Would I pay $64 to see Radiohead? Yes. Would I pay $64 to see Bon Iver? Good, but no. $64 for tickets to see Paul McCartney play? I’ve paid more than that (he’s an idol). $64 for Jenny Lewis? I LOVE her, but not $64 worth. Sixty-four dollars is just enough to draw a line in the sand for me, across which I just cannot pass for certain bands.
Lily Allen’s concert tonight at the Wiltern is starting @ $64. So, does she make the cut? Actually, and perhaps surprisingly, it’s a close call, but the answer is YES.
Why? Several Reasons:
1.) She might be a “pop princess,” but she’s not an American brand, which can sometimes sour the milk for me. America churns out factory-line type acts, but some of the most unique sounds come from English pop. The British Invasion never really ended and is still alive and well for me. She’s gifted, clever, insightful and still somehow mainstream.
2.) Her influence over the music world is ever-expanding. I think my blogging cohort, Mr. Morse, would agree, “Alright, Still” was one of the most influential albums of the oughts. And I know the both of us continually turn to “It’s Not Me, It’s You” for a musical pick-me-up when we get bored scouring the new music landscape.
3.) Mockney.
4.) Her opening act, Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head, is worth at least a quarter of the ticket price. A relatively new band to the scene, I’m fast becoming as obsessed with the them as I am with their namesake actress. Drawing on 80’s punk, 90’s electro, and 00’s kitsch, the blend is irresistible. Think Chromeo with a much wider range. The title of their album “Glistening Pleasure” makes reference to the (guilty) listening pleasure they provide. The lyrics are ridiculous, the beats are infectious, and the end result is delicious.
In an unorthodox move, I’m going to post more songs from the opener than the headliner.
If you are smart and NOT broke, you should be at this concert. If you are smart and rich, you should take me with you.
Lily Allen – “Everyone’s At It”
Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head – “Iceage Babeland”
Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head – “Me + Yr Daughter”
*********UPDATE FROM LAST NIGHT*********
If you didn’t know, last night was also the Britney Spears concert. I wouldn’t reference it, except for the fact that I need to point out that that means Spears’ so-called comeback hit “Womanizer” was sung at TWO concerts. Yes, Lily Allen pays homage to the American brand pop princess with a better-than-original rendition of “Womanizer”. So, she does the shtick last night and who jumps on stage but Lindsay Lohan (high on what, who can say?). She looked almost lost. She began dancing around a bit, trying to sing back-up with Allen. Couldn’t have been fun for Allen. However, the reason I bring all of this up is just to say that this single hijink itself probably constitutes at least $5 of the ticket price, and thus substantiates the $64 test just a tad more.
See video of the would-be train wreck here.
Lily Allen – “Womanizer” (Britney Spears Cover)
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Comments ( 1 Comment )
ebroad added these pithy words on Apr 02 09 at 11:26 amLily Allen is fearless, sassy and not afraid to take musical risks that pay off in a big way. I hope she keeps making music for a long time. As for the other band, also very fun. When are you going to write a screenplay for them?
