Aaaah… La Blogotheque, you’ve done it again. If you’ve read my blog for any period of time, you might have noticed my love for the Takeaway Shows that La Blogotheque puts out.
This is no exception.
Bon Iver, now more than Justin Vernon… a full band. And Vincent Moon has filmed them… beautifully. I don’t think there’s any need for more words here.
Just enjoy.
#93.2 – BON IVER – Flume
Uploaded by lablogotheque
I’ll admit it. I haven’t been a fan of Yeasayer at all. Don’t get me wrong, there’s definitely talent there; intelligent lyrics, great harmonies… I’m not denying that’s there. But, listening to their recorded material, it’s just always been too much for me. Those were my exact words: “Too much”.
So it was great to see that Vincent Moon, of the always impeccable La Blogotheque, had the same reaction. As he stated:
When I saw them in Brooklyn, Yeasayer puzzled me, weird outfit, gimmicks from the 80s, crazy flights, it was all too much. When I listened to the record, it was worst: I couldn’t bear the layers, synthesizers, exaggerated reverberation. That evening, I hardly regretted missing the show, despite the amazed faces of those who were leaving the venue.
However, as oft happens with La Blogotheque’s “Takeaway Shows“, seeing the band perform live and impromptu might just have changed my – and Vince’s – mind.
Take a look at the below video, of them performing “No Need To Worry” and “Redcave“. “No Need To Worry” – which only actually kicks in about 1:30 into the video – is, quite simply, sublime.
While the video’s included below, I would really suggest you click through on the link above, to read Vincent Moon’s – he’s the director of the music video – account of the night. It’s inspiring. There’s also a second video there, with a stunning performance of their track “2080“.
I’m not about to buy any of Yeasayer’s albums. At least, not just yet. But this has certainly changed my view of them.
Last year was a great year for live shows. After seeing (just to mention a few) Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, The Frames, Jeremy Fisher, Xavier Rudd, Ryan Adams and the Cardinals, Crosby Stills & Nash, The Beautiful Girls and State Radio live, I was looking forward to another great year in 2008.
So it was with much excitement that I discovered my Jason Mraz tickets had arrived in my postbox this morning.
Jason Mraz, I feel, is a much overlooked performer… at least, by the more elitist of music critics. Mainly known for his pop-breakthrough songs, his more jazz-influenced songs have fallen by the wayside for the majority. Which is a shame. His sophisticated phrasing, tonality and wordplay lyrics are something to behold live.
So, I thought to help you share in that “live” feeling, some live clips were called for. The first comes courtesy of the always-amazing French blog, La Blogotheqhue. The concept on La Blogotheque’s “Takeaway Shows” is simple. Take an artist, put them in an urban environment, and tell them to perform. No cuts, no second take; all spontaneous. With a set-up like that, you can tell why La Blogotheque is regularly a must-stop for me online.
The second clip is one of my favourite Jason clips, largely due to the fact that it sees him performing with one of my major musical crushes for the past few years now, Tristan Prettyman. When these two play together, there’s a certain something in the air.
If you enjoyed the clips, Jason’s going to be performing at The Tivoli on 20 March, and I think there are still a few tickets left. And, in fact, Wilco are playing there the night before Jason, and G Love two nights after. It’s a great week for the Tiv, one of my favourite music spots.