A journey through the 14-album catalogue of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is an eclectic one to say the least. Album-to-album, song-to-song the listener is presented with vastly shifting paradigms...Vastly shifting paradigms, that is, that still somehow manage to fit uniquely and precisely in their proper place, all-the-while creating something gargantuan and complexly complete. Sometimes the songs are quiet, subtle and bloody with emotion. Other times they are thunderous, aggressive and shining with violence. Still other times, all of these things occur at once. The music of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is utterly draining in the most therapeutic of ways.
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Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds
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 Entertainment
 Art
The Vic
Chicago, Ill.
September 28, 2008
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Again though, this describes a journey through the band's 14 albums. It's different journey live...Well, not so much different, but more vivid...Live, Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds are exactly like everything described of their albums, but amplified and magnified to seemingly unreachable levels; a constant climax. If you witnessed their sold-out performance (one of two) at The Riviera Theatre, I hope you had a speedy recovery.
The band took to the stage with "Night of the Lotus Eaters." I will forever remember that moment as the catalyst of a new kind of intensity; an intensity that did not let up for roughly 2 hours.
Cave sprawled around the stage like a man animated by a hyperactive cartoonist on speed and coffee. Continuously climbing over stage monitors, switching - at times throwing them upon completion - instruments at a rapid rate and kicking and dancing to the music like no one was watching, Cave was clearly appreciative and aware of those who were. He seemed intent on captivating them, regardless of how intent he was on releasing himself. When those in the crowd felt the urge to scream something, Cave acknowledged them. For those in the crowd who fought their way to the front early and did their share (and more) of energy-sharing throughout the show, Cave not only acknowledged them, but he also singled them out during and between songs; asking what they wanted to hear, and requesting their participation.
A multi-instrumentalist 6-piece band (not including Cave), the Bad Seeds were a force...Make that...A FORCE! THE FORCE! With percussionists on either side of the stage and the bass strategically positioned between them at center-stage, this was one of the truest rhythm sections I have ever witnessed live. They created a feast of depth for the remaining 3 multi-instrumentalists to ravage...And ravage they did. The Bad Seeds looked as though they were just released from a mental institution that also served as an intensive, multi-faceted, semi-cacophonous musical institution in its nighttime hours. Rotating between on-foot attacks, flying through the air and all-out rolling around on the floor boards, The Bad Seeds annihilated the stage...Not to mention their instruments.
Somewhere amidst the attack, I recall being simultaneously serenaded and assaulted by, among others, "Deanna," "Papa Won't Leave You, Henry," "Weeping Song," and my personal favorites of the night, "Mercy Seat," "Into My Arms" and "Stagger Lee."
My only complaint after leaving The Riv that night was for not having seen Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds live before...Well, that and not taking the entire following week of work off to allow adequate recovery time. At the risk of sounding cliche, do not miss this show when it comes through town. And if you already did, well, start planning your trip to whatever town you CAN make it to. According to his schedule it looks like you need to start saving your money for the UK!
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Written by Guest on 2008-10-09 00:38:50
I was at this show. It ROCKED. I should know, Nick Cave touched my hand. Hehehe.
Fourth paragraph was very well put. |
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