by eliza czander (photos by marc evan)
Seeing a show at historical Radio City Music Hall always feels like a somewhat regal experience. Entering the lobby, it’s easy to instantly feel under dressed and unimportant. It’s that kind of place. Throw Martha Wainwright and Goldfrapp into the equation and you got yourself an interesting night. The crowd was a mix of 20 something hipsters, old folks who I think may have gotten lost somewhere between the upper west side and the theater, and the gays, oh the gays! The good bartenders at Radio City even put a glow stick in every drink, making it feel more like a party and less like a formal show. Oh, and about the show. I was able to catch the last couple of songs by Martha. Holy shit, that lady can sing. She sang the fuck out of some French song, I’m not sure of the title, but it was definitely recognizable. For her last song, she brought her mother out on stage to accompany her on the piano and sang her fan favorite Bloody Motherfucking Asshole. I think that was about the moment that the elders to my left realized this show might not be their bag, as they left us with a nearly empty row. Ah well. At precisely 9pm, Goldfrapp took the stage and performed possibly the most mellow selection of songs you could imagine.
The most interesting thing at that point were the billions of fruit by the foots hanging off her body, reflecting light as she shifted ever so slightly on stage. Really, she didn’t move for a good four songs. It wasn’t until about 45 minutes in, with “Number One” that the band started to loosen up the crowd and get it together. “Ooh La La” had everyone on their feet, waving those fantastic glow sticks in the air. The stage lights were all amuck, Radio City suddenly felt like Studio 54. They did about three more songs, and then that was it. I looked at my watch and saw that it was only a few past 10. An hour? Really? Clearly there would be an encore. Well, there was…barely. One more song, one I wasn’t familiar with. Though beautiful, it was extremely slow, and every seat in the house had an ass in it, once again. Too many people left before the song was over, but I sat, hoping any minute to jump up to the opening sequence of my favorite song, “Ride A White Horse”. Alas, there was no second song, no white horse for me, and the house lights came up revealing more than a few sad faces. It was an odd night. A strange crowd. An interesting show with somewhat peculiar song list. But, I still have love for Goldfrapp, and I’d see them again. In a smaller venue. With a better crowd. And definitely no seats.
Check out some pics by the talented Marc Evan.
3 Comments
this review really makes me curious to have been there. i just can’t fathom not enjoying this show.. i’m sure you’re review is accurate. i guess i just don’t want to believe it. if they played alot of Seventh Tree, i think i still would’ve liked it, even if it was really low key, but maybe not —- @lex — sick pics for being far away marc!
Personally, I thought the show was awful. I really love Goldfrapp, but they were boring. They need to learn how to put on a show and keep their audience interested. The wardrobe was awful and just moving fringed arms around did not keep my interest. I would have been better off listening to their CD in my car. And their attitude was the worst part of it. They were angered by the less than enthusiastic crowd and made the comment, “thats it.We wont make it so long next time.” With their lackluster performance Im surprised they would make a comment like that. I left bored and disappointed. I came from Boston to see that show..took a plane after work…and the concert was over at 1030.
Hey guys If you like Goldfrapp check out my friends band ‘Noiseprint’ http://www.noiseprint.com they are on a similar vibe
PS. I wish I could have gone to see Goldfrapp I saw them in London and Bristol in the UK last year and they were wicked!!!