Nick Cave, Spiritualized, Cat Power

[DonGately]

Ok, I think I'm the only one around here who's into Nick Cave. But, maybe somewhere there's a lurker who's wondering whether they should buy tickets to this tour.

Saw the show last night at The Hollywood Bowl.

First up was Cat Power (playing the Hollywood Bowl gig only - no other dates on the tour). Here's all you need to know about seeing Cat Power in concert: Don't. Unless you're on heroin, cuz it was basically 45 minutes of heroin music. Or you like lead singers who barely look at the audience, cuz it was basically 45 minutes of that, too. Or you like bands that overpower their lead singer's voice, cuz it was 45 minutes of that also. Yawn.

Next up was Spiritualized. Holy fuck are these guys are great in concert. I'm buying their albums cuz of this show. Great sound. They can pivot switch from total anarchy to ultra-tight instrumentation. Great back up singers. All out fantastic set.

Finally, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. They opened up with "Night of the Lotus Eaters" and then moved into "Dig Lazuras Dig" before diving into the back catalogue a bit. Outstanding show. Warren Ellis looks like a homeless man a bit. Cave was on fire and the band kicked ass. They went as far back as "Tupelo". The only ballads were "Into My Arms" and "The Ship Song", both played slightly up tempo. They also played smokin versions of "We Call Upon The Author", "The Mercy Seat", "Papa Won't Leave You Henry", and "Stagger Lee", among others. Cave was all over the stage, throwing stuff around, totally connecting with the audience. What a great show.

I'm gonna try to get a seat for the Saturday night show in SF and catch them again.