Boston Review from a new BOF user

[black francis]

Rare form? Definitely! Amazing show? Not so sure about that. I wish Ian would just say, "I'm going to rattle on senselessly for twenty minutes in the middle of this song, so this would be a good time to hit the bathroom or check your email." You know it's bad when Will just rests his hands on the top of his guitar and stares at the ceiling. Lips like zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[In The Margins]

If you dare, there's many of the songs on youtube.

I didn't go this time. I've joined the BF boycott fanclub.

[the ghost of guitarplayer]

Even if Mac croaks at times through this, still cannot dislike listening to it live.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-HkUULR2I0[/youtube]

[withahip]

Man, the music sounds SO good. Poor Mac. He sounds ok. the verses are where he seems to run out of breath. Still, just hearing that I'd probably go to a HUH oldies thing.

[Joe-eatb]

I think the band and Ian sound amazing, I don't understand what you guys are complaining about, it is live. If you want it to sound exactly the recording then stick in the cd and be happy. Does Ian sound like he did 25 years ago of course not but as a whole Will and Ian are probably one of the best live acts still touring.

[zabird]

Ouch! Maybe it's just this recording, but Mac's voice ... ouch! On the other hand, the band sounds fantastic.

I know he's never going to sound like he did as a young'un, but this was painful to listen to. Raspier than usual, and you could definitely hear him straining. I hope he doesn't wind up losing his voice.

[DivaDiana77]

Lips like zzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[the ghost of guitarplayer]

Ouch! Maybe it's just this recording, but Mac's voice ... ouch! On the other hand, the band sounds fantastic.

I know he's never going to sound like he did as a young'un, but this was painful to listen to. Raspier than usual, and you could definitely hear him straining. I hope he doesn't wind up losing his voice.

I don't really find it that painful. I think the one thing is that Mac does try to sing it at the key that he did on the original recording and live at that time, judging by material I have from gigs back then. For that, I don't care if it's raspy, croakey. Such a great song live.

[withahip]

I think the band and Ian sound amazing, I don't understand what you guys are complaining about, it is live. If you want it to sound exactly the recording then stick in the cd and be happy. Does Ian sound like he did 25 years ago of course not but as a whole Will and Ian are probably one of the best live acts still touring.

Asking for a singer to sound good live does not mean asking the singer to sound exactly like the record. If you can't hear how out of breath and unable to hit the notes he is, lucky you.

And the majority of the music is being played by everyone BUT Ian and Will. And the music does sound exactly like the recording. Without variation. It would be nice to hear a new take, but I'll take the paint by numbers.

Look a band with an excellent singer, new material and a live take that varies from the recording . . .

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBv_1DpxZYQ&feature=PlayList&p=FE2706F13511BD43&playnext_from=PL&playnext=1&index=40[/youtube]

[DivaDiana77]

Depeche Mode really do sound great! It's not a matter of just sounding different, you can be 50 and not sound wrecked.

[In The Margins]

Photos from the Boston show.

http://www.chromy.org/photos/events/echo/

[zabird]

Photos from the Boston show.

http://www.chromy.org/photos/events/echo/

ugh ... those baggy jeans again.

[fat cherry]

not wishing to sound like KOK but they all look shite and could do with some new clobber. Sarge usually manages - bring back the military jacket I say. We know from the ocean rain shows they scrub up well. Could try harder!!!!

[Voodoo Billy]

not wishing to sound like KOK but they all look shite and could do with some new clobber. Sarge usually manages - bring back the military jacket

Damn fine idea FC.What is it with these young upstarts in their baggy-arsed Levis. I remember the days when these popular music combos were suited by French designers and booted in beautifully polished Cuban heels. Today, they are a bedraggled rabble in their faded denims with their feet in nothing more than sports pumps.

I am with you 100%, some new 'clobber' as it were, bring back the military jacket, indeed bring back national service, and hanging, and Mrs Thatcher.

How about a tour sponsored by Greenwoods Menswear?