message board

Will Oldham · Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 5:06 pm Post subject: London - Scala - 28/11/06

just a quick review from the scala last night

The Cape may started the night off - essentially a solo project with a band coming in behind him occasionally. A decent set, with one or two songs standing out above the rest. a well polished act and I particularly enjoyed his finger picking guitar work. it wasn't entirely to my taste, I enjoyed it but the songs didn't really change enough to hold my attention.

Next up was The Jeff Lewis Band /Jeff Lewis and the Creeping Brains what ever banner they were flying under this evening - The first thing I noticed was the sheer volume of people that seemed to be there to see Jeff - I over heard numerous people talking about the JLB all night and maybe I'm just ignorant but I'd never heard of the headliner so I had to assume we were all there for the same reason, the place was certainly packed for Jeff's set;

the crowd filled every inch of the floor as the band arrived on stage to set up. They were looking a little stressed at this point - Jack had already mentioned something about it being a stressful night but didn't elaborate - the band were joined onstage by a couple of members of the wave pictures who joined in musically on a number of songs in the set.

midway though setting up/ tuning /sound checking it seemed the guys kicked in with Art Land to take the audience by suprise - instantly any signs of pre show stress had disappeared out the window.
next the band left Jeff centre stage as he played a beautiful version of The East River ( with the original lyrics) which I really appreciated - It seems like a while since I'd heard it live and it was sounding as fresh as ever , particularly to the captivated audience who I realised during this song were hanging on every word as they laughed in unison where appropriate at Jeff's lyrics.
everyone was hooked by this point as Jeff took us into Objectified with Jack, Dave and the wave picture guys coming back in behind him during the song.
It was time for a video by this point and as Jeff crouched to operate the laptop controlling the projector (I think the days of the chair are long gone) he welcomed on stage Green Gartside of Scritti Politti who accepted Jeff's guitar and proceeded to provide backing for the Rough Trade Documentary
a little over 3 minutes later and I was standing in a room filled with happy people, each and everyone a scholar in the history of Rough Trade.
next unexpectedly Jeff invited the rest of Scritti Politti up on stage to play a song as Jeff and Jack waited in the wings the song we were treated to was Robin Hood and it sounded great. The Creeping brains returned to the stage (scritti Politti returned to the audience) and welcomed us to their second set of the evening which they kicked off with Roll Bus Roll with slightly altered lyrics I believe( well I'm sure there was something different from my version:- http://www.myspace.com/will_oldham_horror - beyond theirs actually being good that is!! Rolling Eyes

) Don't Be Upset followed ( with more laughter from the crowd - I envy people hearing these songs for the first time! ) sounding great as ever. Next they played If Life Exists and it was my first chance to hear the slow version of this song that I've read they have started playing lately. Sadly for me it didn't live up to its old fast rocking self - I love seeing them play that song full power full energy - I guess the slower version allows you to appreciated the lyrics fully, maybe it comes down to always preferring the first version you heard, I don't know what does everyone else think of this song? I just remember the first couple of times I heard this song at shows before it was on available on line anywhere and before I knew what it was and I was just like WOW i was desperate to work out the chords and to learn the lyrics and i loved the adrenaline that was flowing through it. it was a highlight (anyway discuss amongst yourselves - back to the review)
Jeff finished up the set with another video, this time Creeping Brain (Sorry Dav I'm no closer to working out the lyrics on this one Laughing

) this was the first time I've seen this as a video and it was a cool one! as ever they leave us wanting more,( even drummer Dave who told us later he was itching to squeeze in a quick rocking Texas

) with a quick exit from the stage to go and man the merch' table which was looking well stocked with badges c.d's comics and I believe 3 different designs of t shirt which leads me to some breaking news folks , wait for it, the t-shirts were available in small, medium and Large!!!! gone are the days of child sizes only!! christmas is coming and I say treat the family - no one?! well it made me happy anyway lol

the night wasn't over yet though, a very enjoyable set from nina nastasia though matt for some reason didn't like not being able to talk loudly through the set which led to Jack shhh - ing him and me laugh/ choking on my pint. I meant to buy her c.d but forgot irritatingly enough i also forgot to pick up a copy of fuff # 5 so don't you all buy them before I get a chance to get one on sunday!!

the evening was a success a top night though it did end with a very drunk girl with bright red hair following Jeff around stalker fashion

the trappings of success!

was anyone else there? see you at the next one!

Nick
_________________

www.myspace.com/will_oldham_horror

Dav · Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2006 5:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks for this awesome review Nick! i'll wait for you next one Smile

_________________
http://uberaffe.bandcamp.com

Kieron · Joined: 02 Dec 2005 Posts: 909 Location: Edinburgh

That was a brilliant gig review - nice one, Nick!

Jeff is playing Glasgow tomorrow night, but I don't think I'll be going - going to an open mic instead that's going to have the BBC filming!

The real reason I'm not going, though, is because I don't want to O.D. on all things Jeff! I don't wanna drench my senses and then sepnd the next six months waiting for another Jeff Lewis gig, lol

hamlet · Joined: 05 Jan 2006 Posts: 456

Great to here that true talent and devotion are being appreciated over there. Maybe life really exists. Maybe the drunk red headed girl was just responding to the mating calls implicit or explicit in many of the songs. Thanks for that detailed review.

jack fe · Joined: 08 Apr 2006 Posts: 865

That sounds so cool. Jeff was saying the tour had been stressful so far. When we asked each of them how it was going, we got mixed reviews (Jeff: "Stressful, but ok." Jack: "Hmmmm." Dave: Really good." Me: "Really?" *laughs*).
Glad to hear you had a good night. Really different set to last night (Brighton).
There shall be a detailed review (and more) very soon.
_________________
myspace.com/frozymusic

jewis22 · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 65

nice review,
(not critical enough ha)
though just for the record that red hair girl was one of the most annoying post show chatters ever,
a true acomplishemnet,\
one for the ages,

thanks for coming by again, and keeping the board updated
jack

bibasse · Joined: 04 Dec 2005 Posts: 353 Location: Cholet, France

Will Oldham · Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 11:58 am Post subject:

Well theres another london show tonight so I get to stock up on what ever isn't sold out

Very Happy

_________________

www.myspace.com/will_oldham_horror

jack fe · Joined: 08 Apr 2006 Posts: 865

On wednesday guff 2 was sold out, and there were only small shirts.
A small shirt, which I wear!!!
_________________
myspace.com/frozymusic

ema · Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Posts: 1074 Location: france

yeaaah thanks Nick!!!!
have fun tonight Wink

_________________