Entering the 80's arena yet again this year, I learned a valuable lesson after last night's Happy Mondays / Psychedelic Furs co-headlining show at the Troc. in Philly. Let's refer to that lesson as "The Absolute Necessity For A Good Front Man". Taking the stage first, Shawn Ryder and company (sans Bez, vexed yet again by U.S. immigration issues) performed a very abbreviated set last night, hitting all the right notes in terms of the band's performance but woefully lacking in the front man charisma department. Glued to his adlib monitor as if it was the burning bush, Ryder barely moved at all from his center stage perch, all the while mumbling incoherent shout-outs to friends and Steve McQueen alike in between songs. Taking Bez's place (and thank god for it) was a magnetic female singer and hype artist whose name unfortunately escapes me. She brought the fun and the stage presence. Unfortunately all Shawn had to bring last night was his lumpen English self who couldn't be bothered.
At the other end of the spectrum, there's Richard Butler. I'm not sure what deal this man has made with El Diablo but suffice to say I would like to make a similar one. Looking shockingly good and sounding amazing, Mr. Butler and company ran through a 17 song set-list heavy on the hits while not missing a beat in terms of poncey twirls, audience interaction, and general Bowie-esque fabulosity. I've seen this band many times over the last 20 + years and never once have they disappointed. Last night was no exception (with the exception of not playing Heartbreak Beat but I'll survive). Winner = Psychedelic Furs by a wide margin!
Happy Mondays Set List:
- Kinky Afro
- Monster
- Loose Fit
- Reverend Black Grape
- Hallelujah
- Nasty
- Anti Warhole on the Dancefloor
- Jellybean
- Mumbo Jumbo
- Step On
Psychedelic Furs Set List:
- Love My Way
- Heartbeat
- Like a Stranger
- President Gas
- The Ghost in You
- In My Head
- All of This and Nothing
- Believe
- Pretty in Pink
- No Easy Street
- Sister Europe
- It Goes On
- I Don't Wanna Be Shadow
- Heaven
- Encore:
- Forever Now
- She Is Mine
- Dumb Waiters
