Belle & Sebastian were something else at the Hollywood Bowl. Accompanied by the full L.A. Philharmonic Orchestra, B&S shined like no other band I've ever seen at the Hollywood Bowl. Every single minute of that show was special. Not only because of the orchestra, but because the band was in great spirits and Stuart was as interactive as ever.
I bought these tickets ages ago and secured a prime spot in the Garden Boxes. Possibly the best seats I've ever obtained through Ticketmaster for the Hollywood Bowl. They were ridiculously expensive, but every moment there was worth every penny.
My friends and I arrived a few minutes before the Shins came on. We just took in the sights of the Bowl and admired where we were sitting. We were also nibbling on our Whole Foods snacks.
The Shins were good, but my attention was somewhere else. I wanted to see B&S and how they their songs would translate with the L.A. Phil. The Shins played some of their great songs, like, you know, that song that was in Garden State. I like the Shins, and they were entertaining. They made remarks about "dinner theatre" and how this is their first, and not their last, Hollywood Bowl show. The crowd liked them as well, with everyone pretty much applauding and laughing along with them.
After the Shins played, the barrier was slowly removed to reveal the huge orchestra set-up. It was similar to the L.A. Phil's set-up with Air at the very same venue a year ago. It was amazing and I was at the edge of my seat.
At around 9pm, the band came on sans Stuart and with a full orchestra. They started off with "Fuck This Shit," a standard B&S opener. Although the band alone would have been good enough, the orchestra just added so much more character to the song with the deep sounds of strings accompanying each of Stevie's harmonica play.
Stuart then walked in with his striped shirt and hat. "I Fought in a War" was played with strings and percussion from the L.A. Phil. "Le Pastie de la Bourgeoisie" then followed, with the full orchestra playing.
At this point, everyone was sitting down and Stuart remarked that he hoped everyone would be up and dancing soon. Well, the drunk guy in my section started off early, right from the get go. Yes, he was annoying as all fuck, but at this point, I didn't care. He was just a minor inconvenience. I was fully entrenched in this show.
"The Model" with full orchestra came on next. At this point, I can feel my feet just tapping away and itching to get up and dance. I told my friends that once "Your Cover's Blown" is on, I'm going ape shit.
I took a bathroom break as B&S played "Sukie in the Graveyard." No orchestra for this one, with Stuart describing the story of the song (yeah S.F. Art Institute!) and giving props to the orchestra.
One of the more beautiful songs played was "Don't Leave the Light on Baby." With the full orchestra, it was the most beautiful rendition I've ever heard.
"I'm Waking Up to Us" with full orchestra followed. Then "Jonathan David" was next, with Stuart recruiting the services of a dummy named "Baby Beeyotch" to help them. She was entertaining, but did she really need to give that name. Stuart and Stevie thought it was funny.
"If She Wants Me" and then "Lord Anthony" came on. "Lord Anthony" was just magnificent. At this one, Stuart requested from the audience some mascara (blue preferred) and a dress. I nearly cried at this song. Here's a clip:
After "Dear Catastrophe Waitress" (full orch) and "If You're Feeling Sinister" (strings only) were played, the dance party began with "Your Cover's Blown." With the orchestra playing brass, percussion and strings, it was a lot dancier than your usual version. At this point, I was dancing in the aisle and encouraging my friends to do the same. As Stuart made his way in the pool area, I followed with my digi cam. And then, Stuart stepped out and went towards the audience!
YouTube Credit for "Your Cover's Blown": mschecht
At this point, I freaked out because Stuart was coming my way! I didn't know what to do, except to have my digi cam in my hand and take pics. As Stuart ran up the stairs, I ran up with him and was right behind him throughout the song. I didn't know what I was doing, but I was just doing it on impulse. I was just in such a B&S high that I have no control (or logic) of what I was doing.
Here's how close I was:
Dance! Dance! Dance! "Dirty Dream #2" came on with full orchestra. Unfortunately, during the three lines, Stuart was about to hand the mic to an audience member but the mic didn't work. I clamored for it, but to no avail.
I took a break for "I'm a Cuckoo" since the security guards were urging all of us to return to our seats. Same thing with "The Wrong Girl" and "If You Find Yourself Caught in Love." But when "Sleep the Clock Around" came on, we didn't care and we were filling the aisles and dancing! Dance! Dance! Dance!
Stuart thanked the orchestra and then returned for "The State I Am In."
As the opening tunes of "The Boy With the Arab Strap" came on, it was a full on dance party in the elevated area of the pool. I decided to join in and I was far stage left. I was dancing by myself, and then I turned around and STUART WAS BEHIND ME!! I danced with him for what seemed like an eternity, with all the audience just focused on us. I was amazed and I was just grinning with joy, amusement and bewilderment. I tried to follow his dance moves, but Stuart is a slick dancer.
They ended their set with that. It was amazing. It was surreal. I can't believe how crazy I was during the entire time. My friends had a fantastic time and were throughly amused by my antics and some of theirs. Audience members were giving me props for a job well done. A random girl gave me a hug saying that I was fantastic! Oh, B&S. Something about B&S and L.A. makes me smile.
Beer Rating: O Beer
2 comments:
you are a fun silly amusingly reckless boy ;P. wish i was down there, too, but i will live vicariously through your super-rockstardom! just like when you spoke those lines at the greek theater in LA during "dirty dream #2"!
-robin in L.A.
Post a Comment