I am X
For those of you who aren't familiar with I am X, he's from the UK and writes Electronica music. He's got an amazing falsetto voice and he reminds me of a modern David Bowie. He sings about dressing in drag, kinks, and sexuality (with some anti-war themes thrown into the mix.) His songs range from being mellow to trancy.
Jojo, Cory, Faith, and I went to his concert at the Subterranian. We had tickets months in advance, and we also decided to make a day out of it so we took the train to the city. We had some delicious deep dish pizza for lunch, (can't for the life of me remember the name of the place) that had the best sausage I've ever had on pizza ever.
We walked to the venue so we knew where it was. There were already a couple enthusiasts in line at like 2pm. (doors didn't open 'till 9.) There was no way that guy in line was straight, and if it was any sign of who else might show up it made me giddy.
Then we wandered around a bunch. Was 52, overcast, windy, and sprinkling rain on and off. So it wasn't the best day to be out and about. Found a cute coffee joint to chill in when it got a little too bitter for us.
Had delicious Thai food for dinner. I am horrible with names, I just remember it had "lagoon" in the name and cute fishies on the sign. Great price, delicious food. YAY CURRY! I was sad we couldn't take the leftovers with us.
We got back to the venue at 7pm to wait in line for the doors to open. There was probably a dozen people in front of us so we had a good place. I was eager to see what kind of crowd would show up for this guy. People were also in crazy outfits with lots of make up to match the I am X style. Knowing that people here were supportive of Chris Corner and the crazy alternatives he sings about made me all warm and bubbly inside.
During the 2 hour wait for the doors to open, we made small talk with the people around us. There was a whole group of gals in front of us who were into the anime scene too.
My Dad showed up to join us just before the doors opened. I don't know if he knew what he was getting himself into but my bro warned him ahead of time it probably wasn't his style of music. Anyway, if it weren't for my dad Faith probably wouldn't have been able to get in since she was under age. Of course he was all sauve so despite the fact they were checking ID's at the door, we still managed to get her in.
A DJ opened for I am X... played from 9:30 to 10:40 ish with us all dying to see what we came for. The stage had a keyboard, guitar, drums, and another mini keyboard that Chris played. The drumset was probably the most bare looking drumset I've ever seen at a show. Just snare, tom, floortom, bass, and a few symbols. But let me tell you the drummer didn't need any more drums, he rocked that set with I am X's beats and there were just as driving and unique as they sounded on the CD.
I was so happy he played with a band. Being an electronica artisit I didn't know what to expect... would there be a back track he sung over? Would he do an acoustic concert? Nope, he played with a band.
Great stage presence, all sorts of dark and funky outfits. They get up there and the beat for, "Bring me back a dog in the next life," came on. We were all freaking out. We were RIGHT BY THE STAGE and we had the keyboard player on our side. Seriously, not only did she have an amazing stage presence but she played great keyboard, and she was extremely attractive. I want abs like hers. *drools a little* Also, she got spanked a lot on stage. Haha, gogo Chris!
They did a great job playing the same sound you hear on the CD's. I was happy to hear them play, "Spit it Out," and, "Nightlife." In the encore he played, "President" too and it sounded great. I was so happy they played that song. I would've liked to hear, "Heat wave," or "Missile" too but I wasn't going to complain. He played a lot of his new songs too. Jojo picked up his new Cd and a T shirt that ended up being too small for him so I got it instead. :D
It was awesome to see Chris Corner, who knows if I'll ever have that opportunity again. Jojo and Cory got to touch him and we're freaking out about it. Seriously, I thought he'd have to change his pants. :P
I love the feeling of being at a concert with music all around you. Being surrounded by people who share the love of that music, all being connected by the same beat.
I want to be back in the crowd, with the beat. The only thing I was disappointed by was the lack of dancing. There were people swaying a bit to the music sure. But I am X can be very trancy, he's got some songs that are great to dance to. Oh well. I miss clubbing and dancing too much I guess. I still had a great time regaurdless.
Was still exhausted all day Sunday from it. All I could do was lounge around and read.