Cat Power. Dublin & Belfast July 2014

Peter File

Chan Marshall AKA Cat Power is playing 2 rare Irish show in Dublin and Belfast in July!!
Belfast July 15th in Empire music hall
Dublin. Olympia July 16th

Eroticplants

Just bought my ticket!!!!
Thanks for bringing this to my attention!!!!!!
**** I'm excited.

schemingbohemia

Think Cat Power in Whelans years ago qualifies as the worst gig I've ever attended, if you suffer from stage fright, don't do gigs!

Seems like, sadly, not enough has changed in the meantime to make me risk going back.

This review seems to give her way too much credit

http://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/may/19/cat-power-review-chan-marshall-solo-brighton

Buyer beware!

PadraigOK

I'm caught somewhere between the two immediate posts above.

Eroticplants

Look her up at Glastonbury, Metal Heart in particular.
"This is an old song from when I was a young girl".

Swoooooooooooooon.

PadraigOK

Have that set downloaded and thought it was so-so. Have never saw her live, but I'm well aware of her crippling stage fright, kinda catch 22. Will likely still go and see her and...curse myself for doing so.

lolo62

I've never seen her before but going along to the Olympia. I don't think she has that problem any more, being cripplingly vulnerable is part of her charm so as long as she faces the audience I'll be happy.

lolo62

Anyone know who's supporting tomorrow (Dublin)?

Birneybau

lolo62 wrote: »

Anyone know who's supporting tomorrow (Dublin)?

Dog Strength

Eroticplants

What time do you reckon she'll take the stage at? I'll be leaving for the gig after work so I'm hoping I won't miss too much by arriving at 9.

Peter File

Eroticplants wrote: »

What time do you reckon she'll take the stage at? I'll be leaving for the gig after work so I'm hoping I won't miss too much by arriving at 9.

Headliners in the olympia usually go on stage around 9pm so you will nearly certainly be there for the start.

Eroticplants

Perfect. Fingers crossed anyways.

pm1977x

Birneybau wrote: »

Dog Strength

Olympia website says Slow Skies are supporting, on stage approx 8pm and she'll be on stage at approx 9pm, times subject to change.

horseburger

Eroticplants wrote: »

What time do you reckon she'll take the stage at? I'll be leaving for the gig after work so I'm hoping I won't miss too much by arriving at 9.

The times are on the Olympia website, they usually post the times of the gigs on the day, they did the same for Hall and Oates yesterday.

http://www.olympia.ie/whats-on/cat-power/

"Approximate times as follows: doors open 7pm/7.15pm, support from Slow Skies around 8pm, with Cat Power taking to the stage about 9pm. Please note, times are subject to change as always".

(Edit: I didn't see the post above by pm1977x, before I sent this message)

horseburger

Eroticplants wrote: »

What time do you reckon she'll take the stage at? I'll be leaving for the gig after work so I'm hoping I won't miss too much by arriving at 9.

I guess you got to see her whole set, she played from 9.10pm and ended by handing out flowers to the crowd and left the stage at 11.40pm.

lolo62

I saw her whole set, it was magical. Glad I didn't bother with support as I think it might have been too much before 2 1/2 hours of Chan. She's a proper hard working musician..they don't make'em like they used to!
Great gig

Squelchy

horseburger wrote: »

she played from 9.10pm and ended by handing out flowers to the crowd and left the stage at 11.40pm.

She took the stage at 9.15, IIRC. I left at 10, following the single worst performance I've ever seen. She was a shambles. I'm amazed she managed to pull it together to play for 2 1/2 hours.

In the 45 minutes I was there she barely finished a song, muttered thanks into the open air several times, wasted time moving monitors around because they were "blocking audiences view" (never mind the fact she moved them in the way of other people) and tooled around incessantly with her mikes and amps - has she ever heard of a soundcheck?

She looked lost and in need of help. Certainly in need of a band to keep some sort of flow going.
Her reputation is well-founded.

PadraigOK

Conflicting reports. I initially cursed myself for not going to the Belfast show but on second thoughts...

Squelchy

I forgot about the 2 minutes wasted while she tried to pronounce "slàinte". That was just before she cocked-up a song and had to start over. Because the stage was "too cold and sparkly" or something like that.

