Amazing.
Dublin was the first stop for my portion of the Reworked tour. I won’t try to give a complete set list as I was so caught up in the music and the whole night that I didn’t keep track of it carefully, but I’ll give a more detailed account on subsequent show reviews. The show begins with dramatic opening of a solo harpist on a dark stage. She’s eventually joined by Gary Lightbody and they complete a gorgeous rendition of The Finish Line. Starting with the finish, nice touch. I think it’s the first time I’ve seen a rock musician air-harping (think air-guitar, only harp). I think a trend is in the making. The first 50 minutes or so is filled with accoustic and quiet songs, some reworked from the more current albums, with a few past gems thrown in, such as Cartwheels (a Reindeer Section song) and Making Enemies. Following the first set we get an intermission to stretch our legs, use the loo, and stop at the bar.
The second set is about 90 minutes of reworked songs which are louder, getting (and keeping) the audience on their feet. The highlight for me was when Paul Noonan (from Bell X1) joined the band and sang vocals for An Olive Grove Facing The Sea. That made my year. Olive Grove being one of my very favorite songs and Paul Noonan being one of my very favorite singers.
The Planets Bend Between Us was reworked into something beyond amazing. It was already a tremendous song, but the new arrangement and addition of strings and horns took it to a level beyond it’s roots. Johnny McDaid (Frontman from Vega4) jamming on guitar to begin the song is incredible. I have to find a video/recording of this arrangement!
Chasing Cars has never been a favorite of mine. I know, I’m the only person in the world who doesn’t love this song. It did gain some significance to me when my 3-day old baby was hospitalized, but that’s another long drawnout story. I’ve always felt that the song didn’t really go anywhere and I found it boring (sorry guys). The New arrangement changes that, and this song became an incredible piece and finally sounded finished (to my ears).
A few songs we reworked with the new arrangements featuring steel guitar, lending them a bit of a country sound. I’m sure that was somewhat related to Gary LIghtbody’s upcoming side project, Tired Pony, which is said to be country-tinged. Run brought me to tears. It’s always had a special meaning to me and the new arrangement stripped down to strings and horns and vocals was very moving.
The show was heating up, the crowd was bouncing and dancing and singing their hearts out. The balcony was swaying. Swaying? wait, that was me. I hadn’t slept in 24 hours and was exhausted. The whole theatre felt like it was spinning. Maybe it was fatigue, or the Guinness, but I’d like to think it was the whole show that brought me to tears several times and nearly brought me to my knees (literally). Thank you Snow Patrol. Thank You Dubin. Thank you Melissa. Thank you Ireland.
by leighann
6 comments