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Malax
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1340 Posts |
 Posted - 10/01/2003 : 16:43:12
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I've just got back from Manchester and well....I think I was slightly disappointed but It may just be because it kinda ended on a sour note (sort of). Serafin opened with a pretty decent set. Then it wasn't long till Frank and the rest were onstage and he really kicked things off (after a short introduction of the staff) with Velouria then straight into I Love Your Brain and I Want Rock n' Roll. At this point I was laughing and being totally blown away by Rich, thank god his guitar skills aren't as bad as his robot like dancing, however it does make for some fine entertainment. But in that respect I was a little disappointed as Frank didn't say a single word all night but what the hey as long as he plays a cool set right? Hmmm, I know its only opinion but the opening of the set was fantastic but the end just really took a shine off the whole gig, there just wasnt enough rock not to mention Rich was now on the piano. So ok the close the set with a decent new song and everyone hangs around shouting for an encore and hoping he will come out and get everyone rocking again like at the beginning. But no they don't come out and a chorus of boos rounds off the night. A little harsh to boo because its not like he has to come back out and it was hardly a short set, but nonetheless it did leave a sour taste in the mouth.
Rating 7.5/10 - Could have been nine had it not been for the last 20mins or so.
I think I've got all the songs he played but the order is a bit hazy:
Velouria
I Love Your Brain
I Want Rock And Roll
All My Ghosts
Nadine
California Bound
My Favourite Kiss
Back To Rome
Robert Onion
New House Of The Pope
Bullet
How You Went So Far
Suffering
Headache
Abstract Plain
Horrible Day
Jane The Queen Of Love
Cold Heart Of Stone
The Swimmer
When Will Happiness Find Me Again
Dirty Old Town
New Song
Hmmm the end of the set looks better on (virtual) paper, I must have got it a bit wrong.
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Garry
- FB Fan -
1 Posts |
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Malax
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1340 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2003 : 18:37:13
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| Rich Gilbert has the same permanent facial expression its rather amusing. |
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gary13th
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
632 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 00:56:30
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maybe the venue didnt let them play an encore ? i always like at least 1 encore...
They are about, dressed to deceive, architect David Vincent |
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wazzaw
- FB Fan -
5 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 02:41:15
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I do think the University were at fault for the lack of an encore. I was stood at the back right near the mixing desk, and when the lights came on the guys at the desk were like "what the f**k is going on?" Clearly they were a bit peeved with someone in authority and had expected Frank to come back on like the rest of us had hoped.
Unfortunately this isn't the first instance where the University's 11pm curfew ruling has affected a FB gig. The last time I saw him in 2001, half way through the encore the lights came on (bah), but Frank didn't give a damn and just played the rest of his encore anyway until about 11-10pm, class.
I don't think last night was as good as the 2001 gig, but then again that gig was probably one of my top three _ever_, so it'd be hard to match those impeccable standards. What I did like though was the chunks of the new album played, it's nice to hear them live, especially When Will Happiness Find Me Again?, my current favourite, and even Abstract Plain and Headache, which was missing from 2001, so at least there's a varied selection between gigs. Oh, and to hear Velouria again.. marvellous. Brings back memories of G-Mex 1991.
"I want to live on an abstract plain.." |
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Malax
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1340 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 05:21:20
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| Im glad I've got tickets for Sheffield now as well, lets hope for an encore there. |
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bumblebeeboy2
> Teenager of the Year <
United Kingdom
2638 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 06:25:11
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quote:
Originally posted by wazzaw
Unfortunately this isn't the first instance where the University's 11pm curfew ruling has affected a FB gig. The last time I saw him in 2001, half way through the encore the lights came on (bah), but Frank didn't give a damn and just played the rest of his encore anyway until about 11-10pm, class.
quick correction, Frank actually put the lights on *himself* in 2001! LOL! It was very amusing, then at the end he had to insist everyone should leave as he couldn't hang around all night or something.
Had a fantastic time last night, Frank seems more like Frank! If you know what I mean! He's looking more like his former self, and even singing more like he used to! I think in 2001 he was making strange horse like noises every now and again... Which was odd! As it's been mentioned, a bit disappointed by lack of encore and the crowd response. They do have a 11pm encore, but some bands ignore it, suppose it depends who's in charge, it was 10:50 when they finished the set I think, so maybe they weren't allowed.
I'd also been checking out the set lists from other gigs, bit disappointed not to hear their version of Caribou, or Los Angeles or Massif Centrale! I was really looking forward to that last one!!
