A quick post on the fantastic performance by Joseph Arthur. I debated with my comfy bed whether to go or bail, but I won out. Having discovered Joseph's work only last year, I learned that he has an impressive catalog dating back to 1997 when he signed with Peter Gabriel's label. I wasn't sure how he would come off live, either he could be serious and in his own world or be loose and energetic. As it turns out, he's going to have a good time on stage.
For the first three songs, he straight-up performed without much goofing around. The setlist was his new album, Nuclear Daydream, played in order. His new effort has me wonder why people are not clamoring over his songs. They are instantly likable and memorable. strong rock choruses and slight nod to Tom Waits/Bruce Springsteen in his singing style. I'll tell people that if they like Ryan Adams, you'll like Joseph Arthur more.
By "Slide Away", he was loosening up and playing around with his back-up band. He seems like a good time type of guy, not pretentious what-so-ever. The fact that his parents were there probably forced him to be in a good mood and on his best behavior. Also the fact that he and his band dressed pretty bohemian-like showed how loose and unstructured they wanted to come off -- just let the music take them away. The only illumination for the stage were the string lights and a back projection of A Clockwork Orange played in double the speed.
For the encore, he dished out "Cocaine," "Tattoo" and "Eyes on My Back."
BTW, the bassist was wearing platform shoes, a knitted dress and a babooshka. So hot.
is the bassist pregnant?
Posted by: vu | October 03, 2006 at 02:30 PM