| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Srisaket
= Cult of Ray =
Thailand
313 Posts |
 Posted - 07/19/2007 : 04:09:50
|
Frank Black @ Shepherd's Bush Empire, London, 15 July 2007
You know you've made it as a truly legendary figure when you provide, essentially, your own support act for the evening. So it is with Frank Black who, looking like a cross between a post-punk Blues Brother and a more sinister Kingpin in black suit, shaved head and dark glasses, graces us mere mortals with his presence in West London this fine evening.
Taking The Pixies' trademark loud/quiet/loud/quiet technique to new extremes, Black begins the evening with 40 minutes of pared down Beyond Nashville-esque musical whismy, alone on the stage with nothing but an acoustic guitar to help him out, before bringing in the band to make our ears bleed for the best part of an hour and a half.
This is not only a testament to his stature in the rock hall of fame, but also a nod to his versatility - fragile acoustic riffs one minute, ear-splitting punk noisescapes the next, and every moment of it brilliant. The music spans the entirety of his career, from The Pixies' Sufa Rosa, through albums he has made with The Catholics and solo, to at least one song from his next album, Bluefinger, not due out until September.
While he's on his own, but dominating the stage nonetheless, we're treated to Headache, Sir Rockaby, Horrible Day and The Ramones' tribute I Heard Romana Sing, his voice both gentle and brutal, laying here more than anywhere the template from which Grunge would be forged. It's also in this first session that he nods his head to The Pixies for the only time tonight, as Cactus's nonsensical lyrics echo from the stage.
Then it's time to introduce the band, and the amps are on overtime as he burns through fast, furious and very, very noisy versions of songs taken from across the last 15 years, including Ten Percenter, Dead Man's Curve and California Bound. God help you if the spoken word version of Six Sixty Six isn't the scariest thing you hear all year, while Tight Black Rubber's incorporation of lines from Mary Had A Little Lamb is similarly spine-chilling.
Manitoba's screamed refrain - "I have seen the face of God and I am not afraid" - has never sounded better, with Frank coming across as the demented Bible-basher we know still lurks inside him, albeit with rock and roll on his side. Even the dreaded ‘one off the new album', Threshold Apprehension, sounds already familiar and welcomed, proving that he has lost none of his relevence or fire.
With so much of his own great material to choose from, there is little need to revert to cover versions but, when he does, you can guarantee it's so that he can spit them out, punked up and improved, with a dark heart you never dreamed they had: and this is the treatment afforded to Fatboy Slim's Funk Soul Brother, only just recognizable beneath Black's reworking.
The man is a legend. He created one of the seminal bands of the late 1980s/early 1990s, influenced the decade's most important youth culture movement, and went on to create a body of work that has been every bit as good since and promises to remain so into the future. Thank god Halley's Comet wasn't that interesting.
- Jenni Cole
http://www.musicomh.com/gigs/frank-black-2_0707.htm
|
|
|
OLDMANOTY
= Cult of Ray =
United Kingdom
469 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2007 : 05:49:04
|
I couldn't go (still showing people my tears about that) but reading this and comparing it to some of the views expressed on the Shepherds Bush thread, it seems that it was either great or terrible with no middle ground.
I hope it WAS like this review and that there will be more UK dates before long. |
 |
|
|
fbc
-= Modulator =-
United Kingdom
4903 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2007 : 09:38:53
|
| I feel for you, OLDMANOTY. We have a recording of the show but I doubt that'll reflect the true extent of the noise they were making. Referring back to the Shep thread, whether folk liked it or not, the night definately got everyone talking. |
|
|
|
Otherfellers
- FB Fan -
Ireland
87 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2007 : 12:00:31
|
| The lyrics to Cactus are not nonsensical. |
|
|
|
Srisaket
= Cult of Ray =
Thailand
313 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2007 : 19:04:49
|
Any reviews in the UK press?, I searched and this was the only review I could find.
Surely the Guardian reviewed it? |
|
|
|
two reelers
* Dog in the Sand *
Austria
1036 Posts |
Posted - 07/19/2007 : 23:54:28
|
WTF? they are mentioning they loud/quiet/lod style, but where is the kurt cobain reference?
jesus, those half hearted cliches nowadays...
I joined the cult of Souled American / 'cause they are a damn' fine band |
|
|
|
fbc
-= Modulator =-
United Kingdom
4903 Posts |
|
|
Boogs
- FB Fan -
United Kingdom
8 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2007 : 07:18:27
|
Hey FBC, you mentioned you have a recording of the show....is this something you can share?  |
|
|
|
fbc
-= Modulator =-
United Kingdom
4903 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2007 : 08:50:11
|
(it is. it's in your mailbox)
Friday, July 20, 2007
He was born Charles Thompson IV. Some of us love him as the hollering Pixies singer Black Francis. Others are more partial to the more cuddly solo persona Frank Black.
At his endlessly entertaining show, he evoked the spirit of both incarnations - with style, humour and power.
Dressed like one of the Men In Black complete with shades, he began with a short acoustic set, hilariously aborted Velouria and admitting that he shouldn't have had a third drink before the show.
His hyper electric set served as a great showcase for his forthcoming Black Francis album Bluefinger, a storming tribute to Dutch hellraiser Herman Brood with songs such as Tight Black Rubber, Threshold Apprehension and Captain Pasty.
Ultimately, anyone who turns his back to the crowd and humps the drum kit gets my vote. Rock and Roll.
4.5 out of 5 |
Edited by - fbc on 07/20/2007 09:05:58 |
|
|
|
Srisaket
= Cult of Ray =
Thailand
313 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2007 : 09:14:35
|
Thanks for posting that - good review.
You were there, does that sum it up well?
|
|
|
|
fbc
-= Modulator =-
United Kingdom
4903 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2007 : 09:26:49
|
It sums up what I saw and heard. I had a blast. I shook my butt and sang along. Whoever was up on stage, whether it was Frank Black, Black Francis or Black Brood, he and his band certainly entertained me and my posse.
Though I wouldn't call Frank Black cuddly ;) |
|
|
|
Boogs
- FB Fan -
United Kingdom
8 Posts |
Posted - 07/20/2007 : 12:51:49
|
| fbc, you're a gentleman....many thanks. Where did you get this from? I love hearing Velouria again.... Thought the gig was one of the best, I know people have mixed feelings, but I loved the way Frank put on a show. |
|
|
|
fbc
-= Modulator =-
United Kingdom
4903 Posts |
|
|
Blindsider
- FB Fan -
2 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2007 : 05:52:10
|
Alright fbc.. Could you share the Shepherds Bush recording with me too my friend? Cant gain access to dimeadozen... been tryin for days but keeps sayin its at max membership! |
|
|
|
fbc
-= Modulator =-
United Kingdom
4903 Posts |
Posted - 07/24/2007 : 12:05:32
|
| £5! |
|
|
|
Blindsider
- FB Fan -
2 Posts |
Posted - 07/29/2007 : 05:00:21
|
| Thanx fbc you're a star. One too many strongbows have created a few gaps in my memories of what i thought was a great gig.. this fills the gaps nicely. Thanx again |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
London Shepherds Bush Gig Review, 15/07/07
