What was set to be one fantastic gig ended up in major disappointment for many. I had been anticipating this gig when it was announced in December. The combination of Lana and Charli on the same bill was something I was really relishing. This night turned out to be a complete sell out but my thoughts were did it sell out on Lana’s name alone. I like The Maccabees music but I wouldn’t consider myself a major fan. I arrived at 2pm which resulted in myself being the first there. I had a feeling that the majority ticket holders would be there for Lana as she is hot property. Just before doors opened the security came out and broke the news that Lana had pulled out due to illness. This was a great shame as half of my evening had gone. Why didn’t I just get a refund? The answer to that being I had already queued for 5 hours and even though I am not a massive fan of the headline act but I would of liked to have seen them live. Once the gig was over it looked like people did decide to get a refund as the box office inside the venue had an electronic display showing 15.00. Now tickets for this event were £15 face value. Once 7pm came people started to trickle in. With Lana pulling out it resulted in the first act being on at 8.20pm. That was a whole 80 minutes standing at the front barrier until Charli XCX came on. I am seeing her play at The Lexington for the series of NME Awards gigs. So this was the perfect preview of what to expect later on in February. Charli in fact was my saviour as I loved the material that she sung. Approaching 8.20pm the projection screen went up to reveal lots of video tape on the stage. What I was about to witness was goth pop at its best. “Hi I’m Charli XCX” Charli said to the audience taking to the stage wearing platforms and carrying a boom box. The song which opened up this short but sweet support slot was Stay Away. I found this song to be extremely smooth and there were also some short raps. The vocals were superb and there were slight comparisons with Marina Diamandis. “Thanks for having me MTV this song is called Nuclear Seasons” she then said before launching into the song. I found Nuclear Seasons to be a huge pop tune with an extremely powerful drum beat. This song was extremely infectious as well. Straight after it was onto a brand new song You’re The One. This and the songs that followed after were brand new. The only decent recordings you can find on the internet were both Stay Away and Nuclear Seasons. You’re The One is actually the forthcoming single and I was captivated from beginning to end. This was an infectious love song which had a rather slushy chorus. I am intrigued to hear the studio version of this song because it was a real cracker. “I’m wearing really silly Spice Girls shoes. They kinda make me fall over” Charli said before introducing the next song You. This was an upbeat song with lyrics that were delivered powerfully. There was in fact an electro vibe to this song. “Everybody’s got to move a little bit to this one” she then said before launching into the fast paced Mess. This was like a full force which hits you like a ton of bricks. Mess oozed plenty of energy. “Thankyou very much. This is my last song it’s called End Of The World. I hope you have an amazing night”. The song itself had a dub step vibe. Actually End Of The World is an Alex Metric song which featured Charli XCX on vocals.
SET LIST
Stay Away
Nuclear Seasons
You’re The One
You
Mess
End Of The World
Taking to the stage around 9.20pm The Maccabees kicked off their 17 song set with Child which features on the new album Given To The Wild. I found this song to be rather smooth and Orlando’s vocals were gentle on the ear. Sticking with the new album it was then onto Feel To Follow. This song was gentle to begin with then towards the end it began to get more powerful plus there was a furious pace. Straight after the band launched into Lego which featured as the B side to X Ray in 2005. “Good evening, we’re The Maccabees” Orlando Weeks said to the packed out crowd. It was then onto Wall Of Arms which was taken from the bands 2nd album. Vocally this song was superb. Wall Of Arms was so mellowing and Orlando’s vocals were extremely sweet. It was back to a track from Given To The Wild and this being Went Away. There was a rapturous response for this song. Oldie Precious Time followed straight away. This song got everyone whipped into a frenzy and plenty of people were screaming to the line “Let’s Take Our Precious Time About It”. This song was packed with bundles of energy and the atmosphere was simply electric. The début Maccabees single was the next to feature on the night and this being X-Ray. It’s always nice when artists don’t discount old material. There wasn’t time for banter after as the band launched into Wall Of Arms track Can You Give It. This song opened with a powerful bass line and like Precious Time people are singing along to this steady paced song. After plenty of cheers and applause Given To The Wild track Forever I’ve Known followed straight on. It started with a heavy drum beat which slowly gathered momentum. “Are you feeling OK? It’s a treat for us to be here so thanks for coming” Orlando said before Wall Of Arms track William Powers. This song was a real crowd pleaser and people were singing along. “So I just wanted to say it’s a shame Lana Del Rey is not well enough to play tonight” Weeks said which resulted in boos. It was then onto No Kind Words. Ending the trio of Wall Of Arms tracks was the upbeat Love You Better. People were going crazy to this song. The penultimate song Slowly One followed straight after. This was a steady paced song which gained a rapturous response. The forthcoming tour single Pelican then ended what was a terrific set. I really liked the upbeat lyrics and fast pace of this song. As the song ends the band left the stage to a huge triumphant response. After lots of chanting for more The Maccabees made their entrance and launched into Unknown. This song is probably one of the hidden gems on Give In To The Wild. “This is a love song” Weeks said before singing Colour It In track First Love. This steady paced smooth song had plenty of people singing along. “This is our last song for tonight. It’s been great, thanks for coming” Orlando said before bringing the night to a close with Grew Up At Midnight.
