This review is totally my own and is intended for information only.
My reviews are obviously biased and based upon my opinions. I've already
spoken to a couple of people who have disagreed with my views, but hey,
everyone's different and entitled to their own opinions.
The Slippery Stage (Talent winner) Anna Meldrum came on and there was a
problem with leads and the guitar couldn't be heard. Whilst it was being
sorted she got the crowd to sing Baa Baa Black Sheep. She was very pretty.
Appeared to be very confident and sang a song called "Pin The Tail On The
Donkey". I felt that the song repeated itself too much, but she sang well
and I was disappointed when that was it. I thought she was going to do
more.
I would have liked to have heard more. I think that she is one to watch in
the future. Reminded me a little (vocally) of Edie Brickell.
Kid Creole & The Coconuts - Eddie Bongo came on to introduce the band. He
looks like Cee Lo Green from Gnarls Barkley. It was his birthday and it
marked the fact that he had been with the group for 25 years. The group
looked and sounded sensational (can I use that word? sounds a bit like
Tony
Blackburn!). As long as they performed Stool Pigeon I was going to be
happy.
For early afternoon the crowd were very responsive and they and I enjoyed
the set. Plus Mikey Craig (from Culture Club) was on bass.
The Beat - Not as good as they used to be. I was bored by the performance.
Quite a few Ska heads in the crowd though. Crowd as a whole seemed to
enjoy.
Cutting Crew- I didn't watch. My back was aching from standing for 2 days.
So I went off to the Slippery Stage (Review at end)
Four Good Men - I was still at the slippery stage
Nick Heyward - He was smiling and enjoying himself. The crowd seemed to
like
him. Nick Beggs was there again joking with the female singer (far too
giggly!). For me there was no spark. It wasn't good. It wasn't bad. It was
OK.
Hazel O'Connor - I thought this was terrible. She looked awful and the
sound
was awful. You could see and hear people trying to sing along, but it was
all a bit of a mess.
Curiosity Killed The Cat - Dated very badly. I didn't enjoy this at all.
Ben
just wouldn't shut up. Maybe if he'd just sung the hits and shut up, I
might
have enjoyed it more. The crowd seemed to think it was alright.
Hue & Cry - Along with Tony Hadley. I'd say that this was one of the best
performances of the weekend. Pat's voice is outstanding. Again, as long as
they did "Violently", I was going to be happy. These guys can carry on
forever. Pats voice is as strong as it ever was and Greg's keyboards were
faultless. I loved this performance. The crowd enjoyed it too.
Kim Wilde - To tell you the truth. This is why I bought my Reftrofest
ticket. I have been in love with Kim Wilde forever. I think she could have
sung awfully and I wouldn't have minded. She looked sensational and
sounded
superb. I'm still in love with her (And Joanne from The Human League). And
I
was pogoing to every song .... even four letter word. Nick Beggs was there
AGAIN. I thought tat he looked like Martin Gore from Depeche Mode and when
Kim referred to him as the band's personal Jesus I assume that he must be
aware of this. Plus they did a blinding cover of Depeche's "Enjoy The
Silence". I think that Kim should have headlined instead of Belinda
Belinda Carlisle - I only saw 2 songs as I had to go and get my taxi. What
I
saw was OK though. The crowd were still up from Kim's set, so everyone
seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Slippery Stage - I saw a number of acts over the 2 days (approx 6 but not
including the winner who I saw on the main stage and reviewed earlier) and
I
only thought that one of them was any good. Sure they were proficient, but
not outstanding.
The one act I did enjoy was Adriana. She was a great looking girl (in a KT
Tunstall kind of way), she had a great figure and sounded a little like
Joni
Mitchell. I enjoyed her first song. I didn't really like the 2nd song it
was
too similar to the first. But I enjoyed the other songs. Again I think she
is one to watch for in the future.
Overall, I enjoyed Retrofest and I think it will improve year upon year.
I'm
a POP fan at heart which is why my Highlights were Kim Wilde, The Human
League, Kajagoogoo and Kid Creole. I will await the line up for next years
show with great eagerness.
I invite you to post your thoughts or reviews to the NG or me directly.
But
I would advise that I will not read them if any swearing is involved.
Thank you.
Leon (AKA Quagga!)
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