I'm surprised there are other FB fans in Manchester who post here actually, I always thought I was alone! You guys should come out to Smile at the Star and Garter if you're local, fantastic 'alternative' indie-rock night, not much chance of Frank (I think they played Los Angeles and Hang Onto Your Ego once) but Pixies songs for sure, at least one, normally 2... |
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Malax
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1340 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 08:02:58
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| I've always prefered the warehouse in Preston. Can't beat it. I've managed to get Big Red,Los Angeles and Robert Onion played there. Not to mention alsorts by the pixies. Rock Music didn't go down to well though. |
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wazzaw
- FB Fan -
5 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 08:05:56
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quote:
Originally posted by bumblebeeboy2
I'm surprised there are other FB fans in Manchester who post here actually, I always thought I was alone!
Far from it, there's plenty of us, I'm sure of that. Just that we prefer to enjoy the music and listen to it (he says grinning).
Problem is with all these nights like Star and Garter, 5th Ave, 42nd Street etc etc is that you feel dead old seeing all the indie pop kids in there of 16-20 following the latest trends sheepishly when we Pixies/FB fans know different: the days when getting top 40 was actually an achievement, not a right.
Must admit it'd have been nice to hear Nimrod's Son again, just to get the whole audience yelling the immortal line "you are the son of a motherf*****r" in unison. Now that was classic.
"I want to live on an abstract plain.." |
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Malax
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1340 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 08:23:25
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| Hmmm should I be offended? I post quite alot and Im 20. The signs of a trend follower is that right? Stupid me better go listen to linkin park eh? |
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Scarla O
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
947 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 08:26:56
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Naaa...i don't think you should be offended Malax - wazzaw was just talking about a specific type of indie fan i think. |
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bumblebeeboy2
> Teenager of the Year <
United Kingdom
2638 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 08:38:52
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Well I am 22!!  I know what you mean, 42's and 5th suck. They play Debaser normally, but that's it, now and again it's Here Comes Your Man... It's mostly just 'Madchester' shite though! Which is why I like Smile, none of that Stone Roses nonsense, or nu-metal or punk or whatever... Just cult/geeky indie-rock... A little too much Pulp though, admittedly. I think the nice thing is most people there do know an awful lot of Pixies songs, so when Manta Ray comes on, or Wave of Mutilation, it all kicks off! Great stuff. The DJ is a nice bloke and he knows I only request Pixies every week, so he tries to vary his selections...
Not been to that place in Preston. I live in Withington/Didsbury, so bit of a trek! |
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misleadtheworld
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1222 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 10:28:29
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i thought the manchester gig was great, although you say, towards the end it did go down a bit....(what was with the people behind me trying to grab frank's mic stand???)
i got in there good and early and stood myself infront of the main mic all night. frank stood on my hand at one point too....ROCK! serafin were really good too. id bought a couple of singles of theirs for 99p and didnt realise they were supporting until the night. notice they had a song called build high? i was reading their set list on the floor before they started, i thought they were going to cover that ol' pixies b-side. obviously not when they played!
Joan my Clerk.... |
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Homers_pet_monkey
= Official forum monkey =
United Kingdom
17125 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 10:32:39
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quote:
Originally posted by bumblebeeboy2
Well I am 22!! I know what you mean, 42's and 5th suck. They play Debaser normally, but that's it, now and again it's Here Comes Your Man... It's mostly just 'Madchester' shite though! Which is why I like Smile, none of that Stone Roses nonsense, or nu-metal or punk or whatever... Just cult/geeky indie-rock... A little too much Pulp though, admittedly. I think the nice thing is most people there do know an awful lot of Pixies songs, so when Manta Ray comes on, or Wave of Mutilation, it all kicks off! Great stuff. The DJ is a nice bloke and he knows I only request Pixies every week, so he tries to vary his selections...
Not been to that place in Preston. I live in Withington/Didsbury, so bit of a trek!
Yep, know what you mean. We tried to get in 5th after the gig last night 'cos we wanted to make a night of it, but they were only letting people with NUS cards in. We were well pissed off but found out that 42's was open so we went there. Had a good night 'cos we were very drunk but it was us and a load of kids.
Have to agree with the people who thought the gig tailed off after a cracking start. Shame but still good |
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misleadtheworld
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1222 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 10:37:36
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quote:
Originally posted by Malax
At this point I was laughing and being totally blown away by Rich, thank god his guitar skills aren't as bad as his robot like dancing, however it does make for some fine entertainment.
he really was entertaining! i thought he looked like such a quiet guy, and then he started thrusting and toe-standing with his guitar. he reminds me a little of garth from waynes world.
Joan my Clerk.... |
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bumblebeeboy2
> Teenager of the Year <
United Kingdom
2638 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 12:16:28
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About Garth, was a bit wierd when he started playing guitar with his teeth!! I had a good chuckle then! But fantastic guitarist, absolutely fantastic...
