Friday with Editors and why life (and potential death) is grand
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Artist:
For the curious folk, all my photos from the evening can be found here
This past Friday, I was lucky enough to hold passes for the Editors' stop in Seattle. Two hours before doors, I was sitting in the window of the bar attached to the venue waiting for my +1 to join me. It was a rather warm evening for Seattle, especially for February and as the shadows lengthened, I watched the foot traffic turn from tourist to tweaker and listened to sound check. The bartender was cute, the drink was strong and the music promised to be loud...ahhhhh, life IS good.
Inside, despite the indie-kids crowding the stage, the evening continued swimmingly. Terrific conversation with a new, music-smart friend laced around two decent opening bands, making the time until Editors took the stage pass fairly quickly. Then, as they are apt to do, the lights dimmed and the audience hooted and the band joined us for a hour or so.
Lead singer, Tom Smith, hands slamming together in perhaps nervous energy, crossed the stage and took a seat at the piano for the first song. Gravel in a velvet bag, his voice and emotion erupted and we were swept away.
Despite claims of jet lag, Mr Smith took Washington--or at least Seattle. Arched brows, furrowed forehead, neck veins popping, he was all over the stage, a modern crooner seemingly giving us his all. If this was the band tired, I'd love to see them after a restful couple of days.
Slower songs alternated with the ones that got the crowd jumping; jumping so much that I wondered how stable the bouncing floor was--it IS an old building and fleeting thoughts of tragic foundation failure darted through my practical neural pathways. These mature thoughts did not stop me from dancing, however. If I were to die in a music venue, dancing to Editors, so be it.
Papillion-Editors
Walk the Fleet Road-Editors
Munich-Editors
And then they were done. Throwing kisses to the crowd, the Editors left us, until next time. I know I'll be waiting for them to return. Many of you are lucky; they are probably heading your way. Say hello to them for me.
Locating MOG account...
Comments (21)
OK OK OK ... I'll give the new album another listen.
...Excellent account of a great evening. I'm jealous
Never mind the last album, they are still a great live band....
wow, your dim light photos shine real bright...I particularly like the one with Mr. Smith clutching the mikestand in mid-croon...that really captures the moment! I hear they're a great live band...
hey there, Mr. Cromwell, other than music that makes you wanna jump - how does a link to T Rex's "Electric Warrior" belong here?? That's just an interuption of the flow bro...
I've seen clips of them live on youtube & they are captivating. I'm sure in person they are mesmerizing. Lucky you to score photo passes. As always great pics & account!
Dale: all I know is I was bought and sold at the show. FANTASTIC live show.
DMDM...it was an excellent evening. Damn near perfect from the walk to the venue to the walk home. I LOVE days like that
DC: ?
Neill speaks the truth. I'd see them again
Scottfree :) The lighting was very very challenging that night and now I covent an new camera lens--that costs a few thousand coin. I figure I can go without Starbucks for a couple weeks to pay for it.
August my sweet, he was captivating. I was super lucky to score passes. Thanks for the kind words.
That piano shot is above your already high standard. Great stuff.
Cody, thanks. :)
My new "job" has me scared of little e editors..these cats seem less threatening.
Amber, you really really nailed their energy with your images.
And a further KUDOS FOR THE PURPLE TOM SMITH!!!!
Great review. I'm not a huge fan of later albums, but they are a really powerful live band. You've shown it beautifully here, Amber. The adoring kids pic is particularly fab.
Purple was the best I could do: the lights were horrid. But he looks great in purple, no?
I love audience shots; people are so interesting and I watched two of the boys in that photo get dropped off by "mom" in a minivan and then try to act cool. I just love indie kids (as long as they don't jiggle my arm when I'm trying to take a photo)
You made excellent lemonade from those lights.
Bueno!
Editors hemmed in by four walls is probably quite intense; I saw them at Sziget Festival in daylight, 30-degrees C, and they looked like they'd rather be anywhere else in the world. Also, I think Tom's veins always look like they're going to rupture, whether he's playing a show or not.
Beautiful pictures btw; what camera do you use?
Yes great pics, and I like these songs.
"Gravel in a velvet bag".....love that!
Great review.
Annie: just squeeze fresh and add sugar (but not too much). :) thanks, darling
RPC...Thanks!!! I used 2 different cameras here: Sony DSLR alpha 350 with a fixed but fast lens and after the first 3 songs I had to switch to my point and shoot which is a Sony DSC HX1.
JagAndi--I just calls it as I hears it. :) thanks!
"(as long as they don't jiggle my arm when I'm trying to take a photo)"
HA! That's it EXACTLY!
Editors Review
:)
The Editors are one great live band. In recent memory, they're the best show I've seen. So, so good.
Nice review. Glad bands like this are still going at it.
Eric! So glad you backed me up. See people? Its not just me. :)