I'll Be Lightning

Yep, after listening to Liam Finn's solo album, I guess I'll be lightning too...

Such a great album, for a young artist. Simple yet powerful songs, and the production is just right for what he is trying to convey. For me, right now, this music soothes as much as it hurts... and that makes me feel all right, which really is a good sign.

The music is pure, Liam Finn's guts is right there, but the joy and melody he brings makes it kind of happy, even if it is sad. Songs such as "Second Chance", "Energy Spent", "Better to Be", "Remember When" and "Fire In Your Belly", just show how much he is able to capture a feeling and to keep it simple and touching while not dilluting the power of his songs and of his melodies. All in all, it really is impressive for a first record.

Recently, seeing Liam live for the second time (he opened this summer for Eddie Vedder (and yeah, I know, I still have not written about that incredible concert....)) was a good as it gets. I still had not bought his album, yet his melodies were engraved in my head from the first I'd seen him. However, this time was a private concert, in front of 250 persons at "La Sala Rossa" in the neighborhood that has seen the "Montreal Scene" grow. Seeing Liam there was just great. Yet, he is humble, brings a lot of energy and soul to his performances, yet, he still sets his gear himself before the show, and enjoys the presence of his little brother (from which I bought Liam's CDs) giving him a hand at selling merch and helping out on rhythm guitar for a few songs.
I was more than happy to buy Liam's CDs straight from his family, knowing that he would appreciate not being raped by the parasites of the music industry.

As for the concert, it is an impressive one-man-band. He loops himself on bass, guitar, drums, and adds his vocals on top. But be warned, seeing him live his totally different than his listening to his album... so much more energy, closer to a rock show actually.

Oh... and who I taught was his girlfriend, hanging by the stage for the duration of the show, might actually have been the most beautiful women I've ever seen...

So, now that I've teased you concerning this great songwriter, here are a few links for your consumption! Be sure to encourage him and get his CD, it is worth it!

Liam at Letterman performing Second Chance:

I'll Be Lightning Video:

Liam's website: liamfinn.tv.