SET LIST
Child
Feel To Follow
Lego
Wall Of Arms
Went Away
Precious Time
X-Ray
Can You Give It
Forever I’ve Known
William Powers
No Kind Words
Love You Better
Slowly One
Pelican
ENCORE
Unknown
First Love
Grew Up At Midnight
OVERALL: The set played by The Maccabees was superb. I liked the fact that it was a full 17 song set. Originally I had thought maybe it would have been a short headline slot and they would only sing a couple from the album Given To The Wild. But I was wrong and the material which featured definitely hit the right spot with the sold out crowd. Even though the set was enjoyable The Maccabees weren’t my cup of tea. What they have produced is amazing but I like my music more pop than indie.
I won’t lie but the fact Lana pulled out was a bitter blow considering she was one of the main reason I attended. In fact I wasn’t the only one disappointed. Fair enough she was ill but I have a gut feeling she pulled out due to nerves. This makes me look forward to the gig at the Jazz Cafe even more.
As for Charli her set captivated me from the very start. Prior to the gig I had only heard Nuclear Seasons and was worried what if I didn’t like. I had already booked to see her play at The Lexington later on in February. Everyone of her songs was an infectious pop number which suited my musical taste down to a T. I definitely look forward to hearing more from Charli and getting hold of that début album when released.
Christina Perri is a highly talented American singer/ songwriter who looks certain to conquer the UK. The lovestrong tour had hit the UK shores. After having missed out on the Monto Water Rats show last year made me anticipate seeing her live even more. The date on the tour I opted on was the Shepherd’s Bush Empire gig. It was Jar Of Hearts that propelled Christina into the limelight. Even though it was released in the US in 2010 the UK got the song a year later. It peaked at #4 and what a beautiful ballad it was. What made Christina come to my attention was the fact I had heard Jar Of Hearts sung by Rachel Berry (Lea Michelle) in the Glee episode Prom Queen. So after hearing that one song I did research which led me to the talented Christina Perri. With this being the lovestrong tour it came as no surprise that the material sung on the night came from that début album.
“Hi London” Perri said once she took to the stage. Opening up the evening was Black And Blue. This song featured on the deluxe version of the album. She put so much into this song. Christina just belted it out. After it was onto Bang Bang Bang. This song has an extremely powerful chorus and was extremely upbeat as well. Towards the end everyone joined in by singing along to the powerful chorus. “This next song I actually wrote here in this beautiful country, it birthed 2 years ago” Christina said before revealing that she wrote Daydream with James Walsh (Starsailor). I found this song to be rather smooth and unfortunately it does not feature on lovestrong. “This is so crazy that we’re here right now. Are you guys having fun?” Perri said to the crowd which resulted in plenty of cheers. “This next song, sing with me if you know it. This song I wrote about being in love with someone and not being able to tell them” she then said before launching into Distance. Christina had put the guitar down and just sang this beautiful song making full use of the stage. This actually made the performance slightly more intimate for the people that were at the barrier. Quite a lot of people decided to sing along.
Once over it was then onto A Thousand Years which appeared on the Twilight: Breaking Dawn soundtrack. This was a slow paced ballad which was delivered to perfection. I found it to be rather beautiful. “This next song is actually really kinda special to me. It started as a poem. I wrote a poem one night coz I didn’t have any instruments. So I just wrote it down and sat down at the piano the next day and I just played it and sang it at the same time. This is exactly the way it came out no lies. Swear to God” Christina said before playing My Eyes. She also revealed that this song had never been performed live. Perri had taken to the keyboard for this stunning song. “You guys wanna sing a little bit with me now? OK so this next song is one of my favourite songs of all time and I’ve been known to cover it sometimes but I’ve got the cool band with me now. We made a little version of it for you guys and I hope you’ll sing along” Perri said before tackling a take on the Roy Orbison cover Crying. This song showed that she is one incredible talent. Christina sang this song perfectly and she definitely did justice to this amazing song. 
