MANCHESTER 2003 REVIEWS |
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Manchester Evening Standard December 2003 Paul Cockerton
AGAINST all odds, 2003 has been an
extraordinary year for The Human League.
www.contactmusic.com December 2003 new
David
Adair & Katherine Tomlinson
From the town to the country from the country to the
town, join us come and join us, From the valley to the hillside from the
hillside to the valley, join us, come and join us."
Phil Oakey along with stunningly dressed Joanne
Catherall and Susanne Sulley, greeted the amicable crowd, as they meant to
go on, and genuinely did want them to join in, from the punchy "Old Town"
onwards, making the aforementioned lyrics ring truer than the fact that Shed
Seven have finally split up. The crowd readily obliged as familiar sounds of
"Love Action" rang through the cosy theatre venue.
The nostalgia fest continued with a hit soundtrack to
the eighties, "Mirror Man" and political offering "The Lebanon" before the
mood was quietened down a little for Susanne Sulley's solo, "One Man in My
Heart" to which the dancing ended, and arm swaying started, whilst the crowd
looked on admirably.
With many of the hits covered, the crowd was left
wondering whether an encore would happen, and what it would be, suddenly
realising "Electric Dreams" was a sure bet for one song, and were left
wondering about the other if there was to be one. A costume change later and
the band was back on stage, as the crowd was proven right, with the opening
chords to "Electric Dreams" rang out, instantly bringing them to life once
more. This was the chance for new guitarist Nick Burke to shine, as he
performed his own guitar solo, to a great reception. Wondering what the last
song might be, the crowd was put out of their misery soon after, as the
ending tune was the catchy sing-a-long "The Sound Of The Crowd" which
described the reception perfectly. The Human League gave an energy and
nostalgia packed show, full of favourites and new tunes to the lesser
trained ear, the Christmas party feel really brought the place to life, and
they are a band who has not lost their touch.
http://designermagazine.tripod.com December
2003 new
Nicholas Paul Godkin The
eternally youthful Phil Oakey is still a commanding yet affable frontman,
while his two disco dollies Jo and Susan look and sound like angels. The two
women go through a few costume changes tonight and some of their outfits are
out of this world. Truly sensational. The live set up is completed by a
percussionist, keyboard player and guitarist. And the audience is like one
large Christmas party revelling in the fun, excitement and sheer joy of it
all. As the opening bars of "Love Action" reverberate around the venue, this
blast from the past is the first of many hit singles performed tonight
alongside "Mirror Man" and the less well known, but equally memorable
"Louise" from their "Hysteria" album. The funky "Things That Dreams Are Made
Of" is followed by the wondrous "Fascination". Phil reminisces about
visiting the Apollo in the 70s to see Marc Bolan while his singers praise
the hot spots of Manchester night life especially Canal Street. There are no
surprises or unnecessary pyrotechnics, just a set of crowd pleasing songs.
The Human League's most famous single "Don't You Want Me Baby" obviously
receives the most applause despite it being used in a ghastly car commercial.
"Electric Dreams" is bolstered by a strong vocal from Phil, lush harmonies
from the girls, superlative synths and an axe wielding guitar solo.
For the
encore they play "Sound Of The Crowd" which was recorded before Phil even
met Jo and Susan. The ninety minute set flew by and you could tell The Human
League had as much fun as their fans. Let's hope they return next year with
a new album.
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