I've been very slow to get around to posting (it's almost a month!), but that's because I was having trouble logging in, and in the end had to FTP a few files to alter the security settings for long enough that I could reset the password. Anyway, in the mean time I've found out that I would be very unusual in the US:
So, what else is new? Well, I'm waiting for the new live DVD by the wonderful, magnificent, and thoroughly amazing Neko Case to arrive. It's from her 2003 set at Austin City Limits, of which I've previously found an audio recording on (probably) DimeADozen, and is a great set. Looking forward to seeing her on Wednesday next week at Koko in London, where she'll be joined by M. Ward (his latest CD, Post War
, is also great).
So, Sparklehorse: a great set. The support (Smdge) weren't too wonderful, I thought - a mix of some electronica-ish numbers, and wannabe-Coldplay-style-things - but they weren't too offensive, either. But never mind, I was stood at the bar so the overpriced Fosters (is there any other kind?) kept me going until Mr. Linkous and his band took the stage.
Since it's now a couple of weeks since the gig, I can't remember which songs they played (but the review on the BBC Berkshire website lists them (reproduced below), but the set drew from all 4 of their albums. No Piano Fire, though, which was a disappointment, but a good mix of the slower numbers and the fuzzy-guitar rockers.
Set list:
1. Gold Day
2. Spirit Ditch
3. Apple Bed
4. Hammering The Cramps
5. Painbirds
6. Saturday
7. Weird Sisters
8. Morning Hollow
9. Eyepennies
10. Ghost In The Sky
11. Sad And Beautiful World
12. Someday I Will Treat You Good
*First encore*
13. Don't Take My Sunshine Away
14. Happy Man
*Second encore*
15. Homecoming Queen