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Reviews |
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25th October 2001
The Rhythm Factory
Whitechapel, London
Long Tall Shorty
The Boss |
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Picture the scene; 2 years ago, four thirty-something guys are getting merry in the afterglow of a Paul Weller gig. The conversation turns from memories of The Jam and analysis of solo Weller to the lack of live music in smaller venues. One of the guys has a small part-ownership in an East London club. Thoughts now focus on presenting live Mod-related acts. The conversation becomes louder and more animated; an idea is born! Thus began "Take it or Leave it", the monthly Mod night at the Rhythm Factory, Whitechapel Road.
The first gig took place in August 2000: What an opening night! The Affair supported Nine Below Zero. Since then The Truth, Small World, Autumn, The Chords and James Michael Cooper have all played there. It's an intimate venue and you are eye to eye with the lads on stage. If you like your music up close and personal, this is the venue for you. |
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The Boss |
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Tonight we have Long Tall Shorty supported by The Boss. The Boss never made it to Liverpool, so I am looking forward to discovering something new, even though they have been plugging away since revival days.
The Boss take to the stage, a younger than expected 4-piece. They open with their own number "Joseph Green" and as if by magic, the crowd are tapping their feet. Soon we are all singing along to a couple of well-handled Who covers. "I can't explain" and "Substitute", all this despite the disadvantage of a slipping bass drum.
As Danny, the lead singer picks up his black Rickenbacker and launches into the bands first single "One good Reason" I put down my pen and camera to dance along. Why did these guys never get further north than Dagenham? The song builds to a pumping crashing, end; I'm catching my breath as the acidic rhythm guitar burns throught the bass of "Start". The Boss have managed just the right mix of originals and covers. |
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Silver Fox gets it right! |
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Another of their own tracks; "Be My Baby" and this time their drummer "The Silver Fox" achieves cult status as he gets it right, for the first time, apparently.Forty-five minutes have flown by with a further Jam cover, a Who cover and the B-side of the single. Time is against us but with the calls for an encore ringing around the room, they return with the ultimate crowd-please "Whatcha gonna do about it?".
Exit stage left: The Boss leaving a primed crowd and me wondering how this was the first time I had seen them. Rest assured it won't be the last
There now followed a guest DJ slot from Eddie Pillar in typical ethereal mode. (See left).
I went for a chat with Danny's Dad. He lived in Liverpool, Why didn't he ever get his son to play there? |
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Eddie in thoughtful mood |
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On stage now: Long Tall Shorty. No strangers to the scene, they tear into "Hold on Tight" and a possible new single "Don't step aside". The atmosphere builds as the blues-laden "Key to Love" with its Hi-Heel Sneakers feel, moves into the old favourite - "Can you Tell Me". Brian (right) guesting on vocals gave "By Your Love " an authentic feel and the whole room was signing along. As the boys gave their thank-you's and goodnights, we howled for more. They bounced back in with "Baby Please Don't Go" and "Taking Time". The final number, the second time we'd heard it tonight, was "I fought the law" with Mark guesting on vocals and reminding us why he is a DJ!
We returned to the front bar and I sank a few pints with The Boss Boys and Danny's Dad.
I thought back to what a good idea those guys had two years ago, with the sounds of Weller still ringing in their ears.
Review by
The Running Man |
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<<Review Index>> |
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Take me home, I'm knackered! |
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