Crazyhorse79

I was at the gig last night. I agree her behaviour was quite erratic and obsessive when it came to the sound and other random distractions.. but man when she sang and settled down a bit, unbelievable! So pure and captivating.

lolo62

Squelchy wrote: »

She took the stage at 9.15, IIRC. I left at 10, following the single worst performance I've ever seen. She was a shambles. I'm amazed she managed to pull it together to play for 2 1/2 hours.

In the 45 minutes I was there she barely finished a song, muttered thanks into the open air several times, wasted time moving monitors around because they were "blocking audiences view" (never mind the fact she moved them in the way of other people) and tooled around incessantly with her mikes and amps - has she ever heard of a soundcheck?

She looked lost and in need of help. Certainly in need of a band to keep some sort of flow going.
Her reputation is well-founded.

Well as they say, you can't win them all. That's the way she is, everyone knows. If that's not your buzz you probably shouldn't have gone. Most people there had a very different experience to you, judging by the standing ovation anyway.

Squelchy

I thought the audience were very forgiving of her. Too forgiving, frankly. €30 is not a cheap ticket. Especially for such a shambolic performance.

lolo62

Squelchy wrote: »

I thought the audience were very forgiving of her. Too forgiving, frankly. €30 is not a cheap ticket. Especially for such a shambolic performance.

I can understand why you're annoyed but most cat power fans know and like that about her, myself included. I actually enjoyed the lack of structure etc, I don't appreciate polish when it comes to music like hers. She gave it everything, can't ask for more than that from a performer.

Squelchy

lolo62 wrote: »

can't ask for more than that from a performer.

I think you oughta set your standards a little higher than last night though, really.

lolo62

Squelchy wrote: »

I think you oughta set your standards a little higher than last night though, really.

I was there to hear her sing, her singing was spectacular.I think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one!

horseburger

PadraigOK wrote: »

Conflicting reports. I initially cursed myself for not going to the Belfast show but on second thoughts...

Whilst there was quite a bit of tricking around with the microphones and altering the amplifiers and monitors, when she sang the songs, it was very, very enjoyable, even though she seemed to cut a song or two short.

At one point about 45 minutes into the set, she played for about 40 minutes on piano and it was very enjoyable.

there was a nice bluesy twang of some of her guitar playing also, I thought!

I liked the bit where when she ended the song, she noted that people in the front row on the left hand side couldn't see her play and she lifted the monitor herself along with Gerry the sound man. I thought it showed a nice consideration to the audience.

I was at Neil Finn and for the first few songs he sang and played piano on the extreme left of the stage, I was also seated on the extreme left and couldn't see him at all, and I got out and sat further back, where luckily for me there was an empty seat so I could actually see him play!:)

(Nothing against Neil, there was a lot of musicians and instruments on stage and space was probably tight, but initially I couldn't see him at all, He played a great gig, on at 9pm till 11.55pm!:))

I think it may be just down a nervousness or anxiousness about playing live, that she spoke quite openly, and often apologetically, to the audience during the gig between songs, about what she was thinking of the stage setting, the venue, and the sound and reverb she was hearing on the monitors?

She played and sang great, I thought. I was well happy I attended it.

Eroticplants

I caught the whole set. It was AMAZING. I was sat beside a ten year old girl, luckiest ten year old in the world.
Her set was perfect.

She is definitely a strange one.

pm1977x

Have seen her three times and that was by far the best in terms of her awkwardness, inability to finish songs and general discomfort with playing live. If your a fan you know it's on the cards and a trade off for hearing her live, as for getting your money's worth I've been to plenty of gigs at the Olympia and never seen anyone play 2.5 hours, even allowing for the odd failed attempt here and there it was value for money for me particularly as she drew from all over her back catalogue. Her voice sounded amazing last night and kudos to Gerry the unfortunate sound engineer and the Olympia for allowing her keep going well past curfew, although the security staff looked well pissed off!

CSJx2

First off I'm a Cat Power fan but last night was a bit of a shambles. I know her gigs can be erratic but it was just a bit much for me at least. I'm assuming she did no soundcheck, she was totally thrown by the venue's sound and the amp. What was most frustrating when she did have momentum it was good, her voice is killer but abruptly stopping songs and seem under rehearsed killed it for me. A lot of people did leave, also she did seem to lose a bit of goodwill from the crowd early on.

