Entertainment For Lively Minds
magic in the big top
Last night in an enormus tent in a field in Dublin , I think I saw one of the best live shows I have seen. No need for musical snobbery, I was not one of the audiance of 13 that saw U2 win a Hot Press award in Limerick in nineteen whenever. I never saw the Clash playing in a pub in Camden although I have seen Ian Brown play a pub in Waterford. And bloody good as well. But this was different gravvvvy.
A fantastic show by Arcade Fire. Absoutly brilliant. I would implore any of you in the UK/Europe who have any glide left in your stride to do your upmost to see this show as it heads your way. A joyous bundle of musical and emotional energy that will hard to top. Ten band members a wall of noise and so much positive energy it would move a tram.
Do your selves a favour and grab a ticket from the gent in the camel hair coat at the entrance. It will be a wonderful Christmas present to yourself. Just when I was thinking that most new bands were pants along come this motley yet gifted crew an reaffirm the faith that there is nothing like the glouious sound of live music.
PS Musical Snobbery alert - Have a listen to a new band from County Monaghan called The Flaws. Worth the trip to iTunes.
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Whole-hearted agreement
I was there too on Wednesday, and having seen them earlier in the year at the Olympia in Dublin, I was blown away. They looked so much more comfortable on the large tent than in the small - though usually great - surroundings of the Olympia. The sound, too, was excellent. I thoroughly enjoyed being able to hear that xylophone clear as a bell. The staging set-up, lighting, etc were brilliantly put together too. As my friend said as they came onstage, it's great to see a band come on with some kind of intro, and the videos really worked to break in Black Mirror. I was struck by the confidence of the band in their playing and the response of the crowd. Win Butler was very clever in making sure to mention that Wednesday was the original gig to go on sale and making that connection, and to make the usual, though I think mostly genuine, 'we started our tour in Dublin because we love playing here' comment. Though he doesn't say too much, he's certainly growing in stature as a front-man.
It mightn't please some to hear it, but I think that touring with U2 has done Arcade Fire no harm in terms of their staging, their attitude, and their confidence. They seemed very at home and were able to engage the crowd at all times for an hour and a half. Which, I think, is astoundingly impressive for a band with only two (albeit high quality) albums. The best is still to come I'm sure.
Finally, credit must go to the organisers of these gigs in the Park. The tent is fantastic - miles better than the horrible Point Depot that it is intended to temporarily replace - the transport seemed to be brilliant (I live close enough to walk), and the entry and exit to the gig were so smooth. They might have to pray it never rains, though, since I can't imagine how those knee-high boots some women were wearing on Wednesday would stand up to the mud.
Manchester tonight...
..will report back in due course. Thought they were wonderful at Glastonbury this year but am really looking forward to seeing them 'indoors' although the MEN is a bit of a shed at the best of times.
At least there'll be no pigging comedy 'flags' in the way!