Mercury Theatre
Auckland
Lloyd Cole is a frequent visitor to New Zealand; he seems to show up every two years or so, playing acoustic versions of his beautifully heartbroken songs. With his fiftieth birthday just a week in the past, he’s looking a bit greyer and a tad chubbier, but then, so are his fans. His Auckland show was at the Mercury Theatre, the first time the venue has been used for live music in many years, and it was perfectly suited for Cole who observed, “this is the ideal venue for me…it’s possibly seen better days”.
This time around Cole is performing with two other musicians, guitarists Matt Cullen and Mark Schwaber. But this was a totally unplugged affair, with acoustic guitars being strummed all night augmented by the occasional mandolin and banjo.
Cole opened the first set with No Blue Skies, from 1990’s Lloyd Cole album, before tossing in a couple of tunes from his days with The Commotions, Why I Love Country Music and Perfect Skin. He also made it clear that he has a new album out, Broken Record, and promptly played the title track from it. From there on Cole took a leisurely stroll through his 25-year career playing songs from albums like Music In A Foreign Language (2003), Don’t Get Weird On Me Babe (1991) and Antidepressant (2006). His only covers were a gorgeous medley of two Tim Hardin tunes, The Lady Came From Baltimore and Reason To Believe. Other highlights included his own Why In The World, from Broken Record and Old Enough To Know Better, from Plastic Wood.
These days most of Cole’s songs deal with heartbreak or middle-aged life. His lyrics always strike a nerve and his melodies are as memorable as ever. He kept old fans happy (there were 5 songs from Rattlesnakes) while proving that his new material can stand up to his best (5 songs from Broken Record).
My only complaint was the use of the two additional musicians, most of the time they played acoustic guitars alongside Cole. If you’re going to bring extra bodies along, perhaps a percussionist, or keyboard player would be more satisfying, in order to add more musical texture to the sound. Three acoustic guitars strumming away isn’t much different than one, although the mandolin added some nice touches. Also, it would have been nice to hear a few vocal harmonies, but apparently, neither of the two sang.
Overall, it was a night where the song was the centre of attention and Cole’s are as good as anyone’s.
Marty Duda
Listen here to Lloyd Cole perform Don’t Look Back in Auckland:
Broken Record sure is a winner Marty…one of Lloyd’s best received by the critics, and rightfully so. Has drums, bass, keyboards too.
Thanks for the coverage, hopefully more tours in future, seems to have gone down well.
The venue on Saturday night was fantatstic. A new coat of paint would be nice,although not essential in these economic times. My wife did comment on the comfortable seats. Agree with the review in that some vocal harmonies, some drum and bass would have added more than just the 3 guitars
Maybe that is a reflection on the cost of touring this part of the world and Lloyd did indicate the ticket sales had not been great in the other cities.
Because of his between song chatter I did but his new album at the show
Thanks for that. How’s the new album? Judging from the 5 songs he performed, it must be a winner.
Cheers,
Marty
Banging is good.
I’d love some extra instruments too.
I know Mark can drum-perhaps we can talk him into getting a drum kit up for some future shows….difficult to travel with and mic up a drum kit though-this is good commando touring that allows viable tours to our far flung other side of the world.
Sounds like a great night and thanks for your words.
Hi 13th Floor,
Good review of the show-especially liked the line “this is the ideal venue for me…it’s possibly seen better days” Good bit of self depreciating humour from Lloyd. Though not having seen the band live yet-but owning their recordings, I see the point of the two guitarists, but agree their vocals could be used more-they are both very good singers.
Lyrically Lloyd is where things excel, some songs I can predict the next line before it said in many artists before I’ve heard it before, Lloyd on the other hand often uses structures that are well thought out and often unpredictable.
The song Old Enough to Know Better is brilliant…and it is off the album-’etc’ not Plastic Wood not that it detracts from your review.
http://www.lloydcole.com/music/etc/main.html
Thanks Tim,
Good to hear your thoughts. The guitars worked OK, I just thought that if you are going to bring along extra musicians, they should play other instruments. More bang for the buck.
Cheers,
Marty