Goldfrapp, Beacon Theatre, NYC, April 29, 2008
New Almack’s correspondant, Sarah Protzman, went to check out Goldfrapp’s performance at Beacon Theatre last night and I’m really quite shocked she didnt’ care too much for it. Read on to find out why:
For what sold-out show does one have TWO extra tickets she can’t unload? That was me last night, despite reaching my monthly texting limit contacting everyone I know who loves music and last-minute plans.
But opening act Jaymay is so good, I forget about the two tickets burning a hole in my pocket. I’ve seen her about five times. Her vocals are always solid, but she flubs lyrics a lot. It’s endearing, though, and she’s obsessed with Bob Dylan, so we’ll call it a wash. She ran through her best stuff, much of which she hasn’t released yet (i.e. “Lonely Men Built Lonely Cities”). Her first full-length, “Autumn Fallin’ ” goes down super easy on the first listen. Fans of Fiona, Joni or Aimee Mann will feel at home with her.
After a break and another weak-ass cranberry/vodka, the lights go down. The band’s in white (think Polyphonic Spree) except barefoot lead singer Alison Goldfrapp, who is wearing what appears to be the same outfit Samantha wanted Carrie to don on her book cover, her hair all Bernadette Peters-y. They open with “Paper Bag,” followed by “A&E.” (Others they did: “Satin Chic,” “Train,” “Ooh La La,” “You Never Know” and “Happiness.”)
Suddenly I get a text from a friend who says I should have asked him earlier or he’d have gladly joined me. Apparently he’s a huge fan — but by that time, I wasn’t:
“Um, I’m so not loving this,” I type back.
“That’s a shame.”
“I know, right?”
Alison’s vocal range is without a doubt impressive, but I’m sorry —I keep thinking this is what a collaborative effort between Enya and Kylie Minogue would sound like. I wanted very much to like them, but you know that video where Kylie, like, multiplies? Yeah, every song is pretty much like that.
“Thank you, you’re very kind,” Alison says after a few songs. “I sound like shit!” (Later: “Fuck!” she yells, walking offstage toward the sound guy. “Technical crap!” she says moments later into the mic. But yet, she doesn’t really seem pissed off.)
Even after an encore, Goldfrapp had played for only an hour and 15 minutes. I was cool with that; others not so much. I overheard this girl carrying on about the short set:
“I saw the Killers, like, years ago at Jones Beach. They had ONE album! They played for an hour and a half! She’s got like SIX!”
I rarely (rarely!) don’t like a band — I have much more fun loving music, so I try to do more of that than not. But calling it an early night was no skin off my back.
—SARAH PROTZMAN
