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OK, so it took me awhile (hey, I was gone for several weeks on holidays.. ) but my interview with Glasvegas is here...and I proh-miss you’ll have a laugh!

We discuss: Their 1st encounter with Alan McGee, how are they managing /handling their continuous and rather quick rise to fame, how and why they picked their cover songs (Ronettes, Nirvana), things they love & hate about Scotland and Canada, what the Scots are like, Scottish acts on the international scene, Paul’s crazy (in a good way!) aunt, what happens to James Allen at night, and the problems of being barred from bars in Glasgow…

More Artist Interviews with Tara O.

To view interview and concert pics, double-click the picture beneath my review below.

Glasvegas Interview Description and Gig Review:

The interview went swimmingly! (Click on album below to see some interview pics) I think they appreciated my questions as we talked longer than planned. I also had the opportunty to ask some of YOUR questions you brought forward ..so stayed tuned for the interview to hear the answers they gave!

They started off strong with Geraldine. I’d been concerned how James’ voice would be (I wanted him,them to make a good impression on the Canadians!), having heard him having some vocal challenges on Craig Ferguson awhile ago (my review of that show here) but those concerns were quickly washed away as he did well song after song. See last pic in the photo album below for the track listings.

The lights were great, most people knew at least their hits and sang along (Geraldine, Cheating Heart, Go Square Go…) but you could see some werent quite sure for a few songs what to make of this `dark` scottish bunch but soon realized the band’s moody and sometimes shoegaze music really is enjoyable to listen to live. and in fact is more ‘upbeat’ live than on record. On some songs, everyone really lit up and sang and had fists pumping in the air…lots of fun!

The venue was, from what i could tell, full on the ground floor, only a few on the balcony…wasn’t clear if those were industry people only cause normally more go to the balcony so I presumed it was restricted access. The cool disco ball shone, reflected everywhere and a really cool pic of it is in the album.

Lead James didnt sway far from the front, center and his mic. started out in a leather jacket and often had eyes closed (but no sunglasses!) ..you’ll see some album pics actually have him open eyed! (they must be worth a fortune! ha) he really looked like he was singing the songs like it was the 1st few times he’s sung them, giving them the emotion and intensity they were originally derived from.

it was great to see Rab Allen, the guitarist and James’ cousin, movin about and into his guitar and at times back facing the crowd (not a bad thing!) to give some performance diversity.

He and Paul the bassist were alot more active – well, a normal level of active (but yeah, whats normal…anyways) and definitely looked engaged and enjoying what they were giving the crowd. Every now n then Paul would sneak over and visit Caroline on drums who was often not too visible because of smoke (sur scene) and lightning was darker, and in different colors around her. Upside, it produced some cool pics of her also in album ..and one of Paul you`ll see that I really liked with great contrast of him & bass against the black background.

A few songs in off came James’ jacket to reveal a …what else but..a pic of John Lennon & New york on a armless black tee. guess it was something he picked up ontheir NYC travels. plus no doubt he’s a big fan.

Even with eyes closed often and tight to the mic, James did a great job of relating to the crowd between songs..not so much by talking but he’d look out and make eye contact and one time after a swig of his Heineken, he leaned out and gave his still half full bottle to a girl a couple of rows in. she looked stunned! she didnt even drink it..maybe she`ll go home and preserve it somehow! A few songs later he’s back to a beer again…guess amps are a great thing to hide beer behind!

At `Daddy’s Gone’ during the refrain James stopped singing and everyone (or it seemed that way) took over and he seemed *quite surprised by the response ! ..think we coulda finished the song off for em!

A nice touch was at the end when he went from side to side to shake (and kiss, girls only!) hands – very surprising and gentleman-ly! I was among the few. fun! (yes, i`m a go-ul!)

my only complaint: it was too short!! and ok make that two things: i wouldda liked to have heard some of their cover songs (eg a great Nirvana Come as you are Cover) but I guess they’re not quite ready to share those yet.

ps. they’ve also an EX-cellent anytime of year worth listening to Xmas album

Glasvegas final pics2