Another band I discovered at the beginning of 2012 was Chairlift. 'Planet Health', from the 2008 album 'Does You Inspire You', was my introduction to them through my recent partner in music, Zoe. Even when they released their second album 'Something' in January, there were a couple of tracks I quite liked, but they didn't blow me away... but as I mentioned in my previous blog, music does tend to grow on me. As I scrawled through my regular list of Spotify starred tracks and albums, I kept going back to 'Something'. Just to listen again, as if to give a second, third and forth opinion. The thing is, I wasn't entirely convinced this couldn't be another grower and all-time favourite. I was right to do so, because by April this was a regular on my playlist, and I loved - almost - every song on the album. The one song that I found to be the most popular on YouTube and similar sites, was 'I Belong in Your Arms'. This was the one song that I wasn't overly impressed with. Only my humble opinion, of course (I don't want to come across as condescending. Who am I to truly judge musical genius?).
Anyway, last Monday I was checking for tour dates for bands, as I often do, and found out that Chairlift were playing London... in 2 days! I swiftly emailed Zoe and snapped up two tickets. I was excited about the gig. On Wednesday, after a 3 hour journey from Bournemouth, we'd arrived. After a lengthy wait and an impressive warm up by Liverpool's Outfit, Chairlift eventually emerged from the shadows and predictably opened up with an uproarious performance of 'Sidewalk Safari'.
The crowd were more animated and generally more enthusiastic than at the St. Vincent gig in January, and the appreciation grew as Chairlift belted out gem after gem, with Caroline Polachek's vocals nailing it every time. She even took to the drums in an extended performance of 'Guilty As Charged'. My favourite song, and the one performance I was looking forward to the most, was the hauntingly 80s 'Take It Out On Me', which, as sappy as it may sound, is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard! 'Planet Health', 'Wrong Opinion', 'Cool As a Fire' and the awesome 'Met Before' were all there too, in a fantastic and engaging performance that lasted little more than an hour! 'Amanaemonesia' was the encore, which included a pinata pig (I think) lowered down into the crowd. In everyone's excitement of tearing it apart, I managed to grab a leg - a novel souvenir if there ever was one!
This was Chairlift's biggest headlining audience to date. Not surprising really - a well deserved reputation among indie lovers. Again, it was a night to remember. I left Scala in King's Cross wanting more, and feeling sad that it was all over so soon.
Whilst sat at home thinking about the night, I remembered that I shot a very short video on my HTC phone during the encore. I meant to post this on YouTube as it was with no edits, but the sound and visual quality was so rough, I thought it'd be pointless. Instead I put 'Take It Out On Me' to the video and added synchronised lyrics. I thought it came out well. Anyway, here it is:
Anyway, last Monday I was checking for tour dates for bands, as I often do, and found out that Chairlift were playing London... in 2 days! I swiftly emailed Zoe and snapped up two tickets. I was excited about the gig. On Wednesday, after a 3 hour journey from Bournemouth, we'd arrived. After a lengthy wait and an impressive warm up by Liverpool's Outfit, Chairlift eventually emerged from the shadows and predictably opened up with an uproarious performance of 'Sidewalk Safari'.
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| Chairlift at Scala, King's Cross, London, 25th April 2012 |
This was Chairlift's biggest headlining audience to date. Not surprising really - a well deserved reputation among indie lovers. Again, it was a night to remember. I left Scala in King's Cross wanting more, and feeling sad that it was all over so soon.
Whilst sat at home thinking about the night, I remembered that I shot a very short video on my HTC phone during the encore. I meant to post this on YouTube as it was with no edits, but the sound and visual quality was so rough, I thought it'd be pointless. Instead I put 'Take It Out On Me' to the video and added synchronised lyrics. I thought it came out well. Anyway, here it is:
