Curiosa a Review
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Well The Curiosa Festival has come and gone from the south. And I must say an amazing plethora of musical goodness was to be found at these festivities. I had the privilege of catching both the Atlanta and Nashville shows. With so many bands it is always going to be that certain ones will shine greater than others. All bands performed a 30 minute set, with the cure performing for about 1:45.
MUSE
Of course, at the top of my bill was Muse. Their 30 minute set.
Muse Set List :
1. Hysteria
2. New Born
3. Bliss
4. Butterflies and Hurricanes
5. Time Is Running Out
6. Stockholm Syndrome
They performed the same setlist at Both Nashville, and Atlanta. But they performed it quiet well, and even included a little Led Zeppelin. It seems it was time for the end of the Set, but Matt the Lead singer just kept wanting to play and play, and continued as he walked off the stage. (Watch a clip from Atlanta, the view isn’t the best due to the fact, video was confiscated earlier, and had to be quiet unsuspicious).
THE CURE
Next I give dibs to the Cure. I mean these guys have been around forever, and their setlist was amazing!
Nashville:
Plainsong, Shake Dog Shake, Fascination Street, The End of the World, Anniversary, Inbetween Days, Just Like Heaven, Pictures of You, Maybe Someday, Before Three, From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, (I Don't Know What's Going) On, Push, Us or Them, alt.end, One Hundred Years, Disintegration
Encore: Lovesong, Play For Today, A Forest, Boys Don't Cry.
Atlanta
Lost, Labyrinth, Fascination Street, alt.end, A Night Like This, The End of the World, Lovesong, Inbetween Days, Just Like Heaven, Jupiter Crash, Pictures of You, Before Three, From the Edge of the Deep Green Sea, A Strange Day, One Hundred Years, Never, The Promise
1st encore: Close To Me, Lovecats, Why Can't I Be You
2nd encore: Charlotte Sometimes, Faith, Going Nowhere.
Robert Smith came out on stage in Nashville, like he was a lost deranged little boy, looking hopelessly at a bunch of poeple he was scared of. Quiet interesting. I must say, this is one ugly gothy man... but he can produce some great music still. And the bass player, he is humped over like a hunchback the whole show, swaying back and forth, jumping around on one foot, (actually i think his bass is glued to his pants). Quiet interesting, and entertaining. But only Robert maintains the goth look, the rest of the band look fairly normal. The keyboardist stands with a distinction and confidence reminiscent of Kraftwerk keyboardist. A great show though! (Watch part of a clip from nashville).
THURSDAY
Next I must say I really enjoyed the Thursday Show. Actually it was almost traumatic in Nashville, kinda aggressive, but nothing like the New York show I went to last year. Atlanta was actually rather calm, which made the band more hyped actually pretty cool I must say.
I ran into Geoff Rickly while walking around. Had a little time to ask a few questions:
Here was his thought on Nashville vs. Atlanta, How to Scream and their Keybaordist.
Here was his thoughts on "leaking" their album online before the release.
Here was his thoughts on Field Day/ Failed Day.
A nice guy he is indeed. And the amount of energy created at one of their shows is just amazing!
THE RAPTURE
The Underdog of the shows I feel though was the Rapture. I heard so many people complain about their set! But I thought it was a wonderful performance. The group works well together, and creates a wonderful energy around a non-typical style. What else do you want? Cowbells you say? I've never seen anyone play the cowbell with a passion that the Rapture used it. One of the funniest things I've ever seen! True I would say they rip off Public Image Ltd., here and there... but I view their performance stellar! I hope to see them again! (Watch a clip from the Raptures show in Atlanta).
INTERPOL
Finally a must see was Interpol. Once again, some did not get the monotone droning known as Interpol. But the somber aura created was perfect. The guys in their suits, makes the moment. The greatest creator of the mood definitely would be the base player, who stands with holster on, standing with such confidence that neither fire nor explosion could change his calm coolness.... intriguing almost scary! I hope to catch them at a smaller venue in the future. (Watch a short clip of Interpol).