“I’m so excited right now, this is a brand, brand, brand, brand, brand, brand, brand new song that’s never been recorded anywhere” Christina said before launching into Crazy. This was a steady paced tune and it sounds so different when you compare it to anything from lovestrong. “This next song I wrote actually a couple of years ago I remember exactly. I was really really bummed out and I just moved to LA and I just really got through the wrong doors. Do you know what it’s like when you’re chasing a dream but when you are just trying to be with someone you love. For me I was 21 and I was just really making a mess of things and I just thought it was just me and that I was alone in this. So I wrote a song about it and it’s a song about knowing it’s totally OK to learn slowly and to find your footing in your own time” she said before Sad Song. Like Distance this song had a sense of intimacy. Christina just sat on the edge of the stage singing this wonderful acoustic ballad. At the very end the drums kicked in and the song gathered pace. “So then after I was really sad. I got really sad again I’m just kidding. This next song, I changed the meaning completely. I changed my mind about this song being a bummer and instead I decided that when I was single a year ago I had this thing about being alone and how it sucks and it doesn’t. Sometimes though people like to feel like their not alone. So what I did I decided I was dating loneliness and that I knew that loneliness into my boyfriend. I decided that this song is really about being OK with being alone and when your not with somebody you can still find comfort” Perri said before getting stuck into The Lonely. Again this was another beautiful ballad which was delivered powerfully.
The penultimate song on the night was Bluebird. Christina took to the keyboard for this emotional ballad. This song had a slow pace and was delivered strongly. “Who’s ready to jump up and down. We’re about to have some fun now” Christina said before ending the set with furious paced Mine. Once over they left the stage only for Perri to return moments later for the encore. “This is just me and you. It’s a song that completely changed my life, well it didn’t start that way. But there was something special about it with you guys and you connected. I’m so honoured to play it for you. Now it’s our song it’s not just my song” Perri said before launching in the beautiful ballad Jar Of Hearts. This song was again played on the piano and resulted in a huge sing along. Jar Of Hearts was delivered beautifully and I reckon it is the perfect ballad that you can’t help but fall in love with. Following on was Tragedy. This song showed off her extremely solid vocal range. “OK, well again this is one of those magical moments of my life so thankyou for sharing it with me and for coming” Christina said before ending the night with the beautiful Arms.
The Glass Child are a band that I really adore. Swede Charlotte Eriksson is the lead vocalist in this band and the genre of music that they sung is Pop/ Rock. Last December the 2nd EP This Is How Ghosts Are Made was released and currently I have it on repeat. When I saw that Charlotte was due to play at The Bedford I cancelled all plans just to attend what was to be one incredible evening. Support was provided by Marc Otway and Jamie Abbott. I’d seen Jamie live before but this evening was all about The Glass Child. At 10pm the band took to the stage and opened up with Tell The World. This song saw Charlotte telling the world that she is still alive. The song had a rampant powerful chorus and plenty of energy flowed from it. Eriksson put everything into this powerful song. As I mentioned in a previous post about The Glass Child there were traces of Hayley Williams/ Paramore. I truly think that Tell The World was the perfect song to open up with. After plenty of applause it was then onto Insanity. “If you know the song you’re very welcome to sing it with me” Charlotte said before launching into this fantastic song. The vocals were spot on. Insanity started off at a steady pace but as soon as she reached the chorus the song became more powerful and it became rather pacey. Insanity reminded me of Addicted by Kelly Clarkson. “Thankyou all of you for being here. My name is Charlotte and we’re The Glass Child and I just released a new EP” Eriksson said before launching into old song I’m Hidden So Well. This was the first time I had heard this song at all and I really liked it. The Alternative Rock vibe is still there and the chorus was extremely powerful. “In September last year I released a Charity Single for Cancer organisation in Sweden to support young victims of the disease” Charlotte said before launching into I Will Lead You Home. I found this song to be rather beautiful and Eriksson was sitting down on a chair playing an acoustic guitar. This song was soft and extremely soothing. 
“Last year I went to New York for the first time to play my first show in the States. When I was there I did my first show and went to the hotel and wrote this song” Charlotte said before launching into brand new song Letdown. This was one fantastic acoustic song. I really liked this track even though the lyrics weren’t happy ones. You picked up on the feeling of not being good enough and not wanting to be a letdown. I look forward to hearing a studio version of this song. The gentle Hypnic Jerk was the penultimate song on the night. Charlotte’s vocals were faultless and this is the only ballad that features on the new EP This Is How Ghosts Are Made. There was a tinge of sadness to this song. The night came to a close with Best Part Of Me. “It’s about when I moved here” she then went onto say before launching into this infectious song. This was one incredible powerful Pop/ Rock song. Once over The Glass Child left the stage so Candice Casagrande could sing her very own song Thru The Red Sea. I found this song to be rather gentle and spine tingling at the same time.
