I remember when ‘Mezzanine’ came out in 1998. Radiohead’s ‘OK Computer’ had came out the year before, as part of the whole ‘Pre Millenial Tension’ (thanks Tricky) musical atmosphere of anxiety about the imminent new century (which all seems slightly benign and innocent when compared to the current state of world affairs). Massive Attack are for me are one of – it not the – most imporant bands of the last few decades. ‘Blue Lines’ hearalded a new musical paradigm: melancholic yet soulful, dubby and weed infused, funky and slightly menacing, all done within the sound system framework, ie rotating guest vocalists and members. It was – and is – a game changer.
You forget how many great tracks are on ‘Mezzanine’ and thankfully tonight all key figures – Horace Andy and Elizabeth Frazer – are in the building to sing them. They also did lots of tasteful and relevant covers – The Cure, Bauhaus, Ultravox – which really shine a light on their sonic influences influencing the album. The visuals are also amazing. I’m genuinely moved. Big up the Bristol massiv.

Set List:
I Found a Reason (The Velvet Underground cover)
Risingson
10:15 Saturday Night (The Cure cover)
Man Next Door (with Horace Andy)
Black Milk (with Elizabeth Fraser)
Mezzanine
Bela Lugosi’s Dead (Bauhaus cover)
Exchange
See a Man’s Face (Horace Andy cover with Horace Andy)
Dissolved Girl
Where Have All the Flowers Gone? (Pete Seeger cover with Elizabeth Fraser)
Inertia Creeps
Rockwrok (Ultravox cover)
Angel (with Horace Andy)
Teardrop (with Elizabeth Fraser)
Levels (Avicii cover)
Group Four (with Elizabeth Fraser)

 

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Tuxedo @ Globe Theatre, August 23 2019

Bodega / Santa Ana / July 25 2019 (Note: poor lighting affected photo quality :)) I first saw Bodega at the Dome in Tuffnel Park London in July 2018. It was sell out show. BBC6 Music indie DJ geezer Steve Lamac was in attendance –  he had been bigging them up on his show. They’re from NYC and I loved their dynamic – very visual, performance orientated art rock style. Female lead vocalist and drummer, shouty choruses and a post punk Talking Heads sound made for a great energy. Again they didn’t disappoint – just surprised to see them in the smaller room at the Observatory, it seems like they still have their work cut out cracking the US market.  Interesting and refreshing, catch them if you can.

Ziggy Marley @ Pacific Amphiteatre / OC Fair / Costa Mesa

Toots and the Maytals / Pacific Amphitheatre / Costa Mesa July 19 2019

Hinds @ La Santa, July 13 2019

 

Girls just want to have fun? Hinds @ La Santa, Santa Ana. Infectious and fun four piece girl garage rock outfit from Madrid, Spain

 

I first saw Seal perform in 1989 – or it could have been 1990 (those years are a little bit blurrey) – when he sang on Adamski’s ‘Killer’, a breakout rave hit back in the day. Shoutout to Adamski, the original rave keyboard wizzard. They were playing alongside 808 State, Orbital, Guru Josh and assorted other ‘rave’ acts at the London Docklands Arena. At the time Seal was unknown. Soon after this he experienced a very rapid ascent to super stardom.
Flash forward – gulp – almost thirty years and I’m watching him at the Pacific Ampitheatre in Costa Mesa, CA. I haven’t been surrounded by this many out of control cougars since safari in Kenya. They worship this man. As soon as he comes on you can see he has that ‘thing’ – talent, charisma, a voice, presence, striking looks and good songs. Someone who fathers three children by Heidi Klum has to have something special.
He totally owns the crowd often striding into the middle of it touching outstrectched hands like a prophet talisman. His in between song chat is also endearing – coming across as humble and kind – and further gains crowd affection in buckets. He’s a great performer. Of course, aided by having classics like ‘Crazy’, ‘Kiss From a Rose’ and ‘Prayer For The Dying’ in his catalogue. He even plays ‘Killer’ towards the end keeping this old raver happy.

Empire of the Sun @ The Wiltern, Los Angeles, 28 June 2019

Dido at The Wiltern, Los Angeles June 25 2019

I know. Let’s get involved in a Facebook debate with someone we don’t know. Choose the topic – gun control, climate change, immigration policy, Brexit, etc – and fire away. I am sure through reasonable dialogue and persuasive argument we can each convince the other of our point enough to make them swivel in their opinion and join our side. Or not. Probably.

Rather, the debate will descend into a bitter stalemate – opposing sides more opposed. Off to read other news sources to amplify through echo chamber their ingrained belief and increase the angry polarization. Perhaps coming back after few hours / days having mentally forumlated their devastating response. Linking to other news stories / quotes / sources to validate their argument as everything you read on the internet is true. ‘LOOK, this article / infographic I am linking to definitely proves my point. I told you! End of!’

The comments section of the debate might meander off and loop with others chipping in. Sometime debaters joining forces and ganging up, circling like jackals going for the kill, nipping at the heels in provocation, looking to press buttons and get an angry response. There might be side arguments, splintering off in sub-sections, mini skirmishes outside the main mob. I am smarter, quicker, better read, my superior dialectic has left you stuttering.. I am just more right than you are.

The anger swells. Someone in a bad mood somewhere in the world punching input into their smartphone trying to ‘win’ the argument with a trenchant swipe of keyboard that proves their point, emerging as short lived victor with a last mintue goal. I am right. You are wrong. I AM RIGHT. YOU ARE WRONG.