The Streets

I went to see the Streets in Manchester the other day and was completely blown away. They were truely awesome. They played most of the songs from 'Original Pirate Material', and a few from the new album, 'A Grand Don't Come For Free'. It is testiment to how good the new album is that people were singing along to all the new tracks.

I was wondering how it was going to work what with garage tracks having a largely produced sound. On stage there was a drummer, keyboardist, guitarist, Mike Skinner and another vocalist who I think is called Calvin. The Band were briliant and the live versions of the songs really worked. 'Fit But You Know It' sounded more Rock than Garage but went down a storm. I was very impressed with Calvin's Vocal Talent he seems to be a cross between Lyden David Hall and Roots Manouever, a rare combo if ever their was one.

The support act Shystie was also quite good, a female MC supported by a couple of male rappers and a DJ. Although She did obviuosly mime her last song because it's her upcoming single which tarnished her performance a bit, but she'll deffinately be one to watch out for.

My only complante about the whole evening was that you were told to be there for 7 and the Streets didn't come on till after 9 with Shystie doing 30mins. I guess if I had a little more recent concert experiance I would have been bold enough to turn up later rather than waiting around for a couple of hours getting bored.

The audience were truely a diverse bunch from the sweaty drunken student moshers, to some townie looking lads that delivered the most amusing attempts at dancing, to people up in their 50s.

After seeing th Streets I bourght their new album the next day. I thought they were talented after the first album now I know it, truely exceptional, if you get the chance to see them live do so, if not get the album. My favourite new track has to be 'Dry Your Eyes' real emotion from a brilliant group.

If you hadn't guessed I quite enjoyed myself.