Who's good live at the moment?
Posted by Jim Thomas on 26 February 2008 - 5:28pm.
Well spring and summer are coming and I have bought tickets to see Elbow and Jose Gonzalez in the next few weeks and (so far) the only festival I am definitely going to is Womad, where I'm really looking forward to Toumani Diabate. I reckon they'll all be great.
But, as a public service announcement, can all you experts out there share your experience and tell us who who are the not-to-be-missed artistes tearing up the stages at the moment or through the summer festival season.
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Gogol Bordello!
Gogol Bordello! Gogol Bordello! Gogol Bordello!
Sorry for the repetition, but they really are incredible live; a sight to behold. They're touring March-April, and I would heartily recommend going along. As long as you like your shows to be energetic (like a big crazy party), you will love this band.
Anyone else seen Gogol Bordello and willing to back me up?
Gogol Bordello: All your sanity and wits they will all vanish.
Absolutely. Since seeing Gogol Bordello recently, I have recommended their live act to everyone I know with complete confidence. When a band has that much charisma and expends that much energy, you cannot help but come away satisfied (and exhausted). The lead singer Eugene Hutz is an awesome entertainer with a frightening amount of stamina - plus a great moustache, spindly legs and long, pointy shoes. What's not to like?
I love the fact that Hutz said that the wildest gig he'd ever been to was his uncle playing accordion in his Ukrainian village. Those Gypsies sure know how to have a good time.
If you don't already own anything by them, get hold of the song "Start Wearing Purple". Play it loud, sing along and hoof around the room like a nutter. I see a golden future when this is the centrepiece of every wedding DJ's set.
I've got to agree
I saw the band's first UK gig (at the ICA), which was amazing, and most recently saw them do a three-hour set in New York on New Year's Eve. Great live band.
The Flaming Lips
Catch the Lips at Bestival. One of the most entertaining live acts in the world today. Marvelous.
Gwyneth Herbert.....
Actually, yes. Taken to see her by some friends, not expecting to like, the reviews suggesting Jazz lite etc etc. Stunning voice, superb presentation, shite hot backing band. Small venues always help, but her encore was her, starting, sans microphone, in the audience. I bought a couple of CDs there and then. She is not that keen on her earlier stuff, citing that she was "encouraged" into some of the less than well thought out covers, but her latest CD, on Blue Note no less, is a cracker. Best show I've seen in a long time.
Recommended.