Belinda Carlisle - Review

So I understand the demographic for Belinda Carlisle is not really that of the people that typically check out this blog but alas, I went, I saw, and as a result I will review.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with Belinda Carlisle let me enlighten you. Belinda is an American singer who achieved great success in the 80's with the all-famale band 'The Go Go's.' In 1985 the Go-Go's ended, and as a result, Belinda forged out a hugely successful career as a solo artist. With hits including 'Heaven Is a Place on Earth,' 'Leave a Light On' and 'I Get Weak,' Belinda Carlisle is still performing and releasing material today.

Back in May, a day after I saw the Augustines, I headed to Indigo at the O2 (with my mum!) to see Belinda Carlisle live. Unsurprisingly the average age of the crowd was in their 50s - however don't think this meant the crowd were by any means quiet. By the end of the set it was safe to say every person (with the exception of the very old) were up on their feet singing and dancing along to Carlisle's most popular hits.

The set list for the evening included: Runaway Horses, (We Want) The Same Thing, Sun, I Get Weak, In Too Deep, California, Circle in the Sand, Valentine, Vision of You, La Luna, Summer Rain, Mad About You, Big Scary Animal, Live Your Life Be Free, Leave a Light On, A Woman and a Man, Our Lips Are Sealed, Heaven Is a Place on Earth, and finally Goodbye Just Go.

What I liked about Belinda Carlisle and her show, was unlike some of the acts today, she left it all very understated. Coming out on stage with just a tambourine and wearing all black, Belinda was able to sing and deliver her hits in a way that enraptured the crowd without being controversial, or inappropriate in any way. Miley Cyrus take note.

Overall, although I will be honest and say there are some more exceptional bands and artists currently touring, I did have a thoroughly enjoyable evening singing along to the hits that I grew up listening to with my family.

Augustines - review

This review is well overdue but here goes:

Back in May of this year I headed to the Institute in Birmingham to see The Augustines live on their European 'Walkabout' tour.

I have been a fan of this band for a very long time and so I was ecstatic to get tickets to see them live. The night began with the support act "Empire Divide," a five piece band from London. Although some of their material seemed pretty good (their music reminded me a lot of Civil Twilight) the sound system unfortunately just didn't seem to work and so at times it was very difficult to hear Niall Keels (lead singer). To hear tracks by this band check out, Velvet Sky.

After Empire Divide it was then time for the main act themselves. By the claps and cheers that broke out as soon as the band appeared on stage, it became clear the crowd were just as stoked as I was to be there - a great reflection of the following the Augustines have managed to build over the years.

For 2 hours, Billy McCarthy (wearing his trademark hat), Eric Sanderson and Rob Allen gave it their all and treated the sold out crowd to an absolutely fantastic night of live music. A band who seemed genuinely thrilled to be performing together, you couldn't help but believe McCarthy when he announced near the beginning of the show "This is it, the end of the walkabout tour...we've got a long night ahead..grab a drink...we're having a celebration."


The set list for the evening included: Headlong into the Abyss, Chapel Song, Cruel City, Augustine, Nothing to lose, Walkabout, Philadelphia, The Avenue, Weary Eyes, East Los Angeles, Now you are free, New Drink for an Old Drunk."

Although it is clear from this post I am a big fan of this band, it is difficult to not single out Billy McCarthy for his truly great stage presence, strong vocals and constant engagement with the crowd. It is with this in mind that the definite highlight for me was when McCarthy sang an acoustic version of The Avenue. No mics, no gizmos or gimmicks, just a man and his raw/emotive voice. The crowd absolutely loved it.

From the sweaty band members, to the whistling crowds, it was certainly a great night of live music. I would definitely urge you to check them out - you wont be left disappointed.

For more information regarding their albums and singles check out my previous post: Augustines

Tour dates: 

29th Sept. Bowery Ballroom - NYC
3rd Oct. Rough Trade NYC - Brooklyn, NY
29th Nov. Riverside - Newcastle
30th Nov. Queen Margaret Union - Glasgow
1st Dec. Cathedral - Manchester
3rd Dec. Wedgewood Rooms - Portsmouth
4th Dec. The Globe - Cardiff
5th Dec. Wulfrun Hall - Wolverhampton
7th Dec. Concorde 2 - Brighton
8th Dec. The Roundhouse - Camden, London

For more info check out: Augustines Website

Augustines

Augustines, made up of Billy McCarthy, Eric Sanderson and Rob Allen, are an American indie rock band from Brooklyn.

With an upcoming tour due to start in the next couple of weeks - it kicks off in Phoenix - and the recent release of their second album "Augustines" this band are certainly making an impression on the current music scene.

Their debut album "Rise Ye Sunken Ships" was a great album, featuring an array of good songs including "Chapel Song," "Strange Days" and "New Drink for the Old Drunk." The first single released from the album was "Book of James." When listening to this album it becomes evident that the boys have been through some pretty dark times, however what is good is their ability to use these painful experiences and convert them into great songs.

Their second album "Augustines" was released on February 3rd and although it is not quite on the same level as their debut it is still very good. Songs from this album worth checking out are "The Avenue," "Weary Eyes" and "Nothing To Lose But Your Head." Despite their great songs I have to admit the main driving force to liking this band is because of lead singer Billy McCarthy. His voice is something else - raspy and raw, he sings in a way that leaves you utterly convinced he means every word. If I was to compare him, in terms of performance style and voice I would straight away say Brian Fallon from The Gaslight Anthem.

This band have received a string of great reviews from their previous tour dates and I would seriously urge you to check them out. If you are keen to see them I would advise buying tickets sooner rather than later as their shows often sell out.

Check out their website for further information on tickets and tour dates (incl. European) http://www.weareaugustines.com/tour/

Twitter: @WeAreAugustines