I'm exhausted and sleep deprived but I'm going to write this review because it's been on my mind since I've been at the show.
Joseph Arthur finished his tour at Bowery Ballroom in NYC (where else?) on wedesday. It's probably my favorite of his so far. I think it may have something to do with the fact that I haven't been listening to the bootlegs from this leg of the tour though I've been reading all the reviews. Almost every song sounded differently to me. I was really impressed by the new arrangments and the how older songs have developed into something totally different. I was also really excited to witness his painting sesssions during songs like "Crying Like a Man" (a favorite of mine but never get a chance to hear it live till this show) and "Invisible Hands"
I got there at 9pm so I missed most of Y's set, Joe was playing drums. Then Tara Angel played with a band. I wanted to record it but my battery was running low so I only managed to record two songs. I wanted to save the battery for JA's set but turned out the recording sucked because I forgot to change back the volume level from Tara's set so the recording had some feedbacks plus lots of audience chattering, including the group of women's constant outbrust of "You're beautiful!" and "I'm feeling you baby!". Thank God for official bootlegs! This time they got every song. (usually they cut out the encores)
Here are some highlights:
Can't Exist: always a treat to hear live. It was a different without Joan's violin. I'm *loving* the new loop he's doing. It's like a sound of electrical trickle almost? Then he ended with same beats he used to do for Wasted (which I also loved)
A Smile that Explodes: one of my favorite songs...I miss Joan's backup vocals. It's not the same without a women's touch for this song. hehe. Someone on the board mentioned he's been singing more violently or something? well I know what she means now...it's more intense and emotional.
Straw Dogs: this song was interwined with A smile that Explodes so it was an interesting combination. It was only a minute and it was very mellow, it was totally different from the previous up beat rock out verison he used to do. I love it.
Leave Us Alone: Haven't heard this live in a while. I almost forgot how good it sounds live. Again, the tone was more violent and intense.
All of Our Hands: interwined with Leave Us Alone. very powerful. He was almost screaming in here.
She Paints me Gold: a newer song...ended with a nice long guitar riff.
Crying Like a Man (!!): My first time hearing it live and the crazy women almost ruined it for me by constant remarks of "take me there baby!" "one man band!!" and "You're so inspiring!"
He started really painting here...and that's where my camera battery ran out! but thankfully Kim was able to spare some battery for me. (thanks kim!)
So with a mic in one head and a paint brush in the other, he sauntered around the stage singing and painting. It was amazing to watch
Eyes on My back: this song was the main hilight of the show. He turned this slow somber song into a techno dance song! very trippy! I can't stop listening to it now!
Honey & the Moon: another hilight of the show, he sat down for this one. It was more melancholy...truly beautiful. Kim noticed he was crying here. (aww)
Even Tho: the same people screaming throughout the show were singing back to him during the "even tho i'm here you know I'm already gone...baby...." part. This was actually amusing...he finally cracked up and ended the song abruptly. LOL
Invisible Hands: He continued to paint and this time people were shhing the women, so they actually took a down a notch.
more pictures to come....
