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| SHUTTERSPEED CHRISTMAS PARTY THE TROUBADOUR 20/12/2003 The 2003 edition of the annual Shutterspeed Christmas Party was held last Saturday night, and for those that missed it... well, it's probably best you stop reading now, lest you are so overcome with regret you break down. For those that were in attendance, I hope to capture some of the spirit of the night, so that you have some tangible keepsake of one of the shows of the year. A healthy and eager crowd had settled in to their lounge chairs when Shutterspeed first took to the stage at around 9:45. The band ran through five songs in quick succession, opening with "World Needs Now", and including new single "Feed The Fire", "Good Little Monkey", and a blistering "Under Control" with saxophone accompaniment. It was obvious to the crowd that Shutterspeed were on their game tonight, so they better hold on to their hats. The band were joined on stage by Noel Mengel for 2 quick covers from The Who and The Clash, and the lift in energy was obvious. Back to the standard line up for a couple more, before the lads took their first break for the night. First up after the intermission was a solo Andrew Petersen, who accepted the challenging request of "Reassurance", and after one false start, nailed it for all its sombre beauty. He was joined on stage by Anthony Detorri and Dean Lapthorne for 4 of the most emotional minutes in Shutterspeed history, a heart breaking "Wake Up". "Speeding Around Slow Bends" followed, before Andrew took a step back to allow Anthony and Dean a moment to shine, and they shone so bright I can still see the light when I close my eyes. Their version of Oasis' "Half The World Away" was simply one of the live music highlights of my life. Scott Lapthorne delivered one of the most georgous drum tracks beat perfect. I, like others I'm sure, sat gobsmacked by the power and intensity of the delivery of what is essentially a soft accoustic track. That moment will live on. Shutterspeed resumed again for a brilliant version of one of their most underrated songs, the delicate "2 Weeks". It was fantastic to see this song get the treatment, and ambience, in this accousitc venue, it deserves. "History" was yet another emotional moment, the saxophone shining again. By this time the room was jam packed and overflowing with punters eager to see what all the fuss was about. Another quick rest stop and then it was time for the Newtown Jets to make their much anticipated appearance. Detorri was joined up front by Morgan Wilson for the Jets' two songs, and it was at this moment that people began to relise they were witnessing something special. What other band in Australia can boast one of the smartest, sharpest, God damn BEST songwriters in the country, and then throw him off the stage for a while, and lose absolutely nothing. Wilson's vocals, usually hidden up the back, were pushed forward, and the crowd were blown away. Shutterspeed returned for a rousing "Start Over", featuring everything from The Faces to The Stones. It shaped as the perfect finish for a brilliant night, but the boys were far from done. They threw open the doors for requests, and delivered with "Dancing With The Devil" and "Come Out Swinging". This, my friends, was something else. Another of those moments etched in time. To hear Petersen's powerful vocals literally drowned out by a room full of people screaming "You better smile while you can... cause you won't be smiling long!" The song has connected with people, and the people showed their appreciation by battling Petersen in the volume stakes the whole way through. I had chills. A final encore of The Beat's "Save It For Later" (at around 2am) rounded up the evening and the year, and Shutterspeed left the stage, triumphant, victorious, like William Wallace walking from a battlefield. They will not settle, or be dictated to. I realise I say this everytime, but shows like this force us to ask questions. Like why aren't these guys the biggest band in the country, no, the fuckin world? It pisses me off. But what can you do? Once you've made the records, it's kind of out of your hands isn't it, even if they are the best records on the shelf. Oh well, maybe next time. A Xmas show like this is also a time for reflection, so here are the Modfather's highlights of 2003: ...the "Custom Made Hit Parade" CD launch... The Rolling Stones in Brisbane... seeing Ian McLagan live... the arrival of Sway on the scene as a force to be reckoned with... "Custom Made Hit Parade" itself... "North Atalntic Drift" from Ocean Colour Scene... the Shutterspeed Xmas Party... the emergence of "Stax o Soul" as the definitive source of biased musical information... yada yada yada. Enjoy your Christmas, boys and girls. Many thanks for your patronage and support. The Modfather will return in the new year, full of surprises. I hope Santa brings you some nice shoes, and some cool glasses. Thank you and goodnight... |
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