In this world of free downloads, music instantly at our fingertips, and the average age of the gig-going audience rising with the passing of the years, I worry that there is a whole generation out there that has never really experienced the joy of live music. Not the big stadium events that you watch via the big screen from half a football pitch away, but honest, close-up and intimate live performances.
Live albums used to be a big deal, but they seem to have become less popular with the rise of over-polished and over-produced one-hit releases for those with a short span of attention.
So it is great to find this two-track live release, Thoughts That Keep Me Up At Night (Live) from Jess Yaffa, a brace of songs that balance her excellent songwriting with the in-the-moment vibe of the live show, complete with the sound of audience responses – from background chatter to sing-alongs to woops and yells of encouragement.
“Just For One Night,” appropriately, about living in the moment and giving in to spontaneity and fun, is a slow burner that grows and growls its way up from raw, understated rhythms to the perfect fist-in-the-air raucous live favourite, a pop song with an urge to explore rock and roll realms.
“Taylor” has a similar dynamic rise, but is from the start adorned by chiming guitar lines that ebb and flow through the song, remaining ornate and interesting, even as it hits sonic crescendos and heads for the finish line.
But more than anything, it sounds like a great night out, and that, at the end of the day, is what this live one-two is selling. Consider it sold.
