Starsailor Message Board

Q-Nick · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:28 am Post subject: Fairtrade Tour - Conclusions

I've been reading the reviews on here, and added those to my experience in Northampton on Tuesday - and come up with some thoughts about this Tour.

The cause

That's obvious. And from what I hear the Fairtrade stalls (set up in the majority of venues, some run by Andrew himself) were a big hit with the fans. No-one can accuse the band of going out on the road because their electricity bill needs paying.

The venues

I dig these smaller, more intimate venues - particularly for this type of show. Saying that, I'd love to see the band play big arenas***, and I'm sure they'd enjoy that too. (**As long as I'm at the front, natch.)

The setlists

16 songs seems to have been the norm - and that's what we've come to expect. Considering this was only a mini-tour, they could have played for an hour quite easily.

The acoustic sets showed some good variation - particularly with the covers. 'Jealous Guy' was a joy to hear. 'Fever', 'Lullaby' and 'This Time' all work really well with just James, so they were good choices. I've already remarked that 'This Time' is best acoustically (in my opinion, anyway). Saying that, those people in Chesterfield rejected 'Born Again' for it; the latter would have been a treat.

The electric set is, essentially, an hour showcase of what the band are really about. Losing 'In My Blood' was a surprise, though 'Poor Misguided Fool' has, and probably always will, work as an opener. Shame 'Music Was Saved' wasn't dragged out for the first time in a short while.

'Fidelity' remains in there, which is one of the most underrated songs in the show. The 'Umbrella' extracts are a great idea, even if you hate the song.

'Tell Me It's Not Over' was mid-set, though I suspect this could be later come the next tour, post album release.

Whether or not it would work as well, I'd like to see 'Tie Up My Hands' replace 'Silence Is Easy' as a closer. It was used as a first set closer in 'Love Is Here' period.......so it could have the desired effect.

The Band

I'm not bothered about Facial hair.
Or if James has become fat.

They still perform brilliantly live. Despite some reports in the Edinburgh thread, the cohesion is still there. Whilst James is singing his heart out, Ben/Stel and Barry still have fun, they're often laughing and enjoying themselves during songs.

Stel gets better and better. I thought I'd never see him beat his performance in Paris (2006), but I'm wrong. He keeps adding riffs and notes into the tightest of places, and never puts the band's sound in jeopardy.

Ben is a powerhouse. And his new kit looks and sounds the part. The snare sound is definitely better than on his Pearl kits.

Barry remains the key part to the sound - his keys/organ always adds to the depth, particularly when James' isn't playing.

A second guitarist is always good, though just JW on the axe showed that it isn't necessary. Only a couple of songs missed it. (I'm still in favour of it). The extra vocals are needed on 'Keep Us Together', other than that you could take it or leave it.

The new material

'Boy In Waiting' was percussive, and has a good groove to it. Interesting to see how it sounds on the album.

'Tell Me It's Not Over' will hurt your neck.

'The Plans That We Made' seemed honest and rather enjoyable.

(I didn't hear anything else....)

Conclusions

Good time to tour.
Still sounding great.
Roll on Spring 2008.

Simple.
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Little One , Do Not Fear

Q-Nick · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:42 am Post subject:

One further thing- it was good to see the Gibson acoustic (J45, right?) back instead of the Guild.

Takes me back to those early days.....
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Little One , Do Not Fear

goodsoulette · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:22 pm Post subject:

What a brilliant little review there Nick. Im sad I missed it but cannot wait for the bigger tour, I have decided to go to a couple of gigs then and rope my mum into coming, I think she'll love it too.

A totally unassociated question. Nick, are you a drummer? and if so, that cadburys Gorilla advert, is he drumming properly in it? It was discussed recently and I didn't have a clue.
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Emmi · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 12:55 pm Post subject:

Q-Nick · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 1:37 pm Post subject:

SSimay · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 2:29 pm Post subject:

There's everything that we should hear! Thanks! Very Happy

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dodovox · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 3:55 pm Post subject:

Thanks for it Nick Very Happy

!!!
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And love will keep you safe...

'Boo · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 4:38 pm Post subject: Re: Fairtrade Tour - Conclusions

Thanks Nick - I'm rubbish at writing about gigs after the event - it all ends up a blur in my mind.

Q-Nick · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 7:55 pm Post subject:

Not sure about better than ever - the OTO tour, including the second and third Fair Trade gigs in London and Leeds - remains their pinnacle in my eyes.

That picture Boo perfectly sums up what I mean.
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Little One , Do Not Fear

theano · Posted: Thu Oct 11, 2007 11:35 pm Post subject: Re: Fairtrade Tour - Conclusions

dodovox · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 7:14 am Post subject: Re: Fairtrade Tour - Conclusions

Q-Nick · Posted: Fri Oct 12, 2007 8:14 am Post subject: Re: Fairtrade Tour - Conclusions

alrklein · SSMB Senior Member Joined: 21 Dec 2004 Posts: 364

Nick great review! You deserve the front centre position at EVERY gig!
Hope to see you all VERY soon
al
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SSimay · Posted: Sat Oct 13, 2007 8:47 am Post subject: Re: Fairtrade Tour - Conclusions

ruddiger · SSMB Junior Member Joined: 31 Aug 2005 Posts: 53

Well said, it was a snapshot of there whole career and i had a fantastic time and have done at every gig of theres i'm a big fan and maybe a bit biased but i struggle to take anything bad away from them!

And i was glad to see the gibson back i thought it was gone for good, i will own one of those j/45's one day and a maxed credit card later!!
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WHATS YOUR NAME BOY............ RUDDIGER