... and the Straits were pretty good too! I saw them at Hammersmith last year, and normally I wouldn't see an artist again so quickly, but a) I really like the music, b) I don't know how long they'll stay around, and c) the Indigo2 is my favourite venue - although they lose some brownie points for not having any crisps at the bar :) Anyway, I don't have a lot to add to my previous review which is still down the stack somewhere - the setlist was much the same although they had one new song, Jesus Street, which was reasonably good but not outstanding. The arrangements were similar to the album versions but not identical. If they do stick around I hope they do some more digging through the back catalogue, there are many more tracks worth playing.
If I had to find some negative points, the sound was a bit dodgy, there was quite a bit of noise on the PA and it was distorting at high volume. The spotlights aimed at the audience were a bit bright, although I've seen worse. And the electric piano didn't sound much like a piano - a real grand would be better, but presumably harder to take on tour. By contrast the Hammond organ sounded fine.
The band weren't entirely note-perfect, but more than made up for it in enthusiasm - it's a little unusual to see a band who seem as pleased to be there as the audience, and Alan Clark was filming both the band and the audience whenever he had a free hand. Having seen Mark Knopfler play with Bob Dylan last year - technically perfect but rather laid-back - I know which one I prefer. The audience seemed to agree, and I somewhat regretted having gone for an ultra-comfortable VIP seat in the circle rather than the standing room downstairs! If you like Dire Straits' music this is definitely recommended.
Opening act review here since Ticketmaster won't let me fit it in the box below:
Marcus Bonfanti - !!! Can I give five stars to a support artist? About half the audience came in late, and they missed a treat. He's a great blues guitar player and singer, and also funny with the links between the songs. If there's any justice (which in today's music business there isn't) he should go far. (I should mention that he had a bassist and drummer who were also good.) Jazz Cafe on May 4th, I may well be there if it isn't sold out ...
Indigo2 @
- Greenwich @
- Thu 29 Mar 2012 @
Favourite moment: Since I was expecting Portobello Belle this time I think it has to be Tunnel of Love, probably my favourite DS song. @
Setlist: Private Investigations, Walk of Life, Telegraph Road, Tunnel of Love, Romeo and Juliet, Jesus Street, Communique, Your Latest Trick, Brothers in Arms, Money for Nothing, Sultans of Swing, Portobello Belle and a couple more. @
Opening act(s): Marcus Bonfanti - see above for review @