Whether it was the clocks going back, the cold autumnal weather or the fact that it was a dark, wet Monday night, the thought of venturing out to the Plug in Sheffield was less than appealing.
All thoughts of the roaring fire back home however were extinguished the second the hairy beanpole launched into the beautiful I Love You, Honeybear from the same titled second album released earlier this year. And what a voice this guy has....no wonder he left the drums behind with Fleet Foxes and headed stage front and centre. The clarity, power and sheer beauty of his output sounds even richer and fully formed live than it does on record.
Strange Encounter from the same album is led into directly following the opening track, and its the end of this song before the sold out audience is addressed......”thanks you lovely baby faced people”..
True Affection is the next track, all bizarre dance moves and falling to the knees, before the first track from debut album (from this Nom de Plume anyway) is played. Only Son Of A Ladiesman from Fear Fun goes down really well, as the audience sings along and we all appreciate the fabulous backing band. Mr Tillman alternates between vocals only, and acoustic guitar and vocals and his banter increases as the night goes on. Apparently he couldn’t stay in Manchester last night due to all the hotels being full due to the Manchester derby......”Does anyone here give a damn what I’m talking about ???!!”........No was the answer.....Americans and football eh ?
The “horrible little song” Im Writing A Novel is up next, before the gorgeous Chateau Lobby No.4 almost brings down the house.
Last track for me for the night (which clown put a 7am meeting in my diary for the morning ??) was promising to “turn it up a notch”..........”i was being ironic - haven’t you lot got a dry sense of humour ?!” was the simply stunning Bored in the USA, just voice and piano, and the canned laughter backing track. I don’t think the night could have improved from this point.
So not only content with releasing one of the albums of the year, his live show is also one of the most entertaining of the year.
Bless you Father John Misty.
Keith
