"I am always amazed that this powerful voice comes out of such a skinny-looking chain-smoker. "
"I am always amazed that this powerful voice comes out of such a skinny-looking chain-smoker. "
Brendan Benson had to compete with a sunny summer evening in the Netherlands and he lost. There were more people sitting on the outside terraces of Rotown than inside watching this Detroit boy. It’s understandable, given how many months we spend sun-deprived in this country, but a pity nonetheless. Back in February, I had the pleasure of seeing Brendan play an acoustic show in the small room of Amsterdam’s Paradiso. That show wasn’t sold out either, but the room was reasonably full, and the crowd was very enthusiastic. His new album, The Alternative To Love, hadn’t even hit stores yet, and he had the optimism and anticipation that perhaps all these years of being a struggling artist would finally bring the success he deserves. After three months of nonstop touring, he had lost some of that spark. The crowd was clearly a disappointment to him, and I noticed a definite difference in Brendan’s mood. Can you blame him? The night before the Rotown gig, he was opening up for Beck in front of a packed crowd at Heineken Music Hall.
Thats not to say he didnt put on a good show. I have all of his albums, and I wasnt disappointed. Brendan is a brilliant singer and songwriter. I am always amazed that this powerful voice comes out of such a skinny-looking chain-smoker. His songs lose nothing in the live translation. This is upbeat, introspective pop music at its absolute best, Benson belting out great versions of Get It Together and Feel Like Myself. It was also wonderful to see him backed by such a talented group of musicians. He can definitely hold his own on stage even if he seems a little uncomfortable being the centre of attention. Back in February I also made some promo shots of him. He told me how nervous he was being photographed, and I told him how nervous I was photographing him. He was shy and sweet. I asked him if he liked living in Detroit, and he said "well, it’s cheap". I hope that Brendan finally gets the attention he deserves, and he can kiss his money worries goodbye. He has already recorded an album with his good friend Jack White, which will be released next year. This collaboration with The White Stripes frontman will surely bring an additional spotlight to Brendan’s music. Luckily, the small Rotown crowd was able to make enough noise to lure Brendan and friends back for an encore. However, when he asked the audience if they knew the song, Sittin Pretty, from his first album, One Mississippi, the room went dead quiet. He skipped it and played the last song, No Dial Tone. I should have said something. I love Sittin Pretty, but like Brendan, I am also shy in front of a crowd. Hopefully, he will make another attempt to win over the Dutch public soon. In the meantime, buy his albums and spread the word. I will be very sad if I am only person at his next show who actually knows his songs.
Set List: Between Us Good To Me Blessed Get It Together Folksinger Feel Like Myself Metarie Alternative to Love Tiny Spark What I’m Looking For Cold Hands Spit It Out Insects Your Quiet
Them And Me Sittin Pretty/The Pledge (he skipped this one) No Dial Tone
Words: Victoria Jacob