GIG: LIAM FRAY

Review by John Cooper (special thanks to Lauren & Amelia for the photos)

When two special acoustic solo performances (an afternoon matinee & an evening) by Liam Fray were announced a few weeks ago, scheduled for the eve of the release of the Courteeners third album Anna, we knew we had to get tickets to one of these shows. Tickets sold out fast (something Liam made comment to and thanked the crowd for during his set saying that it had really meant something to him), and we were more than happy to secure a couple of tickets for the evening show. Also for the cost of £12, this not only included the ticket, but a copy of the new album & and individually signed lyric sheet by Liam – a real bargain. 

We arrived at the Ritz a shortly before Liam was due on stage, and battled our way to the busy bar amongst a crowd of die-hard Courteeners fans. There was a real buzz about in the room, and when Liam walked out the shouts (and screams) were both passionate and loud. Liam launched straight into "How Come" and the crowd responded with singing every word with arms outstretched towards their hero. Even stood to the side you could really sense the atmosphere of this gig was going to be something special, I can only imagine how intense it would have been right at the front in the heart of it all. The first 5 songs were all classics from St Jude with the crowd knowing every single word and singing back at a clearly humbled Liam. He carried on with a couple of B-sides including  “an Ex is an Ex for a Reason” the B-side to the 7” version of the early single “Acrylic” probably a good opportunity for him to dust off these rarely played songs. He then followed up with a good mixture of tracks from Falcon and of course the new Album Anna. The Stand out tracks that Liam played from the new album included “Van Der Graaff”, “Marquee” & album closer “Here Come the Young Men”.

At one point during the show a girl was pulled from the front after feinting and was taken by the security staff to the side of the stage, after finishing the song he was playing – Liam ran off for a few moments to check on her – something that was really good to see that he genuinely cares about his fans – he could have easily left something like that to the officials – so hats off to you Liam. Another incident that happened during the show (something that seems to be a staple of a Courteeners gig is the throwing of beer – why I’m not quite sure as its never a cheap pint in most major music venues and just seems a waste of beer to me), but this particular pint hit the stage and covered Liams back – he didn’t rise to this, have a rant and walk off like some artists might – instead he got on with doing what he does best and entertaining his crowd (who were already booing the pint thrower who had soaked their hero). Liam rewarded the crowd with a real crowd pleaser to finish on “Not Nineteen Forever” cue more singing in adulation. The lights went down and everyone realised that one song was missing, prompting the mass repeated chanting of “Whoh-oh-oooh U-huh-hu-oooh” the final refrain of “What Took You So Long?” and indeed Mr Fray didn’t let down his audience coming out for a one song encore of the song the crowd needed to hear. Upon leaving the venue there were so many beaming faces and the continued singing from them of “Whoh-oh-oooh U-huh-hu-oooh” filled the air as we filed out. A truly memorable night where both artist and audience fed of each other to make it one of those special gigs that will remain in the hearts and memories of everyone who was there.

ALBUM REVIEW: THE COURTEENERS - ANNA

Written by Jon Birch

Listen Up Manchester album rating: 6/10

The Courteeners burst on to the scene in 2008 with their debut album, St Jude. It was an album full of raw guitar riffs, honest relatable lyrics and homages to their hometown of Manchester. It was a huge success, reaching no. 4 in the UK charts and prompting claims they were ‘the next Oasis’. That was followed by 2010’s Falcon which, although retained the down to earth lyrics, was a far more polished record in terms of production and saw the band’s sound evolve with the introduction of synths and strings into the mix. It was commercially well received but is not as instantly accessible and ultimately, likeable, as the debut.

Anna then, is The Courteeners third full length album and sees them following much the same blueprint as Falcon. There are some strong tracks to be found here but there are too many that pass you by or, worse still, leave you reaching for the skip button. The production quality is again high, and the sound has now evolved to a point where, once the next great hope for guitar music, The Courteeners now seem to be more concerned with embracing the trendy art-pop scene.

Opening track, ‘Are You In Love With A Notion’, kicks in with an 80’style drum beat and guitar riff and is a tale of falling in love and getting caught up in the moment. The beauty of Liam Fray’s signature down to earth lyrics is that they’re so easy to relate to. We all know someone who’s been in these types of situations; ‘You told Deborah, that he is the one, you’re going to quit Debenhams, elope and get married in the sun’. The strong start continues with the lead single ‘Lose Control’. It’s by no means one of their career best but it’s got a strong hook and enough synths and drumbeats to become a dance floor staple at Indie club nights in the months to come.

Van Der Graaff sees an attempt at a Kasabian style riff and Welcome To The Rave is a reflection on the rise to fame, the changes it brings (‘I’ve got a pass to Aladdin’s cave, are you coming with?’), and the fears that come with it. ‘When You Want Something You Can’t Have’ and ‘Marquee’ are possibly the two songs here that have most in common with the first album and share bittersweet experiences.

This isn’t a bad record; it’s just not exciting or enough to make you want to come back time and again. There are tracks that will stay with you but there are more that you’ll forget. Ultimately, if you’re a Courteeners fan, this will fit nicely in your collection and you’ll sing your heart out to each song. If you’re not, I’d advise you to give St Jude a listen. 

2013 PREVIEW: ALBUMS

A preview of our most anticipated albums for 2013 - by Jon Birch:

2012 has been a great year for music. We’ve seen established artists like Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young delivering exceptional albums, younger bands such as The Vaccines building on the success of their impressive debut with the solid Come Of Age and new acts like Jake Bugg bursting on to the scene. Thankfully, with the latest apocalypse out of the way and the world still spinning, 2013 looks like its going to another exciting year.

Bffy Clyro will get things under way in style in January with the release of their sixth studio album, Opposites. The follow up to 2009’s Only Revolutions, this promises to be more of the same and will continue to push The Biff toward super stardom. Manchester’s own Johnny Marr releases his long awaited solo album in February and by the looks of the first single (The Messenger) its going to be a cracker. Another of Manchester’s favourite sons, Liam Gallagher will also return with Beady Eye set to release the follow up to Different Gear, Still Speeding later in the year. Liam has commented that this will be the record that should have come after Morning Glory. Without the chief songwriter and lyricist from those early Oasis days, it will be interesting to see how accurate that is.

 

 Continuing on the Manchester theme, The Courteeners release their third album, Anna, early in the year. With the band’s sound evolving from the first album to the second, expect to see even further growth on this record. Across the water, Eels release their 10^th studio album, Wonderful, Glorious. Their debut Beautiful Freak is still a personal favourite and, although there have been up’s and downs along the way, I’m looking forward to what the mercurial E conjures up this time (check out the single Peach Blossom).

Queens Of The Stone Age return to the studio with the multi-talented Dave Grohl back on the drum stool for the first time since his contribution to the bands breakthrough album, Songs For The Deaf, over ten years ago. Grohl remains close friends with Josh Homme following their Them Crooked Vultures adventure and was reported to be very keen to get back in the saddle. Even further across the water, everyone’s favourite Aussie Gothic Rock Poets, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, release their first album in five years with Push The Sky Away.

What new artists to look out for? Well we will be doing a special feature of new bands & artists for 2013 in the next few days. And I'm sure there will be many more quality albums along the way in 2013 so keep an eye on Listen Up Manchester as always for gig and CD reviews and live photos.

NEWS: COURTEENERS NEW ALBUM & SINGLE ANNOUNCED

Good news for Courteeners fans - the band have announced a new single "Lose Control" due for release on the 28th January 2013 with an album "Anna" to follow a week later on the 4th February.  As for the bands new image....... you're not nineteen forever lads!!!