Last night, I decked myself out in my flashy gold heels and 70's orange dress and went over to Crash Mansion for the first time ever. The place was more lounge than concert venue. I walked in and it actually took me a few moments to figure out where the stage was. I was flying solo that night, which I hate, so I went over to the bar to get a calming beverage. My beverage of choice is usually beer. Maybe it's all that time in Scotland, maybe it's because I'm poor and feel that I get more bang for my buck, whatever, I like beer. But I don't like Miller Lite. The sponsor for the show last night was Miller so in true Communist fashion, all of the other taps were covered and bottles of Miller filled the refrigerators. When I asked the bartender about it, she said that it was on special because of the sponsorship.
"Ok, what's so special then?"
"huh?"
"HOW MUCH? What's the deal?"
"Uh, 5 bucks."
That's a bargain if you ask me. 5 whole bucks for a shitty beer.
"Fine, I'll have one."
"We only have bottles, the tap is all head." Where have I heard that before?
"Nevermind, give me a vodka-tonic."
Half an hour later, I was sitting alone on the side waiting for Young Love to hit the stage. It took about 15 mins for me not to be able to stand being by myself. I spotted two guys I thought looked familiar so I went over. "Don't I know you from The Noisette's show? Aren't you
Chris's friends?" Yes I did, and yes they were. So hi Ben (Ben, not Matt, which I still feel bad about calling you- doh!) and BQ. Thanks for letting me hang out.
I know
Young Love has been bopping around NYC for a while, but this is the first time I've gotten a chance to see him, Dan Keyes. Now here's my question, I thought Young Love was just one person, Dan, but last night he kept saying "We are Young Love." Anyway, him/they were outrageous. I loved it. Miss Mod comments how it was odd that they opened with the single 'Discotech.' I agree, though most of his songs are really strong so I think it was a good idea to just grab the audience from the beginning with the song everybody knows. Saturday, Young Love will be at Mercury Lounge and after that, they are off on tour. So you have missed all the residences and random shows, I suggest hitting the Lounge. YL go on at 11:30 with Lions and Tigers on at 10:30 and Stylofone at 9:30. Tickets are still onsale for a tenner.
Stream '
Discotech'
Young Love's MySpace with lots more tunes.
After Young Love left the stage, it looked like the place cleared out but Crash Mansion is a tricky bastard. As soon as Radio 4 came on, like water being filled into a glass, the place suddenly filled right up. There was a small group up front dancing like mad things and dominating the group was a giant of a guy in white jeans with arms flailing. I had to take a picture. You rock man, and don't let anybody tell you different.
I liked Radio 4. The sound was so loud that it actually made the music hard to listen to but on a whole, it was enjoyable. Their music doesn't vary too much. The last song they played, I nudged the person next to me and said "Oh, this one I know." I was mistaken though, it just reminded me of a Hot Chip song. So yeah, good for a night out to dance to but not groundshaking.
Go see what
Miz Mod has to say about it all.
'Find A Sexy Way To D.A.N.C.E.'
It's been twenty-two years since Erasure first broke into the mainstream, and nineteen years since they topped international charts with a series of mega-singles: 'Chains Of Love', 'A Little Respect' & 'Ship Of Fools'. Thankfully, all of the aforementioned tracks were included in last night's crowd-friendly 90-minute setlist (see below). You have to appreciate an epic band that knows what its fans want to hear.
One personal highlight was the beautiful live interpretation of current single, 'I Could Fall In Love With You'. Other ditties from their latest LP, Light At The End Of The World, shone extraordinarily brightly throughout the entire hot & humid soiree.
Erasure ends their North American tour tonight at Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, NJ. For all forthcoming European dates, head to Erasure's official MySpace page here.
Setlist: Sunday Girl/Blue Savannah/I Could Fall In Love With You/Fly Away/Breathe/Storm In A Teacup/Chains Of Love/Breath Of Life/Love To Hate You/Sucker For Love/Victim/When A Lover Leaves/Ship Of Fools/Chorus/Sometimes/A Little Respect/Oh L'Amour/Glass Angel//Stop!
MP3: Erasure - Oh L'Amour
MP3: Young Love - Find A New Way
Who are you pulling for? 
Ok, so the new Rapture song is OK.