I went there half expecting it to be a total disaster and was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly it went. Sure, there were a few interruptions and her behaviour was erratic at times (which makes me worry for her, though she still seemed *mostly* sane and had some good banter with the audience) but given her reputation I don't think that should come as any big shock. What did surprise me was how fantastic her voice was live; I thought it might have been a little tired sounding after all her time touring/drinking but she sounded amazing! "The Moon", "Maybe Not" and her cover of "What the World Needs Now Is Love" were my favourites, also was really happy she played "Hate".

Only slight disappointment for me was "Metal Heart"; I was hoping for the Moon Pix version, which is one of my favourite songs of all time. I also hoped that she'd do her version of "The Auld Triangle". I'm guessing it's one of those ones that she's forgotten how to play? :pac: Overall though I definitely can't complain. I even caught one of the flowers she threw to the crowd. (It's currently sitting in a jar of rainwater, though the petals have already withered a little; I'm now turning to Google to try to find out some way of drying or preserving it.)

Anyone who left that show early definitely lost out big time. I just hope her health will be ok and that she'll be back to tour again soon.

CSJx2

lolo62 wrote: »

Well as they say, you can't win them all. That's the way she is, everyone knows. If that's not your buzz you probably shouldn't have gone. Most people there had a very different experience to you, judging by the standing ovation anyway.

The gig was an not over riding success, for me at least. Also I reckon squelchy is a Cat Power fan and he is well entitled to go to the gig and experience whatever be it negative or positive. People left and people loved it.

lolo62

Deleted User wrote: »

I went there half expecting it to be a total disaster and was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly it went. Sure, there were a few interruptions and her behaviour was erratic at times (which makes me worry for her, though she still seemed *mostly* sane and had some good banter with the audience) but given her reputation I don't think that should come as any big shock. What did surprise me was how fantastic her voice was live; I thought it might have been a little tired sounding after all her time touring/drinking but she sounded amazing! "The Moon", "Maybe Not" and her cover of "What the World Needs Now Is Love" were my favourites, also was really happy she played "Hate".

Only slight disappointment for me was "Metal Heart"; I was hoping for the Moon Pix version, which is one of my favourite songs of all time. I also hoped that she'd do her version of "The Auld Triangle". I'm guessing it's one of those ones that she's forgotten how to play? :pac: Overall though I definitely can't complain. I even caught one of the flowers she threw to the crowd. (It's currently sitting in a jar of rainwater, though the petals have already withered a little; I'm now turning to Google to try to find out some way of drying or preserving it.)

Anyone who left that show early definitely lost out big time. I just hope her health will be ok and that she'll be back to tour again soon.

Lucky you! I was too high up to catch one stick it in the middle of a big book!

lolo62

CSJx2 wrote: »

The gig was an not over riding success, for me at least. Also I reckon squelchy is a Cat Power fan and he is well entitled to go to the gig and experience whatever be it negative or positive. People left and people loved it.

Great. Not sure what that has to do with me though.

CSJx2

lolo62 wrote: »

Great. Not sure what that has to do with me though.

Telling the other poster they shouldn't be there if it wasn't there buzz, and what they should expect, that's all.

lolo62

CSJx2 wrote: »

Telling the other poster they shouldn't be there if it wasn't there buzz, and what they should expect, that's all.

youve got your wires crossed there..taking it out of context but since i wasnt speaking to you im not going to explain myself as its none of your bees wax. cheers

CSJx2

lolo62 wrote: »

youve got your wires crossed there..taking it out of context but since i wasnt speaking to you im not going to explain myself as its none of your bees wax. cheers

Sorry if that's case, love and communication, bye bye.

Peter File

I enjoyed the show. Anyone who knows anything about Chan Marshall has to be aware that when you see her live that it is not going to be a totally polished performance. A lot of the folk who left would have had to catch buses and trains as not everyone is lucky enough to live in the city centre. That was my first olympia concert that ended after 11pm.

Slainte!!

Squelchy

horseburger wrote: »

seemed to cut a song or two short.

I don't think she finished a single song in the time i could tolerate her antics. That was about 7 or 8 songs.

I liked the bit where when she ended the song, she noted that people in the front row on the left hand side couldn't see her play and she lifted the monitor herself along with Gerry the sound man. I thought it showed a nice consideration to the audience.

