought my first Tom Jones CD last year...his latest album. 

I think he is at his best...!

California Jim

the wife played that cd to death before we went to the concert.

The  Praise and Blame album's not to bad either

Last night was Dr John supported by Phanton Limb at the Sage in Newcastle.

PL were very good. I think that Yolanda is one of the best female vocalists that I've heard recently. Band were very good too.

DJ was his usual smooth self. 

A great night!

Ane Brun live in Oslo. (pronounced "Arne").

Female Norwegian singer/song writer, very interesting and unique voice and kind of slightly Trip Hop sound going down in the band. She sings mainly in English and sometimes in Norwegian.

I recommend a listen to those that don't know her.

Wednesday July 25th , The Forum ,Bath, Richard Thompson.

Again an amazing concert, solo this time, 2 hours of old and new , even 1 song I didn't recognise, no lowering of his exceptionally high standards.

He did a request and proceeded to forget the words, but audience helped him out

Good venue too, a Art Deo cinema good sound . We were sitting next to a council guy who is putting together a business case for an update, as there are no wings or dressing rooms, they were not necessary in a Cinema.

I said to him at the end you aught to include Air Con too , he said already added.

Fri August 10th Lou Reed presents from VU to Lulu.

Lou was on pretty good form for this one and his band were excellent. A couple of storming versions of Waiting for the man (Heavy on the Sax!!) and a brilliant Heroin. He played 4 tracks from Lulu his recent collaboration with Metallica which was pretty heavy. The other stunner was Sad Song from the Berlin album. An ok version of Walk on the Wild Side with the excellent sax outro for a change. Quick encore of White Light/White Heat and then gone.

Enjoyed it. I saw him at Hammersmith Odeon recently and he looked pretty frail pleased to say he looked a lot better this time although he did appear to be tiring towards the end!!

Sunday 12th August Public Image Limited at Hatfield Forum.

Sparse crowd treated to a very loud run through of PIL's back catalogue. Thrilling versions of Albatross, Death Disco, Flowers of Romance & Rise. The new tracks came across really well live as well, especially Deeper Waters & One Drop. 

Absolutely Spiffing.

Tuesday 21August Stealing Sheep at Madam JoJo's.

Very impressed. I really like this band 3 female singers nice harmonies. Folky psych kind of sound.

Their new album Into the Diamond Sun is very good indeed. I recommend you check them out on youtube.

A certain Mr Fawkes in this forum would probably like this. I could be wrong I could be right. Sorry still getting over PIL from last week.

Hi Premmy,

If you liked the harmonies of Stealing Sheep, I suggest you investigate The Staves, three sisters from Watford - http://www.thestaves.com/film.htm 

If you like them, a selection of tour dates are here - http://www.thestaves.com/live.htm?pg=1 I'm seeing them in London on 19 Nov. I saw them a few months ago and it was one of the most uplifting gigs I've attended.

As The Blue Nile sing Happiness , Happiness , Happiness

Denis

Thanks Dennis. I will check them out.

Prem.

Thanks for the tip Denis. I just ordered their ep and will probably get tickets to go see them as well.

PS I also really like Sharon Van Etten Tramp LP.

Prem.

Great to see this thread alive, after all these years. After all, it's the Music we are after, right ? 

cheers

Stefan

Dude!

You are still alive! 

Sure am, kuma ! ;-)

Stefan,

Nice to see you here.

Been to any good concert lately?

On Lowlands-festival: Tim Christensen and the damn crystals, only 300 people watching them, but they were really good...

Grizzly Bear August 28th Cambridge The Junction

Never seen them before but wow they were really really good. Really tight band lovely vocal harmonies. Played quite a lot of Vecktamist album and also a few of their new tracks from forthcoming album. I have pre ordered the new album on the strength of this. 

If u get a chance go see these guys.

Prem.