Badly Drawn Boy

This is my jumbled collection of memories from what was the night of Saturday 28th October when Badly Drawn Boy made a rare high profile appearance at our very own concealed cove university of Keele. He jokingly requested that no heckles were made during his set , unless they were sophisticated. The show was nonetheless enjoyable. There was a good support from Isobel Campbell (formerly from Belle & Sebastian) who gave an enchanting psychadelic-folk performance. BDB's set began a little showly with songs from his new album, and the crowd were not that responsive, until he began playing songs from hs earlier albums, but gave good salutations to the new material. The title track 'Born in the UK', which he began with has really grown on me after hearing it live. The audience warmed to Gough's sarcastic humour when the band were setting up for the next song, and it came to the fourth song in, 'Above You, Below Me' until there was a feel-good reception all round. He played classics 'The Shining', 'Once Around the Block', 'Silent Sigh', and my personal favourite from his new album 'Promises'. His solo-acoustic material is still a trademark in Badly Drawn Boy's performance, as he performs with his harmonica/brace, and jesting with the crowd like a stand-up comedian, although it was fun to see him take the mic and wander around the stage during 'All Possibilities'. My favourite part was the improvised homage in 'You Were Right' to some of the great artists of our time; so unpretentiously thought-provoking. Gough closed the set on his own with 'Magic in the Air'. It was a good laugh... despite the easy access to the bar.

Sufjan Stevens tomorrow! I'll be taking the train down to London for the weekend, before seeing the Majestic Songbird himself (in wings!!!), and his glorious Chinese Butterfly Brigade at the Barbican with Scott. I will hopefully give a longer and more detailed account afterwards (i'll remember the setlist in more detail this time).