John Grant

[cdm22]

Can not wait to get my hands on that Philharmonic Orchestra album

Mine turned up today so will be listening tonight to compare and contast with last nights gig which was rather good

(Its also in Fopp for a tenner should you have a store near you)

[kalifire]

I've been listening all day. It's beautiful, but in my heart of hearts I think John sounded a lot better in concert - there are points on the album he's a bit flat or strained. It's a shame he didn't wait until after the tour and release the best version of the songs he performed there, as they were better than what's recorded on this album, as lovely as it is.

[CaledonianGonzo]

Odd song choices for the encore at the Usher Hall on Saturday. That's The Good News should have stayed in its box.

[rjb94]

Odd song choices for the encore at the Usher Hall on Saturday. That's The Good News should have stayed in its box.

I'm not sure I know that one, but I thought ending with Fireflies and Caramel in Manchester was beautifully understated, especially after the bombast of Queen of Denmark and Glacier

[kalifire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zjpLF5201BU

It was a new one on me too, but I enjoyed it as the first part of the encore.

Edited December 1, 2014 by kalifire

[stuartbert two hats]

I've been listening all day. It's beautiful, but in my heart of hearts I think John sounded a lot better in concert - there are points on the album he's a bit flat or strained. It's a shame he didn't wait until after the tour and release the best version of the songs he performed there, as they were better than what's recorded on this album, as lovely as it is.

I didn't want to give my opinion since I knew how much everyone was looking forward to their new albums - but I agree. It was the debut with the orchestra (I think) and didn't gel as much as as Glastonbury, on the studio albums or on the live streamed concert the other night. It was still good, but not quite there.

Talking of his tuning, there's some points during his Glastonbury set where he's out by quite a bit, but it works really well for the song - especially on Black Belt. Sometimes not hitting the note can actually be good, especially when your ears are tired on auto-tune perfection everywhere.

[kalifire]

It's taken me a little while, but here's a quality audio rip of the concert John put on with the Royal Northern Sinfonia at The Sage, Gateshead in November. I rate this as superior to his BBC Philharmonic Orchestra release, in terms of performance (both him and the orchestra). I've just added the occasional fade in/out for ease of listening and removed awkward mic stand adjustment noises, etc.. This is being streamed for free at the moment and it's not commercially available so I don't believe I'm infringing on anything legally. If this is against forum rules, I apologies and please remove.

Here's the link: https://www.sendspace.com/file/6nhn1s

[carlosj]

John's performing on 6music tonight after the news at 7.30 with the orchestra again.

[Fingerbobs]

So he's out and about this summer (headlining Blissfields) so hoping he's back on Worthy Farm. Half way up the Pyramid wouldn't be a bad position.

[The_Amazing_Oblong]

So he's out and about this summer (headlining Blissfields) so hoping he's back on Worthy Farm. Half way up the Pyramid wouldn't be a bad position.

Not convinced about Pyramid (unless he brings an orchestra with him), reckon fairly high up on Park or West Holts would be a better fit.

[kalifire]

Emily was at the same gig as me in Bristol and tweeted about how blown away she was (rightly so). He's got a new album out this year so I'd imagine he's a shoe-in for Glasto. He certainly deserves to be; his orchestral tour was transcendent.

[stuartbert two hats]

Emily was at the same gig as me in Bristol and tweeted about how blown away she was (rightly so). He's got a new album out this year so I'd imagine he's a shoe-in for Glasto. He certainly deserves to be; his orchestral tour was transcendent.

You'd imagine so. Emily doesn't normally tweet casually, as far as I'm aware.

[Fingerbobs]

Not convinced about Pyramid (unless he brings an orchestra with him), reckon fairly high up on Park or West Holts would be a better fit.

He was just off top spot Sat night in the Park last year so will be different stage this time. I think his sound and persona is definitely big enough for the Pyramid.

[5co77ie]

West Holts?

[Fingerbobs]

West Holts?

Could be a good fit too. I reckon he's one of those acts that fits better outside rather than in a tent. Although The Other wouldn't work too well.

[CaledonianGonzo]

Pyramid.

(Though I said that last year as well....)

[eFestivals]

Pyramid.

(Though I said that last year as well....)

I'm thinking that'll have broadcast issues, so prolly won't happen.

[stuartbert two hats]

I'm thinking that'll have broadcast issues, so prolly won't happen.

You know, I hate this fucking town.

You cannot even leave your fucking house

Without running into someone who no longer cares about you--

Those kind of issues?

[eFestivals]

Those kind of issues?

yep, exactly that.

[zahidf]

Those kind of issues?

I'm sure the main stage has had songs with swearing on them before...

TBH, i think Second stage would be better anyway for him

[CaledonianGonzo]

Not suited for West Holts at all.

[eFestivals]

I'm sure the main stage has had songs with swearing on them before...

quite possibly, but I doubt any swearing in others is the central part of nearly all songs, as it is with Grant.

[CaledonianGonzo]

How did folk like Snoop Dogg and Wu Tang cope?

[Fingerbobs]

Or Lily Allen?!

[Wooderson]

Didnt stop them putting RATM on the Pyramid.