TheWaster.com :: Keith TOTP 06.05.09 The Mercury Lounge NYC

	Not to give the impression that all his music are sad recountings of bitter breakups, Keith immediately followed that with a joyous song of new love found. Before he started, though, he had to tell certain new members of the band the chord progression (A minor - G) and the number pattern relating to those chords (5 and 3) to budding young bassist Eddie Argos. Singing about how "I worry about you when I sleep," and "you're gonna be OK, it's gonna be alright. 'cause it'll be fine in the morning, it'll be fine, wait and see," Mr. TOTP conveyed a sense of caring companionship.
Keith introduced the next song by saying it was "either about how I use my extreme arrogance to cover up my insecurities, or it's about how me, and by extension my band - but not Jasper (pointing towards his and Art Brut's rhythm guitarist) - are better than you!" All to be met by a good natured grin from Jasper and chuckles from the crowd. However, when Jimmy's guitar gear began again making unwelcome noises, someone from the audience shouted "not James either." To which Keith replied "no James is still better than Jasper." It was a good-timey, lads-ribbing-each-other-on-the-schoolyard moment. The crowd was certainly feeling the love. On to the song which had a nice shuffling tempo, and where lyrics could be heard to state that "I don't watch reality tv, it's far too low-brow for me, don't you see." Leading up to the defining lyric "I hate to break it to you, but if you don't agree - your opinion doesn't matter, cause your not me." Keith's latest composition is delightful little number that states "Two of The Beatles Are Dead." Certainly no one can debate the accuracy of that statement. It is noteworthy to mention that this song is featured on a charity compilation that benefits the British Lung Foundation (to which he quite generously donated it to). On John, Keith sang about how he "loved Yoko Ono, and he quite liked baking bread, he thought that he could change the world by staying in bed. He imagined no possessions, but bought a house instead," and then we come back to the title line of the song. "George liked doing yoga, and he wrote 'Here Comes The Sun,' he lost his wife, to Eric Clapton" (yes, rhyming 'sun' with 'ton'). "I think he'd rather be in India instead," and back to the title of the song. There was one particular song where we finally discovered why Jimmy was essential to this night's performance. Opening the lead vocal on this one, Jim began a story about the love of his life "brings a tear to his eye" because their lack of trust "makes me electric - shocks me when it rains." It was quite a peppy, almost 50's sounding rhythm, and drummer Mikey Breyer attacked it with a gusto and enthusiasm. One could make the easy argument that Mikey was clearly the most professional and consistent member of this ensemble. For his part, Keith did provide adequate workmanlike rhythm guitar, and took the second verse of this upbeat ditty that sounded like it could have morphed into "There Goes My Baby" by The Drifters (though at a somewhat quicker pace) at any moment. The big chorus was sung in tandem by Keith and Jimmy and centered around the lyric "your love, your love, your love is evil."

Finally it was time for Keith to play his "biggest hit"- the always brilliant "I Hate Your Band." Having performed it many times now and with a variety of different lineups, this electrified hard rock rendition made a strong case for being the best version yet. Sawing back and forth between two monstrous chords, Keith had just the right dirty edge to his guitar sound.
Weaving a tale of being told about all the delights that London had to offer, it was the music acts that were supposedly to provide the most promise. Keith sings "so I went out and I found a pub, with plenty of money in my hand. Five minutes later, I'm back on the street, 'cause I effing hate your band!" "You and your friends are all in bands, and you all look and sound the same. You could all swap members, you could all swap songs, no one knows your bass players name" (though he did quickly add on this night that "it's Eddie Argos"). Jasper played a particularly enthused alternate rhythm guitar throughout, as Keith continued to explain how dressing alike, never smiling and never attempting a different chord all contributed to the boredom and monotony. Taking shots at popular UK (and in some cases here in the US) bands like Razorlight, The Kooks, Vampire Weekend and Ladyhawke one couldn't help but feel a similar aversion for much of what passes for contemporary rock music. Even though in previous performances of this song (but not on this night) Keith also railed against bands "sounding like The Jesus & Mary Chain," apparently sounding like The Velvet Underground is ok, as this song felt an awful lot like "White Light White Heat." But then again, I like bands that sound like VU. As long as it's done creatively - like Mr. TOTP here. For the grand finale, Eddie handed off the bass and came out front as a "guest vocalist" and did a duet with Keith that was quite animated. Apparently aimed at the UK band "Manic Street Preachers," both Keith and Eddie let loose a stinging criticism of this band. A sampling lyric went "if they're so political, why are they so shite?" The outtro to this scathing criticism centered around how band member Nicky Wire can suck something of theirs. Better heard than described, for those curious it will surely be found at some point on YouTube. Keith TOTP pulls no punches. He's clever, charming and most entertaining. He does not care who he offends or how. And yet, as far as I can see, everyone who comes in contact with him, likes him.

Keith TOTP :: 06.05.09 :: The Mercury Lounge

Eddie Argos on bass :: 06.05.09 :: The Mercury Lounge

Keith TOTP :: 06.05.09 :: The Mercury Lounge