Interpol at Ally Pally

Yesterday I went on a mini pilgrimage to catch Interpol at Alexandra Palace, that notoriously out of reach north London concert hall. Being of a rather lazy disposition, and as spoiled as we are in London with all those small club gigs, I will only travel to large/remote venues for a selected few bands. [Unfortunately for me] Interpol is one of them...

I got to Ally Pally at 3pm - yes, very early - because when I am by myself (Mr. R was held up at work. Again!) I try to be at the front and also socialize with other concert goers. Call me crazy but I find that this helps build up the "atmosphere". There were a handful of other obsessive souls with whom I waited and chatted in the cold over tea and chocolate before the doors opened 3 hours later: it was well worth it, as this guaranteed me a sweet spot to the left side of the stage, right between guitarist Daniel Kessler and singer Paul Banks.

Finally at 9.30 pm, after a surprisingly good opening act, the wait was over. But as good as Interpol were, I felt they did not match the transcendental experience at the Astoria earlier this year (which will be released as a DVD just in time for Christmas, yipee!!). Perhaps this is the price one pays for being at the front: the microphone sound was too low and Paul's voice did not sound as commanding - have you ever noticed the way he says "Well, I made you and now I take you back" in "Scale"? - or as portentous as it did back in July, that sort of voice which chills you to the bone and makes you yield. Shame, I thought: lose the powerful voice and most Interpol songs will also lose their grandeur.

The instruments, on the other hand, sounded as sharp as ever. I was able to capture every nuance of Carlos D.'s sophisticated bass lines and of Daniel Kessler's sublime guitar playing which unfolded right before my eyes. In particular, the tremolo "ebb and flow" of new track Lighthouse (where the guitar sounds like a wave crashing against the shore) was beautifully rendered and very moving.

Daniel's smooth footwork during the concert was impressive too. With that smart tie and swish dance moves he sometimes looks more Fred Astaire than rock god. One can only imagine how good he must be on a dance floor! But he's fine where he is and well matched in the poise of Carlos D. and in Paul's gentle authoritarianism (if such a thing can exist): Interpol remains the most elegant of bands. Next time I hope to catch them at an equally elegant (and pocket sized) venue.

Set list:

Pioneer To The Falls
Obstacle 1
C'mere
Narc
Pace Is The Trick
Say Hello To The Angels
Hands Away
Mammoth
No I In 3some
Slow Hands
Rest My Chemistry
Lighthouse
Evil
Heinrich Maneuver
Not Even Jail

Encores:

Untitled
Stella Was A Diver And She Was Always Down
PDA

Further reading: NME review


As a side note - my top 5 gig pet peeves (I had a lot of time to reflect on this yesterday!):

1- People who belt out song requests

Have they never heard of setlists? Are they not happy with what they are getting? Hold your horses! You'll get your song if it's in the setlist, and if not, relax and enjoy what the band is actually playing.

2 - People who take pictures during the whole concert

That does not bother me personally but surely it must be better to experience the concert there and then, to live it, rather than put so much effort in having every single moment on camera?

3 - Chain drinking

Is it a beer drinking contest? Is it a piano bar? No, it's a concert! And if you must down quite so many beers, please don't make slurping noises.

4- People who chat (or answer phone calls) during the concert

This is a recurring issue when you are seeking shelter at the back of the venue, where the more casual and less excitable concert goers hang out.

and finally:

5- Wearing a band's t-shirt to that band's concert

Not as irritating as the 4 peeves above, only a tad uncool.

Wish List

Dear Santa,

I have been a good girl this year, I promise. I have worked hard (or at least pretended to), I have been kind to my colleagues (easy, as I have not had to interact much with them), I have recycled everything that I could possibly have and bought fair trade where possible. I have kept a low carbon footprint by walking home from work on the days where it was not freezing cold (a good 1h 45 minute walk, which I did most willingly and not because the tube is unbearable!).

So there you have it: a responsible worker and a good citizen. But whilst you decide what to get me for X-mas I'd also like you to think of me as a fashion enthusiast. One who is particularly fond of anything that is retro fifties, girly, flouncy or, even better, all three of them. Like the new Prada 2008 Resort collection for instance. So pretty! So feminine! So full of ribbons and sashes! Any of the pieces below in a small size will do. Please and thank you.

Yours sincerely,

LNH

Picture source: Verycool.it

Click here for a slideshow of this collection

The hedonist's guide to winter - Part 1: Cupcakes

Picture source: Sprinkles

Some say that cupcakes are the new donut (which is true at least in terms of how unhealthy both are!) but I prefer to think of them as the "muffin with sex appeal". Any way you look at it there's no denying cupcakes have gathered momentum and invaded London against all calorie counting odds. I blame their cuteness.

And while we wait for Sprinkles, the LA based designer cupcakery who pride themselves on baking the ultimate cupcake, to open in London as recently announced (see below article), we can find a mini cure for winter blues (any excuse!) at the following places:

Ottolenghi

Although they are not exclusively a cupcakery (far from it) I do think they bake it best. Ottolenghi cupcakes have a perfect texture frosting, are not too sweet or sickening and some times are even healthier* than the competition. My favorites are "maple syrup and oats*" and "raspberry vanilla".

Best for: yum factor

Hummingbird Bakery

Definitely the prettiest cupcakes in town. Though I do find their cakes overly sweet and usually end up scooping half the frosting out, I give them top marks for design and atmosphere.

Best for: meeting friends for a cuppa & cupcake

Buttercup Cake Shop

(I wonder what NY's "Buttercup Bake Shop" thinks of the name?)

This is a tiny cupcakery hidden a few blocks away from High Street Kensington. Lots of different/exotic flavours here (peanut butter and chocolate, cookies and cream, pumpkin) but my taste buds also found their cupcakes overly sweet...

Best for: flavor variety

Lola's cupcakes

At the moment they are a bake to order factory with plans of opening retail stores soon. You can buy their cupcakes at Selfridges Food Hall. I think their stuff tastes great (my favorite is the banana cupcake) but the frosting is a little too hard...

Best for: good flavor choice and sturdy packaging



Whichever one you pick, just make sure you walk home afterwards!

Further reading:

Sprinkles plans world domination

Everything you need to know about cupcakes around the world

Cupcaking at home