Wednesday 9^th July 2008 @ Thekla

With Support From: Attic Lights

So it’s a rainy day in July and a queue of all ages waits patiently for Bristol’s infamous boat the Thekla to open its doors. We are awaiting the performance of a true British song writing legend in Paul Heaton. Inside the merchandise table is awash with the usual promo t-shirts but is littered with pins badges stating ‘Paul Heaton is god’. A bold statement but one modestly backed with over twenty years of song writing and touring.

The support band Attic Lights were an accomplished pop-rock set up. The lead singer sounds rather like that of Mercury Rev and a live sound akin to The Magic Numbers and early Travis. The highlight of their set for me was a rather touching song called Wendy. With many catchy tunes and harmless pop yarns, Attic Lights could infiltrate many a Sunday driving playlist with ease. They set the tone for the forthcoming set nicely and certainly get the crowd in a dancing mood.

I have to say at this juncture how my views of Paul Heaton could be slightly biased as I have always seen this man as one of the most creative British song writers of the last decade. With a wealth of hits under his belt from his days with The House Martins and The Beautiful South, both upon where his talents could shine through, tonight was all about Mr Heaton himself and the live retelling of his new album The Cross Eyed Rambler.

From the moment he opens his mouth to sing, his unmistakable voice surprises many with its range and power. He looks slightly uneasy onstage but poised behind a plinth holding a folder full of the lyrics to tonight’s set. This is forgiven by the crowd as most that are in attendance are aware of the vast amount of songs this man has written and whether you like his back catalogue or not, it’s sheer volume has to be respected. The set is greeted with lots of sing along moments and gestures from the crowd. We are treated to two encores and a new song only performed on this tour amongst many personal anecdotes.

One particularly sweet recollection from Paul is what he had found in an old diary. He had recalled the fact that he had indeed played Bristol’s famous Thekla before back in 1985 when it was apparently then called The Old Showboat. He congratulated and thanked the audience in helping him create more warm memories of Bristol.

If you haven’t heard any of this man’s previous work, apart from what singles have been released, then I suggest checking him out on tour or listen to his new album. This will give you an idea of the kind of lyrical pedigree that can be expected from the days of his previous bands. Search his work out and I think you will be surprised at how many hits and classics you know.

www.crosseyedrambler.com

Stu Freeman