September 18, 2008 22:01

Nick Cave 'bowls' over Los Angeles

Spiritualized also deliver an inspired set

Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds won over a packed house at the Hollywood Bowl last night (September 17) with an energetic, theatrical performance that focused heavily on Cave's most recent album, 'Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!'.

Decked out in a black suit unbuttoned down to his navel, the veteran showman ran through songs including 'Night Of The Lotus Eaters', 'Into My Arms' and 'Deanna' in an energetic style.

"Here's a song I wrote that Hollywood made famous. This is for Wes Craven," Cave said when introducing 'Red Right Hand', which was featured on the soundtrack to Craven's movie 'Scream 2'.

"This song contains within it the meaning of all things, so pay attention," Cave quipped when introducing 'We Call Upon The Author'.

The band's set was cut short due to venue policy, as Cave explained: "We have a curfew and we have just a few minutes left so we'll assume we got an encore," Cave said, before launching into 'Stagger Lee'.

Earlier in the evening, Spiritualized warmed up the crowd with their atmospheric songs. Jason Pierce led the charge with two female back-up singers, and a full electric band rather than the string quartet he toured with earlier this year.

Wearing his trademark dark glasses, Pierce hardly said a word throughout their 45-minute set, while anthems like 'Shine A Light' and 'Lay Back The Sun' were met with a huge reception.

Cat Power kicked off the night with her mellow interpretations of songs by bands including Creedence Clearwater Revival and Hank Williams, as well as original material.

Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds played:

'Night Of The Lotus Eaters'
'Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!'
'Tupelo'
'Today's Lesson'
'Red Right Hand'
'Into My Arms'
'Midnight Man'
'The Mercy Seat'
'Deanna'
'The Ship Song'
'We Call Upon The Author'
'Papa Won't Leave You Henry'
'Hard On For Love'
'Stagger Lee'

Spiritualized played:

'You Lie You Cheat'
'Shine A Light'
'Cheapster'
'Soul On Fire'
'Walkin' With Jesus'
'Ladies And Gentlemen'
'Death Take Your Fiddle'
'Lay Back In The Sun'
'Come Together'

Cat Power played:

'I Don't Blame You'
'Dreams'
'Women Left Lonely'
'Silver Stallions'
'Fortunate Son'
'Dark End Of The Street'
'Metal Heart'
'Song To Bobby'
'Naked'
'Ramblin Woman'
'Angelitos Negros'

--By our Los Angeles staff.
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