I was in the second row, on the right hand side - when she moved the monitor on that side she almost blocked my view and completely blocked the view of the woman in front of me.

schemingbohemia

Here's an interesting review
http://www.dublinconcerts.ie/cat-power-at-the-olympia-theatre-review-and-photos/

Glad I didn't go, I really like her music but just couldn't be putting up with spending €30 to see someone who isn't comfortable playing live and who regularly makes an mess of it.

horseburger

schemingbohemia wrote: »

Here's an interesting review
http://www.dublinconcerts.ie/cat-power-at-the-olympia-theatre-review-and-photos/

Glad I didn't go, I really like her music but just couldn't be putting up with spending €30 to see someone who isn't comfortable playing live and who regularly makes an mess of it.

I wouldn't agree with that review, I think it makes it sound like she put on a terrible performance.

I thought she sang and played very well, even though one or two songs seemed to be cut short and there was a bit of tricking around with the microphones.

I enjoyed the section of the gig where she played for about 40 minutes on piano.

The running off the stage is being blown out of proportion, she went to the side of the stage a few times, to our right hand side where the sound desk was located, and not for very long, presumably to get something about the sound tweaked.

Some people left in the stalls, but that was at around 11.15-11.20pm coming up to 11.30, so I guess it was for last buses, rather than dissatisfaction with the gig. (She ended at 11.40pm)

Squelchy

A spot-on review. Not clouded by bias or sentiment.

A band around her would benefit and uplift her melancholy, acoustic live songs.

Almost exactly what the friend I was with said.

horseburger

Squelchy wrote: »

A spot-on review. Not clouded by bias or sentiment.



Almost exactly what the friend I was with said.

I enjoyed the Cat Power gig the other night, the review wouldn't cause me to re-evaluate my impression of the gig.

I've been to numerous gigs that I really enjoyed, of which I later read very negative reviews, with which I disagreed.

An example being the Neil Young Crazy Hose gig in the RDS last year. To read some of the responses to those shows, you'd think the performance was awful, when in fact the band played great, and a lot of the bad reviews came from people who were not as familiar with his Crazy Horse recordings and wanted to hear his acoustic based songs.

Similarly in Malahide Castle in 2008, I thought Neil Young was excellent and really enjoyed the extended jamming, especially the 20 plus version of No Hidden Path, but the criticisms of those shows came from people who wanted him to play Harvest Moon, Heart of Gold type songs.

It happens with Bob Dylan gigs as well, people come out with different responses to the shows. I thought the gig in Thomond Park in 2010 was great, that he was in great form, he did three encores,

I then I met people the next day who didn't enjoy it.

pm1977x

horseburger wrote: »

I wouldn't agree with that review, I think it makes it sound like she put on a terrible performance.

I thought she sang and played very well, even though one or two songs seemed to be cut short and there was a bit of tricking around with the microphones.

I enjoyed the section of the gig where she played for about 40 minutes on piano.

The running off the stage is being blown out of proportion, she went to the side of the stage a few times, to our right hand side where the sound desk was located, and not for very long, presumably to get something about the sound tweaked.

Some people left in the stalls, but that was at around 11.15-11.20pm coming up to 11.30, so I guess it was for last buses, rather than dissatisfaction with the gig. (She ended at 11.40pm)

I was sitting far left at the front and can confirm she was off talking to the sound guy each time except when she went to sort her hair out, the reviewer also claims to be a fan yet says many songs were unrecognisable, I think there were maybe two songs it took me a while to recognise and she somewhat butchered Metal Heart but that was it. Also she mentions she played Cherokee and Ruin, neither of which I remember, can anyone confirm she played these or is this review just a load of hot air?

Squelchy

pm1977x wrote: »

I was sitting far left at the front and can confirm she was off talking to the sound guy each time except when she went to sort her hair out, the reviewer also claims to be a fan yet says many songs were unrecognisable, I think there were maybe two songs it took me a while to recognise and she somewhat butchered Metal Heart but that was it. Also she mentions she played Cherokee and Ruin, neither of which I remember, can anyone confirm she played these or is this review just a load of hot air?

OK, I confess - I wrote the review! :pac:

pm1977x

Squelchy wrote: »

OK, I confess - I wrote the review! :pac:

I knew it! :eek:

utnn

She definitely didn't play Ruin or Cherokee....the gig to me was amazing,I'm a massive fan & have everything she has released,it was brilliant to hear so much from her old records,I didn't go to hear a completely polished set but her voice was bliss