After the gig we went into Big Hands next door, for a chance to talk over some expensive Cruzcampo beers... They played Caribou in there, strangely enough, as it's the song I was quite looking forward to hearing last night! |
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ste_40seconds
- FB Fan -
United Kingdom
1 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 14:23:56
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hi i also went to the gig on wed and enjoyed
i'm 16 and am a big pixies fan. i recently bought the new album and love it thought fb and the cathlolics were great live. most of my friends turned there noses up when i aked them to come to the gig and today they were all jealous when icame into college wearing a fb an the catholics shirt
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wazzaw
- FB Fan -
5 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 15:08:48
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quote:
Originally posted by Malax
Hmmm should I be offended? I post quite alot and Im 20.
Please don't be. I'm sure you know exactly the type of indie pop-kid fan I'm talking about. The same ones I had to put up with when Madchester was at its height and only know of the Pixies cos some DJ would play Debaser, Here Comes Your Man and Monkey Gone To Heaven.
Besides, I'm glad that people like you like Frank Black. Makes old me (31!) pretty happy actually. Hang on to that ego of yours, Malax, and respect!
"I want to live on an abstract plain.." |
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wazzaw
- FB Fan -
5 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2003 : 15:15:57
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quote:
Naaa...i don't think you should be offended Malax - wazzaw was just talking about a specific type of indie fan i think.
Indeed. And you can always tell, too, like they applaud at the false ending to Robert Onion and not wait for the final cool instrumental bit, hehe, d'oh! When I used to see Skunk Anansie with me mate we'd always tell the indie pop kids by the ones who'd cheer at the wrong end of Charity.
Anyway, back to the gig. Thoroughly enjoyable (as he usually is of course) and he still hasn't lost any of the old touch. Something like Gouge Away would have perked up the ending, but still good.
"I want to live on an abstract plain.." |
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Malax
* Dog in the Sand *
United Kingdom
1340 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2003 : 02:18:25
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| I always laugh at the people who clap at the false endings yet I still sometimes do myself. I always feel a tool as well considering I've heard the songs soooo many times. I think I know what you mean about the indie kids but I must say that its not as common with Frank and the Pixies as it is with a lot of other bands. |
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ramona
"FB Quote Mistress"
USA
3988 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2003 : 07:20:00
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| Did anyone go to the Liverpool show? Review? |
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stymie
= Cult of Ray =
385 Posts |
Posted - 10/03/2003 : 22:03:11
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| I saw the Here comes your man video when i was 16 and it blew my mind. That proves my theory that almost all bands that came out in the last 10 years suck! I met john lydon Monday for my second time and got his autograpghs on PIL's Happy Album and the Death Disco seven inch from '79. Now I'm living ontop of clound 9. He was my biggest rock hero until the pixies showed up on 120 minutes! |
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Ten Percenter
- FB Enquirer -
United Kingdom
1733 Posts |
Posted - 10/14/2003 : 02:40:54
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A three star (out of 5) review by Sam Forrest:
http://www.manchesteronline.co.uk/entertainment/music/livereviews/stories/Detail_LinkStory=69200.html
THE popular misconception is that Frank Black's muse abandoned him ten years ago when The Pixies split up.
But with last month's ninth solo album enjoying greater critical reception than many of his late Nineties records, hopes were high that tonight's live show would finally shake off the weight of Black's own legacy.
It’s a notion that he toys with in the night's first song - a simmering version of the classic Pixies alien-love song Velouria that understandably draws an awestruck response from an audience still clearly in thrall to the Californian’s heritage.
Of course the artist formerly known as Black Francis answers such nostalgia with a quick burst of songs that capture some of the best moments of his solo work.
The cracked and sunburned pedal steel of Bullet delivers a Dylanesque sense of threat; Nadine brilliantly displays his newly found urgency with its bluesy howl and rattlesnake rhythm; and of course the ubiquitous crowd favourite Headache inspires a mass sing-along.
Punch
But whereas relative obscurities such as Abstract Plain can deliver a surprising melodic punch, trouble strikes in the second half of the set as Black straps on an acoustic guitar and disappears into pseudo balladry with troubled laments like When Will Happiness Find Me Again?
The sense of drama and passion is lost in favour of a chain of a baffling song selections that jettison set mainstays Los Angeles and Hermaphroditos in favour of the self-explanatory I Won’t Rock And Roll, only partially saved by bespectacled Rich Gilbert’s clanking keyboards.
The set draws to an unexpectedly abrupt close, but by then Black's intent has already become crystal clear. Not only is he distancing himself from his almost-legendary past; he's also focussing on the more mature elements of his canon.
While you can admire his artistic endeavour, it adds up to a frustrating live experience.
What did you think of this gig? Have your say by submitting your comments below.
03/10/2003
No man is an island, unless he is in the bath |
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