|
|
|
The Roots - Manchester University, Wednesday 4th April 1999
| ||
|
It's not often that you get the chance to see genuine hip hop stars in your own town, so the University was sold out for the visit of recent chart worriers, The Roots despite the fact that the gig coincided with the FA Cup replay between Manchester United and Arsenal. The hip hop heads were out in force and greeted on the way into the venue by an old guy who confusingly declared, "You keep on knocking but you can't come in...got some good shit man." Support came from latest Fugee offshoot Melky Sedeck, a three-piece consisting of a vocals, piano and DJ and they received a warmish response to their soulful grooves, but they didn't offer enough beats to really get the crowd on their side. The atmosphere crackled with anticipation for The Roots' only northern show and at around 9:30 the main attraction strolled out into the hall, cool as you like and launched into a trademark, thick groove. The Roots are often lauded as being hip hop's finest live act and with the live band in full flow it's not hard to see why. With the crowd loving it, The Roots went from strength to strength, mainly drawing on the latest "Things fall apart" album, and all the time retaining an air of chilled, this is easy for us cool. Highlights for me were "Push Up Ya Lighter" and "Concerto Of The Desperado" from 96's "Illadelph Halflife" long player and when encore time arrived expectation was high for a blaze of cool glory finale. Unfortunately we were treated to the worst kind of onanistic, skills demonstration. First drums, then keys, bass, and eventually vocal gymnastic lasting around 45 minutes. All momentum was lost and the crowd's reaction descended from move-busting, to head-nodding, to watch checking in no time. All the while thinking, "Well they're bound to play a song sooner or later." But they never did. A disappointing end then, to an otherwise top show. (7) For further ill Roots info check: www.theroots.com or www.okayplayer.com
| ||