On January 23, 2012, UK Singer Rod Thomas, better known by his stage name Bright Light Bright Light performed at New York’s Cake Shop. If you’re not familiar with Bright Lightx2′s music, Rod Thomas’ voice is extremely soulful over great electronic beats. New York was in for many treats last night as Bright Light Bright Light changed things up in the best possible way. Rather than perform electronically, the entire show was a solo piano performance, which Rod Thomas admitted was a fun challenge as he performed his upcoming new album in full. Many of the songs, he said, were being played for the first time. Also making the night extra special was a rare guest vocal appearance from his album collaborator, Del Marquis, from Scissor Sisters who sang on “Cry at Films.” The video is below. The venue is fairly dark for extra vibe, so please keep that in mind as you groove to Bright Lightx2 and Del Marquis! Bright Light Bright Light‘s album will be available in the Spring, but while you wait for that day, his singles “Love Part II” and “Disco Moment” are available now for legal download.
See the set list as well as a photo of my encounter with Rod Thomas after the jump.
October kicked off with a bang at the New Yorker Festival as the band Scissor Sisters sat down for a Q&A as well as a nine song acoustic set in which they premiered their new song “San Luis Obispo.” The band talked candidly about their career from its early beginnings to present day and even as a die hard fan, I learned a bunch of new information about the group. For example, Pink Floyd have given their seal of approval to the Sisters’ cover of “Comfortably Numb.” It was also revealed that the scrapped but fully recorded 3rd album (before their masterpiece “Night Work”) will see the light of day – “some day.” Jake Shears talked about writing songs with Elton John as well as Bryan Ferry and they also discussed what it was like touring with Lady Gaga.
Baby Daddy, Del Marquis
After the interview was over, Scissor Sisters played a 9 song acoustic set which featured the premiere of a new track “San Luis Obispo” (and a video will be coming soon – so stay tuned) as well as a very rare performance of their song “Sex And Violence,” which is one of the fan favorites from their highly underrated 3rd album “Night Work.” The hits were also thrown in including “Laura,” “Take Your Mama,” “Fire With Fire” and “I Don’t Feel Like Dancin.’” I had so much fun. It was also great to see all the Scissor Sisters east coast fans who are so dedicated that they travel long distances to have another great Scissor Sisters experience.
Scissor Sisters
I spoke with the band after the performance and as usual, the entire band is so cool. I talked to Jake about their album “K-Mart Disco.” It was demos prior to their debut album that was issued in Australia. It’s sold on Amazon.com, so I wasn’t sure what the story is behind it. It was not authorized by the band and Jake doesn’t know where they got the title from either! I assured Jake that I will atone for owning this unauthorized album by continuing to support them by seeing them in concert and of course I always will. I have never had a bad time at a Scissor Sisters concert and frankly, I don’t think it’s even possible to not have the time of your life when you see them. Scissor Sisters are great!
Jake and Ana performing
Thanks again to Scissor Sisters for a great night! See the setlist after the jump and stay tuned for the premiere of “San Luis Obispo.”
According2g wishes Del Marquis, guitarist for Scissor Sisters and sometimes solo artist, a very happy birthday today. For some strange reason, America has not embraced the Scissor Sisters in the same way the rest of the world has and it’s a pity because their music is fun and upbeat and their live shows are a non-stop party. As you can see from the above picture, even if you don’t care for the music, there’s plenty of eye candy. Have a great one Del!
Did you really think I’d only post 5 pictures of my beloved Scissor Sisters from their sold out show at Terminal 5 in New York on August 24, 2010? I didn’t think so either! You can see even more Scissory goodness here.
"Show your nipples if According2g is your favorite website" - Jake Shears
Sometimes I think it’s impossible to love the Scissor Sisters more than I do. Their music always puts me in a good mood, their live shows are non-stop dance parties, all band members are extremely filthy/gorgeous and most important – they get my vote for the nicest band in Rock and Roll. They are all huge fans of music and they know how important it is to be nice to fans. I’ve been blessed to meet the band on several occasions and every time, their kindness makes me proud to be a fan. Before their amazing show on August 24, 2010 at New York’s Terminal 5, I spoke with the band and here are a few tidbits that I learned.
Two years ago, I saw the Sisters perform a secret show in New York where they performed about 10 as yet unreleased songs under the name “Debbie’s Harry.” Songs played that night included “Television,” “Who’s Your Money?,” “Uruboros,” and “Taking Shape.” The songs were ultimately scrapped and an entirely new batch of material that would become the brilliant record “Night Work” was recorded. I asked lead singer Jake Shears if we’ll ever see those songs in the form of B-sides, an EP or a new record and he said “as it stands now, you were witness to a very special night.”
Del Marquis and G
Autographed CD covers and photos taken by G.
Every time I’ve ever spoken with Ana Matronic, it seems as if we’ve known each other for years. She happily signed photos I’ve taken of her and with her and I couldn’t resist asking questions about her recent experience working with another one of my favorite groups, Duran Duran! Forgive me for paraphrasing this next bit. Knowing that she’s a huge Durannie, I said “You must have been dying when that experience happened.” She said she was beyond dying! She went into the studio with Mark Ronson and Nick Rhodes and Simon LeBon appeared soon after. She was under the impression that she would just be singing a few pre-written lines but once in the studio, they started writing! She said that she had to hang out in the bathroom by herself for a few moments to soak in the fact that she had been given this amazing opportunity. Ana said that she might have appeared a bit nervous in the studio – and who wouldn’t be if you were sharing the space with Simon LeBon, Nick Rhodes and Mark Ronson – and Ronson said “should I kick out the guys?” Ana immediately said “Hell no!” She also said the song is mid-tempo and the track (as well as the songs she has heard) are very reminiscent of “Rio” era Duran! Thanks for sharing those tidbits Ana!
I’d also like to thank Scissor Sisters again for being absolutely delightful both on stage and off. When they come to your town, do not hesitate to see them – it’s impossible not to have the time of your life at one of their shows.