Nov 27, 2017
Lloyd Cole: Iconic Gig, The Wakefield Opera House
I’m going to highlight some of my personal picks from this special gig recorded at the Wakefield Opera House in 1990 performed by one of my all-time favorite singer/songwriters, Lloyd Cole.
On a shallow note, holy smokes!
I normally prefer shorter hair, but this entire look is scorchin’! In my opinion, Lloyd Cole was at his sexiest peak during this performance. I heartily approve of every single thing he’s got going on: glasses for part of the gig, an all black ensemble, and that hair!
Lloyd Cole: making the 5 o’clock shadow sexy decades before the 2017 Austin hipster would claim it!
“No Blue Skies”: The first song off of Lloyd Cole’s eponymous first solo album. One of my favorite tunes off of Lloyd Cole.
One of the early songs of the gig, but the boys loosen up as the show progresses for some livelier performances. I appreciate the range of the show and enjoy all of the backing band!
And did I mention that Lloyd Cole was ridiculously hot in 1990?!?
I’ve seen Lloyd Cole twice in Austin. The first time was at the now demolished Liberty Lunch while I was in grad school back in 1995. It was a surprisingly tiny crowd of about 50.
When Lloyd played “Brand New Friend,” a guy grabbed his date up onto the stage and started slow dancing with her off to the side. The bouncer quickly went to foist them off the stage, but Lloyd got his attention, quietly shook his head, and allowed the couple to finish their dance as he and the band kept playing.
I remember it vividly, finding it charming and romantic rather than rude, intrusive, or obnoxious. I was relieved Lloyd seemed to concur with my take on the situation.
Even in that public space, there was something intimate about that moment. I was impressed with Lloyd for not being a diva and allowing the couple, the band, and the audience to be swept up in the romanticism of the song.
“Don’t Look Back”: Another favorite tune from Lloyd Cole’s debut solo album. Oh, hey there, Matthew Sweet on backing vocals and guitar. Guitarist, Robert Quine, is bringing it on this one!
In 2015 I had the opportunity to see Lloyd perform solo at the intimate Cactus Cafe at the University of Texas Union.
I got there early and secured a seat less than 10 feet from him. In fact, he brushed past me at one point on his way to the bar.
He’s still dapper and handsome in a professor sort of way. I’m a fan of black (obviously) but equally partial to a corduroy jacket and some good shoes, so I was still rather smitten.
“Jennifer She Said”: Ah, what a classic! The lyrics, that sweepy melody, those jangly guitars. It’s a slightly livelier endeavor than the album version.
Excellent musicianship all the way around, but I think the keyboardist, Blair Cowan, wins MVP on this particular tune!
I got Lloyd’s autograph at the end of the 2015 Cactus Cafe show, babbling I’m sure.
For some reason, I had a spare piece of chocolate chip pound cake that I had baked earlier in the day. I plucked it from my purse and offered it to Lloyd, reassuring him that I had made it and it was tasty.
He graciously took it, saying he would eat it later in his hotel room.
He probably tossed it, but I like to think he might have enjoyed it. (As I type this, I’m channeling my best Chandler Bing impression: “Could I BE more random?”)
“Brand New Friend”: This was a later tune in the gig and the guys are looser. The drumming by Fred Maher on this is spectacular.
Probably due to Lloyd himself being a guitarist, I tend to focus on the guitar when I listen to his music.
This live version really proves how kick ass ALL the instrumentation is. A more exuberant version than the studio cut — a highlight of the show!
I wanted to offer that final song as a musical birthday dedication to one of my long-time pals and an ardent supporter of Bonnie’s Mixed Tape, the eternally cool and ever-so-alternative Christine! Apologies that this is a bit belated, but I wanted to get this one right in appreciation of your continued encouragement.
Thank you for reading this story
I know you are busy and have lots of ways you could be spending your time. You using your time to read my work means the world to me — my sincerest thanks.
