Only saw this mesaage now. I went to see Aimee Mann and it was brilliant. In fact I e-mailed a review of it to this site but so far haven't had any response so I don't know if it'll be published or not. You can, however, check it out at www.p45.net Look for "The Sound Of Music" forum - thread titled "Aimee Mann Rocks My World."

Paul's review of the Aimee Mann gig in the National Stadium is now live on CLUAS and can be checked out at: http://www.CLUAS.com/music/gigs/aimeemann2.htm There is also a 2nd (less positive) review of the gig by Brian Farrelly that I posted last night. It can be found at: http://www.CLUAS.com/music/gigs/aimeemann.htm There's loads more new content to be posted to the site over coming days (another 18 different articles to be precise...) eoghan Edited by - eoghan on 16 Jul 2002 08:41:31 Edited by - eoghan on 16 Jul 2002 08:42:28

Thought the gig was pretty good. She sounded fantastic, the band were tight but the venus was rather souless. T'was hot, the sound was poor blah blah etc etc. Mann is a great live performer. Anyone who saw her on the acoustic Vaudville tour will confirm. This tour was especially good as she identified the one weakness in her performances which is banter with the crowd and had a comedian who came on between songs to variously intro/slag her & the songs are well as the crowd which was extremely funny. Her music has a strange power but there is no *umph* to he voice so a good sound system is definitely required. Sadly, the stadium is lacking this and what could have been a brilliant gig just didn't hit the heights it should. Don't get me wrong, I'm a big fan - I just think that the venue sisn't showcase he talents and at 25 euro was a disappointment.

Yes indeed, fantastic performance. However Spleeno, I would not class banter with the audience as being indicative of a weak performance, it merely shows she doesn't take herself too seriously, adds to the performance more than anything else. As for your suggestion that she needs a good sound system to give her voice some 'umph', I think it was fine without really. No complaints, top marks on the scoreboard.

Actually, the banter comment is pretty much what she said herself during interviews for the "Acoustic Vaudville" tour. Artist who engage the audience between songs can be great (as by all accounts the Flaming Lips were on the same night). As for the sound, I thought it was poor and this would not help any artist. Mann is a fantastic vocalist but Tom Jones she ain't. All in all, I can think of many Aimee Mann gigs in previous years that have been far superior. This is in no way ment to be a dig at the artist - I feel that the venue conspired to make this a less than perfect gig which I regard as a real shame for such an acomplished artist. At the end of the day, with most gigs approaching 25 euro a pop, when it is less than perfect despite the artists best efforts, we have every right to complain. AImee Mann in Vicar Street of the Ambassador would be a gig to savour - the Stadium just did not deliver.