Fashioning a silver blazer and red drainpipes, the superstar moves elegantly across the stage with effortless skill. As ‘You Wanna Be Startin’ Something’ begins to play and Michael reveals his pitch perfect voice, you know something special is about to happen.
Spending the duration of the film in awe, it would be so easy to watch Michael all day. Turning each of his already amazing songs into brilliant spectacles with the help of clever CGI and fireworks, it shows what an incredible concert we have all missed out on.
It was comforting to see the film focus purely on Michael’s talent, no hint of propaganda about his health or other personal business. He is seen to be so hard working, not stopping until every note, every beat, every move, is perfect. He mentions on a few occasions how he is saving his best for the real shows, yet his rehearsals were still enough to give me goosebumps. It’s hard to imagine just how brilliant this show would have been.
Interviews with the shows’ dancers and musicians expose how loved and respected Michael is, for most this being the pinnacle of their career. As the documentary ends with a montage of clips over new single ‘This Is It’, an air of sadness hangs over the cinema as the reality that such a rare, legendary talent has been lost. This Is It is a great way to preserve Michael Jackson’s wonder.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
General Fiasco - The Joiners, Southampton
Storming the stage with such energy and enthusiasm, it’s hard not to become instantly hooked by General Fiasco’s lively charisma. And with a set list full of melodic indie tunes to please your eardrums, it’s easy to see why there is an exciting buzz around this band.
The Irish three-some perform all of their MySpace hits including ‘Rebel Get By’ and ‘Ever So Shy’ to an audience who know every word. The vocals are tinted with their cheeky accents, which when added to the unbelievably catchy songs creates an irresistible indie mixture. Don’t assume they are one trick ponies though.
Band member Owen swaps his bass for an acoustic guitar at one point for a solo performance. As the spotlight shines on him, his talent beams. Performing with such emotion and grace, it was a definite shivers-down-the-spine moment. Something clicked, this band is awesomely talented.
It seems the amount of dedicated followers is set to rise as this captivating band support The Enemy on their tour later this month.
The Irish three-some perform all of their MySpace hits including ‘Rebel Get By’ and ‘Ever So Shy’ to an audience who know every word. The vocals are tinted with their cheeky accents, which when added to the unbelievably catchy songs creates an irresistible indie mixture. Don’t assume they are one trick ponies though.
Band member Owen swaps his bass for an acoustic guitar at one point for a solo performance. As the spotlight shines on him, his talent beams. Performing with such emotion and grace, it was a definite shivers-down-the-spine moment. Something clicked, this band is awesomely talented.
It seems the amount of dedicated followers is set to rise as this captivating band support The Enemy on their tour later this month.
Friday, 9 October 2009
The Cribs - Southampton Guildhall
Surprisingly, this was not a sold out show, though you would have found it hard to notice as a huge feeling of excitement and anticipation for the new line up hung over the venue.
As the brothers, plus one, stormed the stage, they made no hesitation before opening with new track ‘We Were Aborted’. The energy which possessed Ryan Jarman and his brothers was incredible. Suddenly, wearing sunglasses indoors was definitely cool again. They all seemed so passionate about the songs they were performing and were intent on creating the best live sound possible. This excitement has always been prominent with The Cribs, putting their all into every show they do.
A lot less could be said for newest member Johnny Marr however, who, with a sour expression on his face for most of the night, seemed much less bothered about the whole thing. The disappointment of many was instantly softened by the Jarman’s liveliness and personalities we all know and love as Marr almost faded into the background.
As well as new tracks, the band reached into their back catalogue to perform a few classics for ‘any old school Cribs fans out there’. These old favourites like ‘Men’s Needs’ and ‘Hey Scenesters!’ still sounded fresh somehow, showing off as a brilliant live act.
It seems no matter how many times you see The Cribs live, their almighty energy and musical skill will surprise and impress. Perhaps their newest member should take note…
As the brothers, plus one, stormed the stage, they made no hesitation before opening with new track ‘We Were Aborted’. The energy which possessed Ryan Jarman and his brothers was incredible. Suddenly, wearing sunglasses indoors was definitely cool again. They all seemed so passionate about the songs they were performing and were intent on creating the best live sound possible. This excitement has always been prominent with The Cribs, putting their all into every show they do.
A lot less could be said for newest member Johnny Marr however, who, with a sour expression on his face for most of the night, seemed much less bothered about the whole thing. The disappointment of many was instantly softened by the Jarman’s liveliness and personalities we all know and love as Marr almost faded into the background.
As well as new tracks, the band reached into their back catalogue to perform a few classics for ‘any old school Cribs fans out there’. These old favourites like ‘Men’s Needs’ and ‘Hey Scenesters!’ still sounded fresh somehow, showing off as a brilliant live act.
It seems no matter how many times you see The Cribs live, their almighty energy and musical skill will surprise and impress. Perhaps their newest member should take note…
Thursday, 1 October 2009
Paramore - Brand New Eyes and A Brand New Sound
As the four-piece return with their greatly anticipated third album, it seems they have returned to us with a new found maturity.
Listening to the first few songs which include single ‘Ignorance’ there is a familiar sound of fast moving riffs and lyrics seen in the previous albums. Each song contains a hook that’ll leave you listening to it over and over again, namely ‘Brick By Boring Brick’. With Hayley Williams’ powerful voice in each song this a perfect sing-a-long album.
Although this album starts with the familiar Paramore sound we all know and love, my cynical mind began to think that maybe this was just another ‘Riot!’ until the remaining tracks began to take a slower, more thoughtful turn. It seems the lyrics really mean something on this album. It hits on deeper issues than ever before, with phrases like ‘I’m better off when I hit the bottle’ prominent. ‘The Only Exception’ is certainly the defining song on the album, with its beautiful acoustic melodies and thoughts of growing up and past pain.
The remainder of the tracks take the same, deeply emotional turn which makes this Paramore’s most evolved and established album to date. The change is massive, but the outcome is awesome.
Listening to the first few songs which include single ‘Ignorance’ there is a familiar sound of fast moving riffs and lyrics seen in the previous albums. Each song contains a hook that’ll leave you listening to it over and over again, namely ‘Brick By Boring Brick’. With Hayley Williams’ powerful voice in each song this a perfect sing-a-long album.
Although this album starts with the familiar Paramore sound we all know and love, my cynical mind began to think that maybe this was just another ‘Riot!’ until the remaining tracks began to take a slower, more thoughtful turn. It seems the lyrics really mean something on this album. It hits on deeper issues than ever before, with phrases like ‘I’m better off when I hit the bottle’ prominent. ‘The Only Exception’ is certainly the defining song on the album, with its beautiful acoustic melodies and thoughts of growing up and past pain.
The remainder of the tracks take the same, deeply emotional turn which makes this Paramore’s most evolved and established album to date. The change is massive, but the outcome is awesome.
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