Took a trip last night into town to see the wonderful Tears For Fears at the House of Blues in Boston with my friend Robert.
A blog entry would not be a blog entry unless I threw in a bit of context and back story, and in the case of TFF it’s easy to come by.
It’s easy to forget that back in 1983, when their first album came out, “the Hurting” and all of it’s associated singles really did stand out in the crowd. Despite loving pretty much every track, it has never entered my CD collection purely on the basis of quite how tough a listen it is! Not only do the lyrics positively drip with the pain and suffering of Roland Orzabal’s childhood but the musical tone matches it perfectly, with an eerie tone and minor keys dominating throughout – perhaps it’s time to visit the iTunes store after all!
When it was followed up by the global juggernaut that is “Songs From the Big Chair” people somehow forgot the far darker first album, yet “Big Chair” is far more unusual that perhaps we all remember, with extended instrumental sections, sax solos and an outro track that is just plain weird.
My friend and, at that time, neighbour Steff would sit transfixed with her headphones almost welded to her ears with “I Believe” on repeat play (a neat trick when listening to Vinyl). The tempo of this song is so slow you can almost feel your heart rate decrease!! Even “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” has unusual 12/8 time signature (4/4 with the each 3rd bar punctuated with a frill) which seems the propel the song along in a barrelling feel.....Yet this album was HUGE – pretty much everywhere in the world. It’s really reminds me of quite how much more open to unusual music we were for much of the 80s.
And then along came the masterwork that is “Seeds of Love” – perhaps a controversial choice for some but to my mind one of the best albums of all time without a single duff track. You can hear the care and attention that has gone into the recording process but most of all the songs stand up so well. “Woman in Chains” should have been a massive hit but barely registered at the time :-( - “Badman’s Song” is an epic Jazz / Pop collision and “Year Of The Knife” sounds at once like a huge band improv that’s note perfect at the same time! (and yes I know how daft that sounds)
Solo Orzabal albums followed (a couple of them under the TFF name but still essentially just solo albums) before a real return to form (and the return of Curt Smith) with “Everybody Loves a Happy Ending” – Beatles-esque and brilliant.
And so to the gig....
House of Blues is a revamped venue that used to be called “Avalon” – which got plenty visits when I first lived out here. All standing downstairs (though with plenty elevated sections to nab a decent view) and seating and balcony sections surrounding on 2 further levels. It seems to lend itself well to a decent atmosphere whatever the gig.
I previously saw TFF at the Orpheum theatre in Boston – one of the oldest theatres in the USA (and the original home of Boston Symphony before they moved to the world famous Symphony Hall). At this time the Orpheum was a wreck, no AC (not good in a Boston Summer in a theatre filled with hot lights and people) vary cramped seats and terrible sound – a band had to work very hard to put on a good show. TFF pulled it off pretty well, but there seemed to me to be a little tentativeness as the band had only recently got back together and seemed to still be getting back into the grove.
How much a packed, enthusiastic crowd and a great venue can help cannot be understated but last night the band really seemed very happy in each other’s company from the outset and were obviously ready to enjoy themselves.
Michael Wainwright opened for the band – and put on a good show but it became clear why he was given his space on the tour when he contributed backing vocals – in particular taking on Oleta Adams’ vocal parts for Woman In Chains where he did a stellar job.
Highlights included “Mad World” (performed without any modern day updating - just as haunting as ever) “Head Over Heals” (which turns out to be a real singalong crowd pleaser) and the aforementioned “Woman in Chains” – not just for Michael Wainwright’s contribution but also a wonderful rendition of the intricate intro and powerful middle section.
Orzabal clearly has the better vocals, but in all honesty, the band were at their best when Curt Smith chips in with backing vocals / harmony or when the two trade lyrics between them.
New songs from “Happy Ending” came over well, with an enthusiastic response from the crowd, but it was pleasing to see how enthusiasm in the crowd was not reserved for just the big US hits, but also many of the tracks from “The Hurting” and “Seeds of Love”.
I’ve put together a video with some highlights – songs chosen more for the opportunity to hold up the camera than an attempt to capture a particular moment. I've embedded it as standard def - but try out the 720p option and let me know what you think (making use of the new HD iPhone video).
Far from an 80’s retro tour, they did come over as a current vibrant, and happy band – I’m optimistic that there is still more to come from TFF and as the band finished off the encores with “Shout” – along with obligatory audience participation – it certainly felt like the audience WANTED more – everybody loves a happy ending ;-)!
More Later
