Another night with Mitch Benn
Just back from seeing Mitch Benn and the Distractions. Fourth time I've seen him, second time with the full band. Got there a bit late owing to leaving my wallet in my work trousers and having to double back, and therefore missed a couple of numbers at the beginning. Doubly frustrating since I'd dragged my friend Dave along to the show, who isn't that familiar with Mitch and was only there because I'd told him it'd be good. Thankfully, once we'd finally overcome all the hassles, it was.
Several high points: one was a song about how the politics of the major British parties have shifted around so much that it's hard to know who stands for what any more, which was basically an excuse to illustrate the point by having all three band members swap instruments repeatedly throughout the song. Another was Baby I Love You (But Not Like I Love My Phone), which was doubly funny because his wife was in the audience and hadn't heard it before. Despite some indignant looks at the beginning she was waving her own phone in the air by the end of it.
And there was the big epic - and forthcoming single - Proud of the BBC. You know We Didn't Start The Fire by Billy Joel? Like that, but composed entirely of the titles of programmes made by the BBC. Before playing it he said "we've played this song seven times so far on this tour. I've got it right twice." At the end he breathed a huge sigh of relief and held up three triumphant fingers.
And then performed his tribute to ITV. Which was... somewhat different.
After the show I queued up at the merchandise stand to fill another gap in my CD collection. I'd worn the custom t-shirt I printed to wear to DWCon; it seemed fitting for an evening of musical comedy. Mitch spotted it and said "oh, I love that! Where can I get one?" On hearing I'd made it myself he suggested I sell it on Zazzle. Given the copyright issues I don't think I'll take the risk, but I've mailed him the link so he can print one himself if he wishes.
So, a bad start, but a good evening, ending in Win.
Several high points: one was a song about how the politics of the major British parties have shifted around so much that it's hard to know who stands for what any more, which was basically an excuse to illustrate the point by having all three band members swap instruments repeatedly throughout the song. Another was Baby I Love You (But Not Like I Love My Phone), which was doubly funny because his wife was in the audience and hadn't heard it before. Despite some indignant looks at the beginning she was waving her own phone in the air by the end of it.
And there was the big epic - and forthcoming single - Proud of the BBC. You know We Didn't Start The Fire by Billy Joel? Like that, but composed entirely of the titles of programmes made by the BBC. Before playing it he said "we've played this song seven times so far on this tour. I've got it right twice." At the end he breathed a huge sigh of relief and held up three triumphant fingers.
And then performed his tribute to ITV. Which was... somewhat different.
After the show I queued up at the merchandise stand to fill another gap in my CD collection. I'd worn the custom t-shirt I printed to wear to DWCon; it seemed fitting for an evening of musical comedy. Mitch spotted it and said "oh, I love that! Where can I get one?" On hearing I'd made it myself he suggested I sell it on Zazzle. Given the copyright issues I don't think I'll take the risk, but I've mailed him the link so he can print one himself if he wishes.
So, a bad start, but a good evening, ending in Win.