|   Concert Review - Saint Etienne in NYC | Jack-O
Nov 27, 2002 2:54 PM | | Every so often I someone in here asking about Saint Etienne (I read a lot - rarely post) so I thought I'd put in a review of their show this past Tuesday night at Irving Plaza here in NYC.
This show was part of a five night "mini" tour of the US in support of their latest disk - "Finisterre". I believe they may have a larger tour in the spring (heard some record company wanks talking in the roped off, free beer VIP section I tried to sneak into).
The opening performer was Dot Allison - very pretty voice doing an acoustic set. I've heard her compared to Portishead, Goldfrapp, Everyting But The Girl... I dunno, Like I said nice voice - poor material - very awkward stage presence. You got the feeling she was not quite sure of herself. Mercifully short set.
Saint Etienne came on and right from the start you knew it was a return to their original roots - last time around the had a whole backing band - this time it was just lead singer Sarah Cracknall and the two knob turners Pete and Bob - they were only joined by a guitar player. It was nice to see a stripped down line up. They started the show with older crowd favorites like Burnt out Car, Boy is crying, Heart failed in the back of a cab and worked their way into the new stuff. Their sound is hard to put your finger on but here's a shot mix 60's UK pop with current electronica and a bit of dance and ya got it. The music kinda makes you want to smile - which, all in all - is not a bad thing.
Their is not a better and more charamatic female lead singer than Sarah Cracknall - a beautiful voice cutting in and out of thumping synths and swirling dance rhythms. She has a wonderful stage presence and the crowd just went wild.
The new album has more in common with earlier releases (the last few releases were more moody and somber). A review I read, by a far more literate type said their new album is like seeing an old beloved dog starting to chase balls in the yard again.
This really is a band worth getting into: I would suggest the following CD's to start (in no particular order)
* Foxbase Alpha
* Good Humor
* Tiger Bay
* So Tough
* Finisterre
So there - my thoughts on a brilliant show and a woefully underappreciated group.
NP: I Am The World Trade Center: Metro (Brooklyn Mix) |
| Thanks for the review | maf
Nov 28, 2002 5:44 AM | | I've never heard Saint Etienne's music, but I see one of there albums..."Sound of Water" on vinyl at my local indie record haunt, and your review (and some cursory research at allmusic.com), has piqued my interest. Would "Sound of Water" be a good place to start? AMG rates "So Tough" the highest. Opinions appreciated.
Mark
NP: Richard Davies, "Telegraph" |
| Saint Etienne | allears
Nov 28, 2002 7:17 AM | | Your review sounds like they're a band I may like. I tried to get a snippet off CDNow but something is wrong with my media player today. Have you made a comp of their goodies? If so I'll take one, if not, get off your duff and do it! If you don't have the hardware, get your Christmas list together (or send me all the originals, plus $250 shipping and handling and I'll do it for you :))
Have a good turkey day
Steve |
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