I had the pleasure of seeing Camera Obscura at SXSW in 2006, and their following has apparently grown considerably in the past few years. People spilled out of the tent onto the lawns of the French Legation Museum and abandoned the folding chairs around the edges to catch a look. A few people couldn’t restrain themselves from making unsolicited requests for songs from Underachievers Please Try Harder. (And while that practice is only slightly less reprehensible than requesting Freebird, I secretly agreed with the sentiment.) Regardless of any requests, the band obliged us with a set list that included favorites from both Underachievers and Let’s Get Out of This Country, with all the 60s pop and R&B sounds, and Tracyanne Campbell’s achingly beautiful voice.
But despite the excited and cheerful crowd and equally sunny setting, the performance seemed subdued---true to the songs, but lacking in any particular live energy. I know the songs have a twinge of melancholy, but I still expected to see at least the hint of a smile, or any emotion really, from the band. And I know this is not polite to say, but Cambell looked pretty jet lagged, or at least nonplussed. So like most people under the tent, I was already a fan of the songs and was happy to be there, but I couldn’t help but notice that maybe Camera Obscura was underachieving a bit in their performance.
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Two songs go in, one comes out. Pick a side.
Also, I have yet to pay this venue a visit, is it good spot? good people, good vibe, good atmosphere?
... man, i hope i win some tickets…
by Jaz Bonnin-Aldatz on Thu May 17, 2012 at 12.27 am from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Looking forward to the show. Would love to win some tix for my pals.
by MC Breath on Wed May 16, 2012 at 07.40 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
I’m dying to see him no better place than FETE!!
by Telly on Tue May 15, 2012 at 02.57 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Sound does matter. Viva Le Fete!
by Auquanetta on Tue May 15, 2012 at 01.13 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
YES! i MUST go to this show! i was just strollin down the street the other day and saw the poster! SO stoked they’ll be in town.
by Jaz on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.30 pm from the entry: It's all good, see Fishbone for free at Fête
Fete Forever!!
by Tabitha on Mon May 14, 2012 at 05.08 pm from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
Congratulations and thank you to Fete for bringing talent to Providence! We needed this venue and vibe. Bless.
oh and I’d love to win tickets; its my boyfriends bday:D
by Ellen on Mon May 14, 2012 at 07.23 am from the entry: we'll see you (and Talib Kweli) at Fête!
