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| Ian Brown,
Brixton Academy, London |
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| Live,
Dan Wolff,
20 January 1999 |
Rating: F4
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First off, Ian Brown doesn't have a voice like Charlotte Church. This may seem an obvious statement but it always seems to be such a huge issue with people. SO WHAT. This isn't The Covent Garden Opera House and he isn't Paverotti. Having disposed of his guitarist and bass player since his ropy show with Catatonia at Margam Park in May of this year, we are left with a far funkier and laid back sound which shows a 100% improvement. His backing band now comprise of a drummer, a keyboard player and a percussionist who all add up to make a surprisingly tight unit.
After a lenghty instumental opening where Brown cases the stage and stares at the crowd, 'Can't See Me,' from his first album 'Unfinished Monkey Business' is first off and sounds better than ever. The set contains a number of tunes from his less than amazing new album 'Golden Greats' that actually sound better live than on record. 'Dolphins Were Monkeys,' 'Set My Baby Free' and 'So Many Soldiers' are all given a new lease of life by the band. Towards the end of the brief (50 minute) set we get the magical 'My Star' with a few lines from The Beatles' 'Dear Prudence' thrown in, followed by his last single 'Love Like A Fountain' and set closer 'Golden Gaze. 'There are more than a few surprises saved for the encore.
Returning to an feverish crowd who continually chant his name throughout the evening, Brown plays the delirious 'Golen Gaze' and 'Sunshine,' followed by the most unlikely cover version of the year, 'Billie Jean' by Michael Jackson. The most unbelievable thing about it is how great it sounds. Now is the time to start a petition to get it released as the next single. Just as the crowd think he is unable to top this, two turntables are wheeled out at the side of the stage and Mo Wax/U.N.C.L.E main man James Lavelle appears and starts up a majestic version of 'Be There,' one of the most underrated singles for ages. After that there is time for one more, 'Dolphins Were Monkeys' played for a second time this evening but no one seems to care. After wishing the crowd 'Merry Christmas' he is gone. It's hard to imagine he would return after so many false starts (prison for instance!) with something this great. Over to you Squire.
07/12/99
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