Web Logs
8/4/2000 - Duran and Moving
Duran Duran
Yes I made it to the concert, despite everything. Will took pity on me and went along, but we couldn't stay for the whole show as he had to get up early. So how were they? Surprisingly good. To be honest, I really expected them to be terrible. The've always had a reputation as a studio band and often intricate synth lines are lost on the big stage. But, I was wrong. Simon lebon has a very powerful stage voice that sounds more raw and gravelly than on their albums. He was a little flat on "A View to a Kill" (a very high tune), but overall quite impressive. There rest of the band was excellent as well. Very tight and rehearsed. Sadly no improvisation, but that's never been their thing.
I miss their 80's
cool suits.
The Best Parts:
- Save Prayer - well done, nice to actually hear Nick Rhodes playing.
- Hallucinating Elvis - Simon Lebon capering about dressed as The King... Scary and enjoyable. loved the giant Dancin' Hula Elvises on the screen. The tune itself is kinda groovy as well.
- View to a Kill - Not terribly well performed, but at the end Simon pointed to Kings Dominions Eiffel Tower and said "Too bad the park wouldn't let us blow that thing up after our song....".
The Worst Parts
- Many Newer tunes sound just as banal live as they do on the albums. Good thing they played lots of the old stuff.
- Leaving early.
- Pre-recorded backup vocals - Its become almost standard these days, but I don't care much for canned music live. A sequencer used here and there can sound neat, but that's about it.
MOVING
Will and I finally moved into the new place last Friday. The cat keeps yelling, the dog seems to think we're on vacation, and I can't find a pair of matching socks to save my life.
I've actually come to the conclusion that moving, for all the discord it tosses into your life, is still one of the best things you can do for yourself. It gives you a chance to slough off unneeded possession, get a new neighbors, and shake up you life just to see how it reassembles.
Mine seems to be reforming in a very spartan state. I've had to store, sell, throw-out, or give away tons of my stuff. "Only what I need." That's become my mantra as I trek to the dumpster again and again. I think I'll like living this way.
That "Spartan" thing didn't last too long. I have more crap in the place now that I know what to do with... 12/24/02
