29/03/2015

THE RESIDENTS - 'Shadowland' Tour, 2014


THE RESIDENTS - 'Shadowland' Tour, 2014

 The American avant-garde group The Residents began their (short) European tour in the extremely cosy concert hall De Vooruit in Ghent. "Shadowland" is the third and final part of the trilogy, the third tour to celebrate their 40th anniversary. Living in Belgium, I am very fortunate.

With performances in Brussels (AB, 2010) and Kortrijk (De Kreun, 2010) , Leuven (Het Depot, 2013) and now in Ghent (De Vooruit), I had the privilege to experience the entire trilogy, in which Randy, Chuck and Bob Life aspire to examine life in reverse.

Part 1 of the trilogy, "The Talking Light" was a study about death and ghosts.

Part 2, "Wonder of Weird" was focussing on love and sex. And today, in the third part, "Shadowland": birth and rebirth were examined.

"Shadowland" is a fitting conclusion to the trilogy. A magical scenery awaited us, black and white checkered banners, vertical light bars and a huge white ball formed the setting against these gentlemen were performing.

Ingenious lighting and intriguing films about birth, rebirth, near-death experiences and reincarnation, which were projected on the giant white ball, gave that extra touch, but it was mostly their music (as in each tour) that charmed me once again.

With an extensive catalogue, it is of course not difficult to fill a show and their quirky, new interpretations of their own songs makes this even more intriguing. Randy stumbled and staggered as usual on the stage, and with his conjuring trembling fingers and vigorous gestures all compositions, masterly played by Bob & Chuck, got the necessary visual support to present us one highlight after another.

Their music varies enormously, partly because of their bizarre, quirky combinations of electronics, deconstructed rock 'n' roll and even a touch of avant-garde jazz, all graced with surreal visuals and freaky stories.

It is therefore impossible to discuss all the songs but with superb and wayward versions including opener "Rabbit Habit" (The Bunny Boy) , "Harry The Head" (Freak Show) , "Blue Rosebuds " (Duck Stab) , "Fever Dream" (The Bunny Boy) and "Easter Woman" (Commercial album) The Residents managed to convince me (once again) of their genius! In 2010 The Residents began this trilogy to celebrate their 40th anniversary.

If I count correctly, next year they may celebrate their 45 years of existence. Hopefully they do that again with a smashing trilogy.

Looking forward

THE RESIDENTS 1972-1983

Residue Deux - Collected unreleased songs from 1972- 1983

THE RESIDENTS

Stars & Hank Forever: The American Composers Series

RALPH RECORDS LOGO

Les 45t de Ralph Records / The Cryptic Corporation / Pore No Graphics.

ART BEARS

 Rats & Monkeys / Collapse (1979) 

RALPH RECORDS - BUY OR DIE

 Buy Or Die 1980 (1980)
 Buy Or Die Number #14 (1987)
 Buy Or Die Number #14 1/2 (1987)
 Buy Or Die 1981 (1981) 
Buy Or Die 1980 1/2 (1980)

EUGENE CHADBOURNE

198666 (1986)

FRED FRITH


Dancing In The Street (1980)

Mashed Potatoe (1987)

Mashed Potatoe (1987) 

THE RESIDENTS COVERS ALBUMS

 Commercial Single (1980)
 Satisfaction (1976)
 The Beatles Play The Residents And The Residents Play The Beatles (1977)

Commercial Single Two (1980)

THE RESIDENTS COVERS ALBUMS

 The White Single (1984)
 Santa Dog (1972)
 Santa Dog '78 (1978)
 Meet The Residents (1974)
 It's A Man's Man's Man's World (1984)
 Meet The Residents (1977)
Live In Vienna (1983) 

Babyfingers (1981) 

 Babyfingers (1979)  

Duck Stab (1978)  

Satisfaction (1976)

THE RESIDENTS COVERS ALBUMS


  
Kaw-Liga (1986)
Hit The Road Jack (1987)
  It's A Mans Mans Mans World / Jailhouse Rock (1986)
 Kaw-Liga - Housey Mix (1989)
 From The Plains To Mexico (1989)
 Earth Vs. The Flying Saucers (1986)
An Almost Complete Collection Of Lyrics - 1972 To 1988 (1989)
Don't Be Cruel (1990)Double Shot (1988)

Double Shot (1988)


SCHWUMP

Aphids In The Hall (1976)

SNAKEFINGER COVERS ALBUMS

 What Wilbur? / Kill The Great Raven (1979)
 I Gave Myself To You (1986)
 The Model (1980)

 The Man In The Dark Sedan (1980)


The Spot (1978)

SUCKDOG

Kill Ralph Records (1990)

TUXEDOMOON SINGLES

What Use? (Remix) / Crash (1982)
 Dark Companion / 59 To 1 Remix (1980)
What Use? (1980)

RALPH RECORDS SINGLES

17x7 The Ralph Singles (1984)

VOICE FARM

   Johnny Belinda (1987)

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