Well there you have it Curiosa, its complete in the south, but if you get the chance dont' miss the chance to take this in! Tis wonderful! And don't forget to catch Mogwai, this is the band all the other bands were talking about, when we talked to them personally... they are definitly a better band live than on CD, just because your stereo system can't handle their dynamics...
Comments
i had a fabulous time at curiosa. a wonderful and relaxing evening of great music. muse was incredible; i wished the set could have been longer. and your right, Robert Smith is one freaky looking guy, but that voice is still awesome.
Posted by: Autumn | August 3, 2004 07:16 AM
I wish I could've gone. Though I will agree, all bands sound better live. If you have a favorite band, and you've not seen them live, you should. Live shows have made and broke bands for me in the past. Incubus was awesome live, and I bought two CD's by them. Wasn't the same. The Eels live was a complete rock out. (yes the Eels rocked out) Mr. E sounded really bluesy that night, I mean extremely bluesy, almost like a drunk and/or grumpy Bob Dylan or Neal Diamond, and the Eels are still a favorite band of mine. A good example of how awesome the live experience is, or maybe of how awesome the stage equipment is compared to your own, between the sets of the Eels and the Flaming Lips, they played the Postal Service's album, Give Up (and I mean they played the ENTIRE album) and it sounded pretty awesome. So awesome that I can no longer listen to it at home, because after hearing it on that kind of equipment, it just ruins the home stereo equivalent. Or maybe its just because we were really close to the front during that entire concert, and it was so loud that I could plug my ear with my fingers and still hear the beat and music resonating in my chest cavity. Good times, good times. . .
Posted by: Disestablishmentarianism | August 3, 2004 03:13 PM
I too had a fabulous time at curiosa...although 'wonderful', i probably wouldnt describe it as 'relaxing'. Rather very energetic and high energy (so much so I could barely sleep that night-or that could have been the WAY to much caffiene I had). I do think that Muse and Thursday gave the best performances. Dare I say that I am actually becomeing a fan??? As far as The Rapture...they definately wouldn't have been the same without 'cow bell guy'. He was so inspiring to me, that I am thinking of taking it up. Oh wait, that would mean I would still have to be able to follow a beat...so never mind.
Posted by: Emily | August 3, 2004 03:53 PM
Another fan into the growing folds of Muse? Most excellent. Muse is without a doubt the best indie rock band this side of The Sea and Cake. I know, I know, who? The world is in more need of enlightenment. I guess I must be the one to do it. To the masses!
Posted by: Disestablishmentarianism | August 3, 2004 07:21 PM
I cant say that sea and cake have anything on muse. But thats my opinion... and not even sure you'd call muse indie... but that tis another story...
Posted by: itzjerm | August 3, 2004 07:31 PM
I was thinking that, cause, they're pretty big and they're label's not exactly small. But The Sea and Cake rocks man. I'm sorry, I'm completely biased towards them. On the other hand, Muse is better. But if Muse isn't indie, that would explain why The Sea And Cake isn't as good. . .since we all know indie bands have to record in their basements.
Posted by: Disestablishmentarianism | August 3, 2004 09:39 PM
i had a great time at curiosa. good bands and good company:) i agree that muse was the best. i love how they include the piano. it makes for an awesome performance. but i have to say that thursday produced the most excitement and energy from the crowd. i waited 45 mins to be front row center for them to play for just 30 mins. but it was well worth it...and safe. hehe
Posted by: kat | August 3, 2004 10:22 PM
Yeah... safe it was indeed... now if you'll excuse me I'm gonna go ice the back of my head.
Posted by: Captian Jonathan!!! | August 4, 2004 08:14 AM
robert smith is NOT ugly, hes talented, hes not a goth, WHOOO CARES WHAT HE LOOKS LIKE HES EXPRESSING HIMSELF. contradicting me on this will not do you any good
by the way i love thursday theyre awesome
Posted by: sarah | February 18, 2005 04:59 PM