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I had the pleasure of experiencing Massive Attack for my first time Friday night at the Greek Theater in Berkeley. I know it won’t be my last time because I was blown away by the greatness that that concert truly was.
The warmup act was DJ Shadow and although I am not a fan by any stretch of the imagination, I can certainly appreciate the talent it takes to work those decks much more than just a “mix two songs together” type of DJ. It is clear that he has contributed a lot to the field of music and that he appreciates much more than just the style that he lays down. But when he was done, I did breath a sigh of relief that what I really came to hear was almost ready.
I own a total of three MA Cd’s. 100th window, Mezzanine and Collected. This particular concert was mostly off the Mezzanine CD. Both Horace Andy and Liz Fraser sang as well as Deborah Miller in addition to the only remaining member of the original band, 3D. The sound balance was a little off and the vocals were not as clear as I would have liked. This may have been a deliberate effect however….but I wish they wouldn’t do it.
The lighting was really cool and I am amazed at the state of the technology where light meets computers and all sorts of effects can be generated. They created a certain mood by backlighting the band with a wall of light with no front lighting or spots at all. I heard some criticism from the audience, but I loved it.
Their set list included the following:
FALSE FLAGS RISINGSON BLACK MELT KARMA KOMA BUTTERFLY CAUGHT HYMN OF THE BIG WHEEL MEZZANINE TEARDROP ANGEL FUTURE PROOF SAFE FROM HARM
INERTIA CREEPS UNFINISHED SYMPATHY GROUP MINUTES LONG">FOUR
I didn’t think that the final number in the encore was as good as the buzz on the message boards said it was. Someone mentioned that it was like the whole band was in a trance. I thought it was more like “hurry up and let’s get this over with”. But that could have been my own grumpiness that the night was over. I think they are wonderful!
I expanded my range of music last night in such an unexpected way. A friend of mine who is a long time fan of Nitzer Ebb, flew into town to grab them playing at Slim's here in SF. Being such a neophyte to the music scene, I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Knowing that I would be going, I tried to listen to a couple of tunes before hand, but it just didn't do it justice.
The evening began with a really good set by a duo called Babyland put together by vocalist Dan Gatto and percussionist Michael Smith. They are described as an underground industrial punk band but I call them just plain fun. Sure it was a bit on the loud noisy side, but they are so enthusiastic that you can't help but get pulled into the fun they are having on stage. I thought they were young but it blew me away to learn that they have been playing for over 16 years. At their recommendation, I purchased two of their CD's, Outlive your Enemies, released in 1998 and The Finger released in 2004.
They were followed by the band Motor, which was not nearly as good but fun nevertheless.
The evening finally got on with Nitzer Ebb. The crowd was nearly sold out and I have never seen so many goth/industrial clothing even at Sister's of Mercy or Siouxie concerts. The music was powerful and fun. The crowd really go into the band made up of the normal Douglas McCarthy at vocals and Bon Harris at percussion but includes a striking beauty in Kourtney Klein as a second percussionist. Here tall thin quiet presence provides the perfect backdrop to Nitzer Ebbs athletic performances. I had the best time dancing my nuts off!
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Cool! I didn't know Nitzer Ebb had reformed! Are they coming to Wichita? (of course not) Where's some concert dates?
I had the pleasure of seeing Nitzer Ebb with Depeche Mode in support of the World Violation tour! They were one of my favorite industrial bands of the late 80's and early 90's. I didn't follow them much after Ebbhead...heard they broke up one album later. I'm glad to hear they are giving it another shot! Thanks for the review.
One of the nicest things about MOG is of course the recommendations for music that I get on this site. It is the first principle in my opinion and it is why I come back time and time again. I scour my trusted MOGS and those of them to see what I can learn. Sometimes it is right on the money, sometimes not, but I always feel better for the knowledge.
One of my trusted music friends turned me on to Alexi Murdoch. Alexi is a Scottish Born, London raised musician whose first LP "Time Without Consequence" is getting played a lot on my ipod. The music is fresh and inovative. It is laid back and coffee house but with a quiet intensity. It took me a couple of listens to get into the groove but it was well worth the time.
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Hear hear! MOG has introduced me to awesome artists and the best record store ever.
Fantastic recommendation! Thank you. I'd never heard of him am really enjoying what I'm hearing as I cruise through the tracks on Yahoo Music. Love You More is tops for me so far.
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sigh Sounds like a great time. I'm so jealous.
You where lucky to get all of those vocalists together. I remember them playing the Phoenix Festival [UK] around 1994 when the finished with Unfinished Sympathy. 3D walked to the back of the stage, ripping down a curtain to revel a 20 piece orchestra. Brillant!
OK, now I'm jealous of both of you.