RtS: In the Venue - Lily Allen & Natalie Portman's Shaved Head

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Rank the Swank - Live Music and Albums


Overall Swank Rank

In the Venue
Lily Allen & Natalie Portman's Shaved Head
Pop/Alternative
April 8, 2009
ResURL Answer


The Lowdown
The rain poured down, along with some tasty beats in the SLC.

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The Scene
I've generally enjoyed Lily Allen's music. She was phenomenal, but I may have a new fave in Natalie Portman's Shaved Head.

We got to In the Venue about 20 minutes before 7, when the doors were set to open. It was chilly and windy, forewarning us of the rain yet to come. The crowd was mixed, and we were ready for a good time.

When we made it over to the "drinker's section", I didn't know what to think. I'd never seen a club like this. All thirsty people were kept behind a cage, essentially. But, since we were there early enough, we scored the best seats in the cage - about five feet from the stage. Plus, I got to keep the gin in generous supply, thanks to some handy bartenders on the premises.

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head took the stage promptly at 8. I'd heard of them before but couldn't remember any songs, so I kept my mind wide open. From "Beard Lust" to "Sophisticated Side Ponytail" J and I were totally hooked into their techno-tinged, 80s inspired, rockin', thumpin' beats. We knew right away we'd have to go home and get their album. And we did.

Their blog.

After a 30 minute set and 30 minutes to go get a third tasty gin and tonic, Lily took the stage. She started with a flash of great beats and a beautiful voice. After the first two songs, she spoke, and it was clear she had something wrong. She'd been losing her voice, sang another song, and then grabbed a cigarette. In fact, about half her band lit up. Gah!

All-in-all, Lily sounded great and put on a show that was better than what I ever could have expected in such a venue. She did the popular songs, a handful of low-key fan faves, some B-sides, and a version of "Womanizer" during her encore that puts the Britney one to shame, for a grand total of an hour-and-a-half of sonic happiness from Ms. Lily and her band. It was small, cramped, but had great sound and decent bartenders. I wish I was smart enough to bring my camera.

By the time we left, the rain was pouring, but we couldn't stop smiling.