Have to admit to a sense of disappointment in Charli XCX at Glastonbury choosing to not employ a band (or even any dancers), in an era where it's increasingly difficult for pro musicians to earn a living. Artistic choice I get it, but still
I've preferred XCX' Brat era (outright solo) performances to her earlier sets that had backup dancers, more formal choreo (and, back in the day, even a three piece all-woman live backing band). This now feels purer to me and truer to her art. I'd perhaps agree with you if you were talking about an outfit at that level not employing live musicians, when the music coming through the PA *sounds* like it's created by live musicians. In a way, that's something that slightly annoys me about the controversial band of the moment, Bob Vylan, since they have a huge amount of heavy electric guitar and bass on tape that could be a live power-trio. Though in their defence, huge profile spike aside they're still upcoming and suddenly hiring two extra musicians would impact their financial viability. But Charli XCX's music hardly ever *sounds like* live musicians, it's studio produced club music. So employing live musicians to replicate it would wholly compromise the sound and spirit of what she's doing. For me it's as off-piste as asking, say, Fatboy Slim or Nia Archives to hire a band. Or various solo acoustic singer-songwriters.
A superb list and MY GOD yes ANOHNI & The Johnsons were stunning - so lovely to catch up with you both in BCN!
Have to admit to a sense of disappointment in Charli XCX at Glastonbury choosing to not employ a band (or even any dancers), in an era where it's increasingly difficult for pro musicians to earn a living. Artistic choice I get it, but still
I've preferred XCX' Brat era (outright solo) performances to her earlier sets that had backup dancers, more formal choreo (and, back in the day, even a three piece all-woman live backing band). This now feels purer to me and truer to her art. I'd perhaps agree with you if you were talking about an outfit at that level not employing live musicians, when the music coming through the PA *sounds* like it's created by live musicians. In a way, that's something that slightly annoys me about the controversial band of the moment, Bob Vylan, since they have a huge amount of heavy electric guitar and bass on tape that could be a live power-trio. Though in their defence, huge profile spike aside they're still upcoming and suddenly hiring two extra musicians would impact their financial viability. But Charli XCX's music hardly ever *sounds like* live musicians, it's studio produced club music. So employing live musicians to replicate it would wholly compromise the sound and spirit of what she's doing. For me it's as off-piste as asking, say, Fatboy Slim or Nia Archives to hire a band. Or various solo acoustic singer-songwriters.
"there’s a huge breadth of listening I haven’t managed yet" me I've never knowingly heard a CXCX song.