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Del Amitri
So, I got to go to London for three weeks on a business trip. Pretty cool. But that also means I got to see the Del boys right in the middle of their UK tour, two weeks before they hit America. Even better! I managed to scrape my way into the sold-out show at the last minute. Thankfully, scalping (oops, "touting") isn't quite that big a deal here. The club itself was pretty nice, not too different from most of the clubs you'd see in NY, right down to the crappy watered-down beer you'd expect at US clubs. The sound, however, was excellent, at least from my vantage point eight rows deep. The crowd: they seemed pretty happy to see the band, although I get the feeling that they're treated in the UK more as a band that's "been around" as opposed to the States, where they're "trying to break through". Too bad. Anyway, on to the show. After waiting with much anticipation, the lights finally dimmed. Five or six frumpy lamps illuminated an interesting and original set, complete with a backdrop of that cheesy wallpaper featured on the SOSP cover, and "Justin's bookcase" smack dab in the center (You'll see it when they get here). A purposely cheesy pre-taped intro brought the band onto the stage, where they launched into the new CD's title track. All in all, they played 20 songs over about 90 minutes, playing an even mix of the last four albums. They actually took more from "Waking Hours" than any other album. I suspect, however, that this set will probably change some when they reach the States. Now, I have to admit I was a bit concerned as to how the band's reshuffling would affect their live show. I'm relieved to say we have NOTHING to worry about. The new additions are everything we could have hoped for. The band is rock-solid (maybe staying TOO close to the album versions). Listen to the harmonies and if that doesn't convince you, watch the twin-guitar solo in "Start with Me". Fantastic. Also, it looks like they're starting to experiment with live harmonies they've not tried before (at least I haven't seen them). An a cappella chorus of "Be My Downfall" was unfortunatley drowned out by the enthusiastic crowd, singing along. The band looks like they're having fun, and that's the important thing. The only problem (as always): The show was just too short. I guess with any Del show there are just too many songs to do and unless you get 2+ hours, you're still looking for more at the end. Regardless, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for shows that end AFTER 10:30PM (!) when they get to the States (You have no idea how early London shuts down). All in all, quite a good show. Glad to have you back, boys! Set list:
medicine
driving with the brakes on
Written by Sal Accardo |