Live From Abbey Road Episode 6

First up is a relatively new band from the UK called The Hoosiers. The band members explain where they got the idea for their name and what it feels like to be recording at Abbey Road. This is their first album so they seem a little nervous, almost in awe of their surroundings. They are unapologetic about being a pop band, and have a lot of insight into what being pop means. They also play great music. The lead song ‘Goodbye Mr. A’ is fast paced and catchy, reminding me a bit of rock in the 90’s. The same can be said of their second song ‘Run Rabbit Run’ a slower bit where the lead singer really shows off his vocal range.

It’s great to be able to see them perform, considering that two of the members wear costumes while they play (the keyboard player wears a Spider-Man costume). The result looks like the band consists of members from different era’s and genres who have come together to make an album. Their final song is an excellent cover of Billy Joel’s ‘We Didn’t Start the Fire’. Where is that damn rewind button, each song stays with you, the band is simply excellent. I loved the horn section, mixed in with the guitars it all sounded great.

In perfect contrast to the first act is the Black Keys with their bluesy rock sound. The duo wastes no time getting right to the music after a brief explanation about how they tried to add more people to their band in the beginning, but nothing seemed to click, so they remained a duo. Their first song is ‘I got Mine’ which really shows off the lead singers vocal skills. He kind of reminds me a little of CCR or even Jimi Hendricks.

Seeing bands perform live is certainly where it’s at, and The Black Keys are a great example of that. They play with lots of energy and have a great sound. Their Song ‘Here I Am I Always Am’ is full of energy and heart; it’s just a great set that you have to see. Like the first act, The Black Keys are very aware of the history that surrounds them as they play at Abbey Road. I only wish that there was more time to listen to them talk about their experiences in the music industry.

The final act is a solo artist named Manu Chao who talks about playing small venues as a way to try out new songs. He likes to play at bars where he’s not widely known to get the best most honest reaction to his music. His music is a mix of different cultures and sounds that gives it a universal quality all its own. Having never heard of Manu Chao before this show was very eye opening. His first song ‘Mr. Bobby’ is a funky tune off his first album Clandestino. His other two songs are from his most recent album La Radiolina.

Live from Abbey Road is an hour long education in music, an education that is based on exposure. The show simply exposes the viewer to music that they might not have heard elsewhere. It also gives you a firsthand perspective into the music because the show lets the artist represent themselves in a way that they see fit, from what they wear to what they say; there are no bleeps for cursing or subjects that they shy away from. This is simply music at its best.