keith a
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Edited May 24, 2006, 16:24
Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Birmingham)
May 23, 2006, 22:44
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I’ve liked New York’s finest three piece since their first ep and excellent early session on WFMU’s Cherry Blossom Clinic, but had never seen them live before. Things started promisingly, with leggy singer Karen O coming on in an odd glittery outfit looking for all the world like some glam rock leprechaun, though her movements probably owed more to 80’s TV am fitness guru Mad Lizzie any Irish Bowie tribute act. It was definitely a case of “That’s it, put one foot forward, head down, lean forward, and wiggle that body, boys and girls. Doesn’t that feel better?” Well, not really because despite Karen’s efforts this gig never quite took for me. The crowd at the front might have been going mental, but being that that further bit back I felt there was something ultimately un-engaging about her performance.
That’s not to say it was a bad gig by any means, with highlights including the almost dubby Down Boy, Black Tongue with it’s catchy, yet charming “Boy, you’re just a stupid bitch and girl you’re a no good dick” chorus, and the (initially underwhelming) recent single Gold Lion, which - delivered from behind a golden blanket! - sounded much better live than on record. Best of all though was Art Star, a track from way back with it’s sudden changes from twee, giggly ‘du-du-du’s to some almost harrowing screaming delivered from behind a shiny helmet, which had the remarkable effect of turning Karen’s head into a 1970’s glittery disco ball.
But by the time they were leaving the stage my overwhelming feeling was one of slight disappointment, and not even a version of Maps for an encore could dissipate that feeling. This was disappointing in itself because Maps is an incredible heartfelt number that has, I know for a fact, reduced chaps with relationship problems to tears. Unfortunately, this rendition just kind of passed me by and although they ended with a lively version of A Date With The Night, frankly by that time I knew it wasn’t happening for me. Maybe it was just me. I was knackered before I even set off on what was at times a taxing journey as it was so wet I could have sailed down the M54 in a yacht. Certainly ‘Da kids’ at the front really seemed to enjoy it, and the band - now augmented by a fourth member who played bass, keyboards, acoustic guitar and hid in the corner - played well enough, with the Louis Theraux lookalike on drums putting in a particularly fine performance. But though the Carling Academy isn’t a big venue by any means, the YYY’s just left me wishing I’d seen them somewhere even smaller.
And when I was more up for it…
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bubblehead2
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Re: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Birmingham)
May 24, 2006, 13:28
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Reckon I enjoyed that review more than you enjoyed the gig Keith ! So thanks for posting.
Gotta admit I've had similar experiences too ( haven't seen YYY's BTW ).
I reallly liked their first EP but for me every subsequent release has been increasingly disappointing ( the same comments could be applied to The Strokes but multiplied by 2 ).
Was going to say that maybe their early initial success has led to a case of diminishing returns through pressure from their respective record companies for more 'product' and a desire for further increases in sales.
( despite the fact they're on Wichita and Rough Trade (still ?) ). Both bands seem to be going through the motions IMO !
Maybe it's me though, I can be incredibly snobbish when bands become successful and are plastered all over the press ( Think I've got worse since posting here too ! )
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supercat
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Re: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Birmingham)
May 24, 2006, 15:10
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You're right Bubbs, our Keith does a fab review. Never heard of the band though. ;D xx (runs for cover)
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bubblehead2
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Re: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Birmingham)
May 24, 2006, 15:26
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> Never heard of the band though <
You're not alone on that one ! Have come to the conclusion that Spaztek Cumrag who Mooncat mentions frequently are possibly a figment of his fertile imagination !
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supercat
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Re: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Birmingham)
May 24, 2006, 15:34
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They are a Welsh Band! ;) xx
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bubblehead2
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Re: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Birmingham)
May 24, 2006, 16:17
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You're pulling my leg supercat !?
Confused of Watford ;-) x
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keith a
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Re: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Birmingham)
May 24, 2006, 16:31
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Cheers Bubbles and supercat.
Know what you mean about them/Strokes getting worse. Some good points.
And I know what you mean about snobbery, too. Guilty as charged, m'lud!!; )
Having said that I thought last years Strokes Juicebox single was their best in years.
BTW Have you heard the Cherry Blossom Clinic session I mentioned. Let me know if you haven't. If you like their early stuff you'll like this one. Pretty raw!!
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supercat
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Re: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Birmingham)
May 24, 2006, 16:47
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MOI? tut! as if i would. xx ;D
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bubblehead2
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Re: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Birmingham)
May 24, 2006, 17:25
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Thanks very much,I haven't heard the Cherry Blossom Clinic recording but would very much like to so yes please !
I'll send you a copy of something daft that you may just enjoy in return !!!
Right, I'm off to see Neko Case tonight so better get my act together. Just wish I had a Nudie suit and stetson to wear !
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mojojojo
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Re: Yeah Yeah Yeahs (Birmingham)
May 24, 2006, 18:16
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Neko Case? I'm jealous.
Have fun (and tell her I'd like to be one of her boyfriends!).
x
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