The Beck ‘Song Reader’ release was about as far as you can get from modern day music distribution as is possible.
‘Song Reader’ was just that, a book of highly illustrated sheet music, for you to take away and interpret as you wished. So provided you could read music, you were away. For us that can’t, for this Thursday evening only in
The perfect acoustics of the Barbican Hall, gave weight to what really can only be described as a sublime two and a half hours of original music.
Each song had it own performer in most cases. Joan as a Policewoman started the proceedings followed by Villager’s, Conor J. O’Brien. The lady and first man from
Michhael Kiwanuka sang ‘sorry’ followed by the usual blissful voice of Beth Orton on ‘ Please leave the Lights on, when you go’ The second man from Fife, James Yorkston played ‘Ye Midnight Stars’ beautifully, on a string instrument which, is still to be defined.
Throughout the evening, various poets gave their interpretation of the concept of ‘Song Reader’ including a magnificent Kate Tempest and an exuberant John Cooper Clarke.
Franz Ferdinand started the second set with two songs, and really sounded back in the groove, indeed that looked itching to play more at the end of their set but, gave way to the ‘Mighty Boosh’.
Charlote Gainsborough was joined by Beck for ‘Just Noise’ followed by the delightful Staves.
After a poem from the great Simon Armitage, Beck was back for three songs. ‘Heaven’s Ladder’, ‘Don’t Act like your Heart isn’t Hard and I’m Down’
A communal encore of ‘Rough on Rats’ and a memorable night was over. There was just three days to put the show together with the band and an excellent job they all did, even is some people knew the lyrics better than others, lets say.
Was it recorded, or do we all need to learn to read music to enjoy it again?
Pete