Thank You For ...

Usually this section is an emotional disturbing place where one feels the urge to throw up, whether or not by voluntarily sticking a finger in one's throat. Ordinarily I'm one of them. But this really needs to be said. Brace yourselves here or just skip this part. Ready? ;-)
I would like to thank all the lovely and kind people who made this trip a very memorable one. You've not only shown me your beautiful surroundings but also your kind hearts. Thank you Thomas, Don, Kelly, Cary, Chris & Sophia, Bob and the sweet members of the Auto Club. And thanks to the members of 16hp for a wonderful evening.
Okay, that is as far as my Diana Ross-impersonation goes. ;-) You can come out of the bathroom now. It's safe ... at least I think it is, cause I'm probably going to be tongue in cheek with this review as well. ;->

Chapter 1 to 10

Arriving in Denver was as if David Lynch and his crew were driving in front of me to set the décor just right for another one of his great movies: "Lost Cowboys". I thought the whole idea of the Wild West extinguished decades ago, but it seems that the dudes from Colorado still feel close to their roots by talking and acting like real man, wearing designer Western clobber with matching accessories. A handsome bunch of hicks from the sticks, I might add. ;-) But it's best not to line-dance or even swing-dance in front of me please. It's just too much for an arrogant girl from Europe (flatlander? ;-) to handle. That is, if you want me to keep a straight face. ;-> Yes, this actually took place, a very surreal experience, I can tell you.

Tonight's opening act is Tarantella from Denver: decadent pre-war Berlin meets "The Shadows" in Buenos Aires. A refreshing new band that only performs their third gig this evening. Kal, the vocalist, sings her own poetic lyrics in English/Spanish/Italian with sensuality and elegance that easily hypnotizes the audience. Add some professional musicians from the Slim Cessna's Auto Club, Big Bad Bob, plus Kelly, a very talented violin player, you can see this combination leaving town soon and walking on the wild side. ;-) The people who had seen them before at the Ogden-show of July 2000 were very impressed: "This is 20 times better than their last show."

So, what time is it? 23:20 ... okay, what will happen around midnight? Will 16hp enter the stage before or after the actual turn of the century? Naah, ... none of us can't imagine David doing the honours to welcome us in the year 2001. It would be just too jolly for the bugger. ;-) Or in American slang; it would be too doggone happy for the dude. ;-) (man, you people do talk strange, not to mention the way you eat. Those forks or knifes next to your plates ... did you notice them? Well, they can actually be used. ;->)
So what will happen? Well, put a young girl with a boa and a bottle of champagne on stage, and just improvise. Could work. Or? Well not if the countdown from 10 to 1 happens 5 minutes before 00:00 and if she shakes the bottle in a manner so that the audience expects an explosion but only sees a measly spout pour out of it. But maybe the last laugh was hers, cause I was the coward walking away from it, afraid to get wet. ;-)

Five minutes past midnight the boys make their entrance. Silently taking their instruments and preparing themselves for take off. No announcement whatsoever and yet such an exuberant crowd. What's up with the hair? Both Pascal and David look euh ... different. Long hair equals a long set? If that is the case, I'll refrain myself from saying another thing about it. ;->

American Wheeze: exhilarating syncopated beat drums from Jean-Yves, an exquisite bass-line from Pascal and the delightful whining sound of the bandoneon. Yeah billygoat, what's this? We don't get this version in Europe. ;-) Damn, an amazing rendering of a song, which I'll never grow tired off. And the crowd, ... oh, you couldn't even hear the end of the song, "Come on Dave"; people kept shouting. In an instant drugged by their music, just as we should be.

The following songs 'Wayfaring Stranger', 'Cinder Alley' and 'Low Estate' seem less energetic and were plagued by a few minor technical problems. At this point I finally realize Steve is keyboard-less. No problem, no problem at all. ;-)
"Is it New Year already?" David mumbles after this set. The crowd tries to pull him out of his shyness by agreeing enthusiastically. A smile in return.

Followed by another very big smile from Jean-Yves, obviously excited to start 'Bad Moon Rising'. He seems more than delighted to play this cover. But it's only from the next song 'Clogger' that I personally feel the intensity of their collaboration gaining its full strength. (Did I just say that? Or think that? ;-) And I guess I was not the only one, hearing someone shouting: "I love you", as soon as the song finishes. And who says we shouldn't love the guy who quickly after sings the most pleasing lines he has ever written: "... to the moan in your voice, not a charm do you lack, your skin to touch as a black ravens back ..." in 'Scrawled in Sap'.

After 'Straw Foot' my friend gets all excited by hearing the first cords of 'Poor Mouth', which strikes him with "positive-melancholy". Agree. This song absolutely has the ability and energy to hit you right in the centre, (where it hurts the most ... kidding) chased by its tension at the end ... and Steve's fine guitar-tricks. Talking about Steve, I can finally hear him singing along perfectly. Not only lip-synching, but he's showing off his nice voice, which he does seem to have on the record. ;->

A 5-minute break. David returns to the stage, all by himself. Another one of my top 3 list: 'Golden Rope'. Thanks! A shame those girls next to me needed to yap through almost the entire song. It was the beginning of an 8-song encore, 'Cept You', 'Coal Black Horses', 'Dead run' ... no time for Pascal to run off backstage ... David didn't leave his seat and called back for him ... a short informal gathering took place during which I think I could hear someone shouting 'Ace of Spades'. Or? ;-) Aha, a surprise, a very pleasant one too: '24 hours' with a funny lyrically twist, cause I think I heard him sing: "I never realized the lengths I'd have to go. All the darkest corners of which Pascal didn't know." Or was it just the effect of the American Cabernet, pronounce kebbernay? ;-)

During 'Praying Arm Lane' I guess David had a chance to rethink what was just happened and commented after the song: "I happen to be a BIG fan of electrifying warble" while showing him his magical tricks. The lyrics of 'Haw' gave him a last opportunity to mock him: " ...there, there little boy ..." condescendingly looking at him. 3-2 for David. ;-) Home-pitch advantage.

But then all of a sudden the show was over. They walked off stage and left us all in the dark. Baffled but satisfied. Amazed but well fed. Lilium was there to absorb our impressions. Great choice!

By Ing!