Introduction
Art decco cinema, once upon a time Bingo hall and now a live music and theatre venue – the unsuspectring yet ornate beautful Troxy was equally classed by the earthy, delightful sonic tones from The Lemonheads whom had a huge set of original material and covers so shock and amaze those in attendance.
One thing you can be sure about when you see the Lemonheads is that you never know what you are going to get, the band have been a somewhat firm fixture my life since about 1992 and were one of the very first gigs i saw.
Tight, simple, unfussy, utter melodic and full of energy. The hard hitting breakthrough albums It’s a Shame About Ray and C’mon Feel the Lemonheads were never far from my CD player in the early 90s, their sound changed with Car Button Cloth and to be honest it took me a while to appreaciate the new rawer sound.
Then they were gone. vanished into thin air, on a permanent hiatus so it seemed.
Fast-forward to 2003 and a chance encounter with Evans’ solo album Baby I’m Bored during a business trip to the states re-awoken my love for the band and they have been back in my life ever since.
A resurgence from The Lemonheads
I have been to a few of their tours over the last few years and this time around Evan had assembled a new band with a rawer, less polished approach which is both refreshing and exciting. This new incarnation has given a shot in the arm to old favorites like the opener The Great Big No and Confetti. Songs from the fantasic new album Love Chant and various covers fitted in snuggly with the old favorites and didn’t slow the pace of the crowd, the songs themselves were in perfect harmony to showcase everything the makes The Lemonheads just so wonderful to see, hear and experience.
The solo acoustic section was a stand out section of the show which showcases Evans incredble voice which sounded the strongest it has been for years.
Evan was able to transform a powerful electric show into something that felt intimate for everyone in attendance, mesmorising to watch and completly connected with the fans.
Evan never used to be one for much banter, but he joked and interacted with the audience like they were old friends and you don’t see that from many frontmen that hide behind masks, lightshows or a muted response between songs.
Back in to the full band for 5 or six energetic numbers including It’s All True and Into Your Arms to send us off into the crisp London night air. Ending in a solo acapella version of Frank Mills was inspiring, not much of a solo when everyone in the audience joined in for some unexpected magic, you’re not alone Evan with a room full of background vocals
Setlist
The Great Big No
Rudderless
My Drug Buddy
Different Drum (Michael Nesmith cover)
I’ll Feel a Whole Lot Better (The Byrds cover)
Confetti
Hospital
It Looks Like You (Evan Dando song)
It’s About Time
Down About It
Love Chant
Life is Only For the Living
Bit Part
58 Second Song
The Turnpike Down
Tenderfoot (Smudge cover)
Big Gay Heart
It’s a Shame About Ray
Hannah and Gabi
I Am a Rabbit (Proud Scum cover) (Snippet)
Hard Drive (Evan Dando song)
Fear of Living
Low Expectations (Edwyn Collins cover)
Stove
The Outdoor Type (Smudge cover)
Your home is where you’re happy (Charles Manson cover)
Being Around
Beyond Belief (Elvis Costello & The Attractions cover) (Acoustic, Solo)
Dimming of the Day (Richard & Linda Thompson cover)
Alison’s Starting to Happen (Solo acoustic)
Deep End
If I Could Talk I’d Tell You
Ceiling Fan in My Spoon
Into Your Arms (Love Positions cover)
Frank Mills (Galt MacDermot cover)
