As we made our way into the upper tier of GM place and settled down I was more looking forward to Snow Patrol than the main act. My fear was confirmed by the crowd – we appeared to have arrived at a cross between a NKOTB, Beyonce and American Idol event. The audience was comprised of groups of young girls (complete with short skirts and accompanying parents), couples (dressed for a date) and groups of friends who clearly don’t go to a lot of live events (but no doubt like the singles!)

Down went the lights and the screaming started – I am not sure Snow Patrol will have played many times in front of this type of crowd but they did a great job of running though a strong set without loosing focus and I must make sure I see them in a smaller venue when they return. The only down side was their continual arse licking statements…..” only 30 minutes until Coldplay”….”thanks to the fantastic Coldplay for inviting us” etc etc….

After a short break the “main event” started and I must confess despite all my misgivings we were treated to a good show. Rock music its not, but as pop bands go they were great. They ran though the full repertoire of hits complemented by all the effects and gimmicks would would expect. We had balloons (a la Flamming Lips), an “intimate” session close to the fans (U2) and Chris Martin running around like a demented Roger Daltrey on steroids….(I was tired just watching him!).

I confess I wont be rushing back to the next event but everyone appeared to enjoy it and I even wandered home humming a few tunes…..

Ive since checked and Coldplay are listed in Wikipedia as “alternative rock” which puts them in the same category as Oasis, Arcade Fire, The Libertines and The Arctic Monkeys! Although this is wrong they do provide good value and its difficult to say something bad about someone who appears to care about some important things and can write a catchy tune.

Roll on Jack White…..

This was the 4th time I’ve seen them live (plus all the albums) and the largest venue. The other times were in smaller “club” style places and I am sure the larger Commodore space didn’t help the atmosphere, which was pretty subdued – even for Vancouver. CWK always draw a very mixed audience for a style that often defies simple definition, and tonight was no different – I went from feeling very old to seeing people of my parents’ age!

I am a huge fan and tonight was no disappointment with a great combination of tracks all delivered with the passion and intensity only they can create. I’ve now taken 4 different people to see them and each time I am asked “what kind of music is it?”. I struggle to explain and on each occasion my friends leave saying things like “that was really different” or “I quite enjoyed that”!

I will keep spreading the word and if you ever get the chance, go see them live….you will not be disappointed..

White Lies and Friendly Fires, who are both achieving great things in the UK played in front of a passionate audience at Richards. I mainly went to see The Lies and they were up first just before 10 and starting with “Farewell to the Fairground” and went on to deliver an amazing and powerful set – despite a short delay! Friendly Fires followed about 11 with “Lovesick” before running through a non-stop electrifying set which also included “Jump In The Pool” and “Skeleton Boy” – most of it was new to me but I am certainly going to get the album now!

It’s good to see the audience so into the music for “relatively” new bands to Vancouver and the atmosphere was fantastic – not always the case with local crowds!

I am sure when these bands return to BC it will be in larger venues and I hope they maintain the vibe.

Check out the review at Killahbeez for a full set list and some great pics

We arrived to find out that Carl Barat would not be supporting due to “unforeseen circumstances” which, according to various “experts” was the result of being refused entry into Canada!

Glad to see the Canadian government are protecting us from such unsavory characters.

Anyway ……the last minute replacement (unknown?) appeared as surprised as the audience was that he was there playing a blues set. Would probably have been better in a smoky New Orleans bar together with far more JD, but ok all the same.

I am still getting used to the timings of gigs in BC which results in spending far to much time at the bar waiting for Glasvegas to come on stage. On the plus side I did meet a local chef who was able to provide some great advice on where to buy good meat and produce – every cloud as they say.

Glasvegas are on top in the UK and one of the benefits of living here is I get to see them in a small club and tickets are easy to get. Even so I was surprised how busy it was given the album was only just released – and almost every song was greeted with a singalong and huge enthusiasm! – a great atmosphere all round.

They delivered a great set, although a little short (50 mins?) and no encore, which was strange given the reception.

You can get a “professional” review of the night here >>>>>>

Roll on April when they return to play the Commodore – its a shame more UK bands don’t know where Vancouver is!

• Ivy league preppies
• The latest “blog” created “sensation”
• They describe their genre of music as “Upper West Side Soweto” – as someone said…it sounds more like the name of a charity fundraiser than a genre

But it arrived today and after several plays….I have to admit its pretty good It’s a mix of African beats, classical string arrangements with peculiar, eclectic and engaging lyrics….all the hype appear to be true! And I managed to get some tickets to see them later this month – already looking forward to it!

See what you think?

Good review at >>>>>>>

Worth a listen and then a live trip…….amazing show

www.britishseapower.co.uk

BUT most importantly …. Less VIP entrances and corporate stuff……and please NO executives standing at the front. You had the crazy situation of 18,000 “fans” separated from Bruce by a few hundred “VIPS” and a large empty area…..

It did not sit well with all the sincere messages about “Crisis over Christmas” and the world today…Guess it’s a case of “do as I say, not do as I do” ? Bruce…please……learn from this

Good review at http://music.guardian.co.uk/live/story/0,,2230099,00.html

www.brucespringsteen.net

http://frank-turner.com

www.arcadefire.com

www.theenemy.com