Barenaked Ladies, Leeds University

I saw these guys live again this week - at Leeds University - and as ever they delivered a fantastic show. They remind me of Crowded House circa early 90's as they effortlessly deliver a set full of Steve Page and Ed Robinson's wonderful songs brilliantly played, and yet they don't take themselves very seriously at all. Much laughing on stage (mainly at each other) and some inspired comedy, including a delirious choreographed dance sequence by the whole band which cumulated in a 'fight' in the style of West Side Story.
On stage chat for the evening was mainly based round the twin burning subjects of the outrageous visibility of British plumbing and the seemingly endless variety of our crisp packet flavours.
Opening with One Week and The Old Apartment they hit the stage running and played a good mix of old and new material, with several choice offerings from their excellent latest album, Barenaked Ladies are Me (available in all reputable audio retailers now, folks). There was also a great little acoustic section where the banjo and mandolin were dusted off, also featuring drummer Tyler as lead bongo-lier. $100,000 made it's usual appearance as an encore and the evenings closer was the always incredibly poignant Call and Answer. It's easy to forget that these guys have been together for 15 years now and have a lot of songs to choose from.
Mention should also be made of their excellent (and now it seems regular) support act: comedian with guitar, Boothby Graffoe.
'Ladies newbie Rachel was highly impressed by the band, the show and the songs, and and I feel this was a good start to her Canadian musical education. Next up for her it's The Hip!

Dave Matthews

Dave Matthews. Who is he? Just know that he is an American and usually seen fronting the Dave Matthews Band. Never heard of them either? Good. Lets keep it that way.
I saw him and his mate Tim Reynolds play a two and a half hour acoustic show in Manchester last week which was one of the best live gigs I have ever seen. Whether it was the amazing songs, the wonderful delivery or the tangible air of nervous expectation from the sell out crowd (this man is a genuine American icon) I don’t know. But the combination of factors made this (for me anyhow) a quite extraordinary event to witness.
And I get to see the whole Dave Matthews band in London in May – the first time they’ve played the UK for over 10 years – and that will be a real treat.