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Elbow live

Friday July 14, 2006

Tonight (it’s 2.30am as I write, I just got home) I was in London’s Somerset House watching Elbow do their thing. What a great spot for a gig and what a gig! As they started the first song I was convinced Guy Garvey was miming to a CD playing in the background but, of course, it was all live. What a voice, I mean really what a fucking voice, he didn’t drop a single note, absolutely captivating.

I think the term tight is the one used when describing a band that is so highly polished they make it look effortless; you want to hate them for their talent but of course you’re too busy loving every moment for such thoughts.

Guy Garvey being your typical Northerner also does quite a good comic turn and he worked the crowd superbly and really helped create a light, happy atmosphere in between blowing everyone away with each and every song.

If I had to pick out favourites, it’d be tough they were all great but I guess I’d go for Mexican Standoff (from the Leaders of the Free World album) and McGregor (Leaders of the Free World DVD version) which are, so far, my two favourite Elbow tracks anyway.

Tonight’s gig was not sold out and it is well documented that Elbow have not achieved the commercial success that might be expected of such talent. But that really is no reason to judge this band as second rate, they are far from it, they are way up there with the best of them. So much so that I am starting to think they are shunning the whole commercial bit on purpose because it’s the music they are really interested in.

My only whinge? It could have been a touch louder.

http://elbow.co.uk/

Comments are on for this one.

  1. Nick Harris

    776 days ago

    I would have to say that Elbow are far and away the greatest thing British music has had to offer in a very… VERY long time. I saw them at Shepherd’s Bush last year and they were every bit as perfect as you describe them, and Guy is indeed a brilliant front man… Grace Under Fire had me in goose bumps.

    I wish I’d caught them here on their home turf in Manchester a few months ago, but I missed it… boo hoo :(

  2. Karl Brightman

    776 days ago

    I can honestly say i haven’t heard all that much of Elbow, i know the name but not the music, Australia is a very isolated country after all….Might have to have a look in my local cd store for something of theirs, they are playing with Snow Patrol in Edinburg soon so i am guessing they have a similair style?

    Will have a look this weekend and hopefully find out for myself how fucking amazing his voice is.

  3. Steve Tucker

    776 days ago

    I second Karl above. Ive never heard of Elbow before. Too busy with my head stuck in Kings of Leon and Stone Roses. Would still love to see U2 play live but I find it difficult in my financially sorry state to fork out £300 on 2 tickets for what essentially is just 3-4 hours of entertainment. Fuckin marvelous.

  4. Colly

    776 days ago

    Elbow will never be big. They will always be a “secret” if you like.

    Very jealous John (although I did see experience them breaking my heart with beauty at a very hot Glasto a couple of years ago). I’d looked forward to it all weekend and was not disappointed. Guy is incredible, both voice and lyrics.

    But, now you’ve seen them play stuff from “Leaders…” live, so I am truly jealous.

  5. Colly

    776 days ago

    PS: Did they play “Great Expectations”? That was recently voted the most beautiful thing in the world by a panel of experts. Makes me cry…

  6. John Oxton

    776 days ago

    Indeed they did and it was very very beautiful. The whole set was stunning; I think I am going to have Elbow on loop for about a week ;)

    Oh yeah they recorded the whole thing too, so fingers crossed for a DVD sometime!

  7. Ben Ward

    776 days ago

    It was fabulous and I agree with everything you say John.

    They have a glorious ability to switch from making a wonderful loud noise to something stripped back and sparse and emotionally wrenching. Was absolutely wonderful.

    I’ve been waiting years to see them and it was well worth it. Nice to finally meet you too, John.

  8. Jesse Rodgers

    776 days ago

    I saw Elbow in Toronto a couple months back and they were just amazing. It was a small place and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the music and stage presence Guy Garvey commands. Can’t wait to see them again.

    Have to admit it was a mention on this blog (I think) a while back that got me interested in them…

  9. Callum

    776 days ago

    I was at the gig last night as well and I concur, stunning set. Only disapointment was that they didn’t play Grace Under Fire (or maybe I missed it).

  10. Jock

    775 days ago

    I was at Somerset House too, and am still blown away by how damn good they were live. As you say, it was so note perfect it could have been a studio recording. Except of course for the interaction. Loved the crowd doing a big sigh, and us all singing the refrain from “Forget Myself” to get them back on was great.

    Hard to pick highlights as it was all at such a high level, but for me there was something special about “Great Expectations”, and the variations in “Newborn” were superb.

  11. Fredrik W?§rnsberg

    774 days ago

    Just heared them on last.fm, they were actually quite good, I might pick up some more of them.

    Thanks for the tip!

  12. luxuryluke

    773 days ago

    Elbow rock, I’ve been a fan since Asleep in the Black came out.
    Great stuff!
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