Review: The XX live at Radio City Music Hall

Posted by The G on September 24, 2013 under G Reviews | Comments are off for this article

Photos by G.

Oliver Sim of The XX

On September 23, 2013, The XX played their first of 2 sold out nights at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.  After a great set by Polica, The XX hit the stage just about 9:30 PM and for a solid hour and a half, their moody music hypnotized the crowd.   One of the great things about The XX, especially in this day and age, is that you can’t really say that their music sounds like anyone else.  Oliver Sim and Romy Madley Croft trade off on vocal duties, sometimes harmonizing with each other, sometimes performing duets and Romy’s tender voice is the perfect compliment to Oliver’s subtle, yet romantic vocals.

Jamie Smith and Romy Madley-Croft of The XX

Since The XX’ music can be quite soft and subdued, they utilized a quite nice light show to compliment their music and add to the chill out vibe that was felt across the entire Radio City Music Hall.  Having just seen the Pet Shop Boys, I am a bit spoiled as to what I consider a breath-taking light show, but as I can imagine both bands don’t have much cross over with fans, I looked around to see the crowd mesmerized for the duration of the show.  Songs such as “Crystallized,” though extremely mellow, got the crowd on their feet and we remained standing (or swaying) for the rest of the night.

Romy Madley-Croft and Oliver Sim of The XX

Towards the end of the set, it was a powerhouse of some of The XX’ most popular songs, including “Chained,” “VCR” and “Islands,” and these tracks made unlikely, but quite cool crowd sing-a-longs.  As The XX was finishing up their set, a huge laser X flashed across the stage.  The crowd erupted with applause and returned The XX’ love.  Bliss.

The XX

The setlist was:

Try / Heart Skipped a Beat / Crystallized / Reunion / Far Nearer / Sunset / Missing / Fiction / Night Time / Swept Away / Shelter / VCR / Islands / Chained / Infinity

Encore:

Intro / Angels.

An Encounter with The XX

Posted by The G on August 6, 2012 under Encounters with G | Comments are off for this article

Photos by G.

Oliver Sim of The XX and Geoffrey Dicker

I’m having a band crush on The XX right now.  The trio from the UK could not have been nicer when I met them recently.  I chatted with lead singer Oliver Sim for quite a while about everything from the differences in weather in the UK vs. New York to the success of The XX.  Jamie Smith, the uber-producer, and Romy Madley-Croft were also extremely nice and were more than willing to sign autographs and take photos.  The experience was such a pleasure and not that the band needs my well wishes to do great, but I wish them all the success in the world!

Jaime Smith of The XX and Geoffrey Dicker

Romy Madley-Croft of The XX and Geoffrey Dicker

Love you XX and thanks for being soooooo awesome!

G meets Romy Madley Croft of The XX

Posted by The G on April 23, 2010 under Encounters with G | Comments are off for this article

Photo taken with my hand.

Romy Madley Croft of the XX, some dude with great hair and G

In the wee hours of the morning on April 22nd going into April 23rd, I met The XX singer Romy Madley Croft backstage prior to a rare DJ set at New York’s Le Poisson Rouge.  Unfortunately, I didn’t catch her set as I was living it up in the VIP section (which was not located anywhere near the dance floor). I’m sure she killed it though and I am looking forward to hearing more great music from her band!  I have no idea who the guy is next to us, but on a positive note, he looks a lot like Jimmy Fallon and has really great hair. Don’t you love her Madley?  I do. Thanks Romy and good hair dude!