The Lemonheads, Manchester Academy 2, 13th September 2009

This was the gig I've always wanted to see - The Lemonheads are utter perfection. I've seen Evan Dando a couple of times acoustic, and he never fails to whisk me away, but seeing him perform as the Lemonheads, electric and acoustic, was special. He always seems a little nervous when he comes onstage, and generally looks like he's trying to hide behind his hair, but the music soon takes over. The crowd were very attentive, listening carefully to every word he sang, singing along under it's breath, and in the perfect venue for a gig like this. Evan Dando always fascinates me - he plays the songs almost 'album perfect', but there is always some feeling of improvisation, as though the songs are being written as he sings them. He plays the guitar in a natural flowing 'intuitive' kind of way, letting notes ring out and not rushing or sticking to the rhythm, it really makes you feel like that song can only exist for that moment.

Here's the setlist:

Layin' Up With Linda (Off 'Varshons')
Down About It
Confetti
Pittsburgh
My Drug Buddy
Style
Bit Part
Big Gay Heart
Hospital
Dandylion Seeds (Varshons) - This was ACE!
It's About Time
Tenderfoot
The Green Fuz

Evan Dando Acoustic:
No Backbone
Favourite T
Into Your Arms
Why Do You Do This To Yourself
The Outdoor Type
Ride With Me
All My Life - The crowd LOVED this acoustic section, I recon you could have had us all in one big group hug at the end of this (yes even the everso trendy Manchester types).

Encore:
Rudderless - The BEST song to end on with that beautiful chord at the beginning! Wanted more though :-)

Thanks Evan!