This night was the launch of Anja’s single A Kiss. I hadn’t witnessed her live before so most of the material on the night I was hearing for the first time. The set played consisted of the singles, 2 old songs and the rest were new tracks. “Hello everyone again, As you’d probably noticed I’m really bad at announcements. So all I’m going to say is my name is Anja McCloskey and this is my band” she said before launching into Instigate It. This song was taken from the Turn Turn Turn EP. I liked this Folkish track and I especially liked the use of the accordion. It was then onto a brand new song this being The Italian Song which was about having heat stroke in Italy. Another new song followed and this being Tornado which showed a lot of promise. Buddenbrooks was next on the night and Anja showed off her impressive keyboard playing skills. This was a steady paced song which was delivered to perfection. Sunset No 73 was the song which followed on and again it was played on the keyboard. I actually found this song to be rather beautiful. “We’re going to do a quiet song now, the last time we played this the chorus is a bit louder than the verses so people think they’re safe to talk again” Anja said before launching into the B Side to A Kiss and this being Black Coffee. Once over it was onto a really old song and this being Henry Lives. Even though this was a new song for the band they got through this song with no problems whatsoever. It was then onto a brand new up tempo song and this being Paris Song. There was plenty of accordion use during this track. Anja’s vocals were extremely strong and this song felt rather jolly. It was then onto the first single And Her Head. This song featured multiple instruments (violin, accordion and acoustic and electric guitars) plus Anja’s striking vocals. It was inspired by a tragic event in her grandfather’s life. “The reason that we’re here is because today we’ve released our new single” McCloskey said before launching into the wonderful single A Kiss.
“Thanks for coming out on a Sunday night, it’s really kind of you. I just want to say yesterday morning I woke up and half my voice had left my body” Chris said before revealing he had been taken tablets and was beginning to trip a little bit. “This is a screen I got in Clapham about 4 months ago, it was a bit difficult getting it off the wall” Difford joked referring to the big screen which played videos to accompany each song performed on this night. The evening was a mixture of talk and songs. I found it to be rather interesting as he went through the story of his career starting from when he was at school and ending with Squeeze reuniting. “It’s a song about my early life” he said before launching into Lamas Fayre. The video that was accompanying the song fitted to it perfectly. Difford said that he sang this song to test out his voice. Yes the vocals were a little husky but it didn’t matter to me as I was witnessing an incredible singer right up close. After plenty of applause it was then onto Squeeze material. Difford then went onto say he put up a 50p advert advertising this band in a sweet shop window. Only one person replied and this being Glenn Tilbrook. Chris then kept him hanging on for a month before saying he had the job. After plenty of chat it was then onto the début Squeeze song this being Take Me, I’m Yours. It was nice to hear this song played on an acoustic guitar. “We looked like 5 mini cab drivers, who’d just turn up for work” Chris then said to the intimate audience referring to the last photo shoot the new incarnation of Squeeze did. He then mentioned that people who brushed past them made it big such a Neil Tennant, The Jam, Dire Straits, The Police, The Ramones, Blondie and Billie Idol. 
“I don’t know how the hell I’m going to sing it” and this song was Up The Junction. Every one sang along to this fantastic song. “Thanks for singing along, It really helps” Chris then said before going to tell more of the Squeeze story. He then revealed that he wanted to tour the whole East Side Story album in its entirety. A song that Difford loved was next on the night and this being In Quintessence. I found this song to be rather upbeat and it was sung perfectly. Black Coffee In Bed which was taken from the Sweets From A Stranger CD was next on the night. It is shocking that this epic song only reached #51 in the UK singles chart when it was released in 1982. “Please help me with this one” Chris said before playing this song. It was then onto the part detailing when Squeeze played their last gig in Jamaica. Chris mentioned that they went up in the lift of the hotel they were staying in. Got off at different levels and no one said goodbye. The Chris Difford story then fast forward 10 years when he managed Marti Pellow and Brian Ferry. It was then onto his solo material and first up was Cowboys Are My Weakness. This song had a slower tempo compared to others sung on the night. It was then onto Fat As A Fiddle from The Last Temptation Of Chris. Boo Hewerdine inspired this song “Not coz he’s fat or anything”. The final Chris solo song was Passion Killer which was taken from Cashmere If You Can. I actually parts of this song infectious despite its actual lyrics. “That’s the solo records out of the way it’s back to the hits now” Difford said before revealing that Squeeze will be recording new songs and a tour is booked for the end of 2012. Is That Love? followed on and it proved to be a huge sing along. Straight after it was onto Tempted and there was lots of audience participation. I love the chorus of this song. “Here’s another one to sing along with” Chris said before getting stuck into Pulling Mussels (From The Shell). As soon as the recognisable chorus kicked in everyone sang along. It was then onto Argybargy track If I Didn’t Love You which was a surprise inclusion as this song wasn’t released as a single. “I like to thank everybody for coming tonight, its been very rewarding” Difford said before ending with Cool For Cats. Now this song takes me back I remember it was used in a advert for milk. Still this song was sung to perfection and was a real audience pleaser.
