Spring into a Strut

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It seems like such a long time since we were left suspended hot and speechless by the Fantasy Springs concert. I've been slowly working through the set in order of your favourites so here is my latest addition to the collection, a little memory while we wait for the IIHY video and the Glam Nation tour. I was actually a little surprised that this song was so far down the list because it was hovering in the top part of mine.



The more I see this costume, the more I appreciate it, especially because there hasn't been a repeat. When I see the hair, it reminds me of a Labyrinthine Bowie and those trousers have shades of harlequin in them but they also creep around like a pair of serpents. I absolutely love the part of this song where Adam does a little hippy tribal dance around an imaginary camp fire, summoning down the spirits of hedonism. It's also because it feels perhaps like a child pretending to be an aeroplane — a moment completely free of inhibition — which hasn't been that common lately because of the staged pop numbers. There are other parts of the song where I get the same feeling, like just after the climax when he jumps from side-to-side — moves that I can't imagine a choreographer would ever put into a routine.

The core of this song has to be that sassy strut and seeing it for the first time was jaw-dropping. He's very aloof but so OTT that he pulls it off with such poise as to make any catwalk model weep. I remember celebrating it with a 'Whoop!' so I've added a little emphasis on it in the video. I also laughed at his little jiggle immediately after, just in case anyone was taking him too seriously. At the end, he breaks out of fierce to become all sweet and smiles. It's a strong vocal, with a couple of marginally flat notes but plenty of magnificent big ones too. The bassline coupled with Adam's energy really do make you feel good enough to strut, and after watching it, I might just do that. Feel free to come and join me!

DOWNLOAD Strut mp3 - 8.0MB
DOWNLOAD Strut iPod compatible mp4 - 40.7MB
DOWNLOAD Strut HD mp4 - 58.4MB

KISS 108 Concert

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Wow, there has been so much suckitude at this concert because no one seems to be able to sing live. Still, listening to people making my ears bleed is something I've gotten used to in the course of following Adam. Here's the media so far, which I'll be updating as the night wears on:

Backstage interview:


Playlist of full set - use the arrows to change songs:


DOWNLOAD Interview - Real Media file *.rm (Audio in synch, plays with RealPlayer/VLC Player) - 22.0MB
DOWNLOAD Adam Lambert's full set (Intro, WWFM, MA, Strut, Sleepwalker, IIHY) - Real Media file *.rm - 62.4MB

It's too late to write a proper review now, so here are my stupid tweets in the meantime:

WWFM!
He sounds very high, did they up the key?
Same jacket as on Leno with the mohawk on the back #kiss108
Spray-on pants! #kiss108
Same leather ones as on Ellen - except without strategically placed shirt
Are they missing the keyboards today? Sounds very different
Wonder what Tommy's solo's gonna sound like #kiss108
Tommy did a decent job, but the guitar sounds a little strange, kinda jangly.
First person tonight who can actually sing live and he sings fucking brilliantly. #kiss108
Bitch has the best strut going. #kiss108
Cameraman fail. Need to see those moves #kiss108
He seems to have an odd patch over the crotch area.
Sleepwalker!!!!!
Not the best start though
STOMACH SKIN!
Go Adam! Kill it! That is some serious belting going on!
Fist bump with LP - cute.
I almost thought he was gonna keep the language clean
Do-do-do-do-do-dooooo!
Wonder why he decided to leave out the dancers
Misbehavin' hair!
OMG that mouth is huuuuuuge!
Bouncy Adam is so cute

If I Had a Glittery Zebra

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I didn't stay up to watch the Leno stream so I was in for a pleasant surprise this morning. Those trousers! Only Adam. Up top with the black he means business - it's a little TfM or a little Satisfaction, but it's a party downstairs. The jacket seems to be a new one, a little longer than usual and quite plain until we see it has a mohawk at the back. Yes, the jacket has a fucking mohawk! He's definitely working that tribal beasty glam. It's the first time we've seen his hair down since getting his sides razored and it looks a little new wave. I like it and I'm sure it won't be long before I love it.



The feel of this performance is very different to the Ellen one. He's more of a rock star here in his demeanour and his facial expressions. He's replaced those joyful innocent-looking smiles with knowing, mischievous ones and it feels more tailored for a late-night show. Those moves of his are decisive and fabulous. His voice is strong and the mix is great although I think he could be a bit louder during the choruses as we lose much of that live quality in the backing vocals. His voice though, sounds so rich and gorgeous throughout. I'm glad he decided to sing the 'Do-do-do-do-dooo' parts because that and the little bit of freestyle dancing in between the structured choreography shows that he's not taking himself too seriously. It's the slightly dorky fun side which we find so endearing about him. I loved the way that he improvised for the finish in another brilliant performance.

Soaked in the Springs

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Here's my latest Fantasy Springs edit of Soaked. I think this look of his suits the song much more than any other. There is so much light and shade in this performance going from the softest warble to the mighty soaring crescendo and that ghostly howl. Adam is very expressive as he stumbles around the stage dragging the mic stand with him. There is a very extended pause in the song just to add that extra bit of drama.



DOWNLOAD Soaked mp3 - 11.1MB
DOWNLOAD Soaked iPod compatible mp4 - 55.5MB
DOWNLOAD Soaked HD mp4 - 76.8MB

Adam's Cock-or-two on Ellen

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Adam is a bundle of infectious joy in this performance, decked out as a glam hippie in shiny bell-bottoms, reminding me a little of the PTFM look. They would probably be another be another talking point, were it not for the shirt left untucked. The dancing is great throughout and brings a lot of energy onto the stage. The backing track vocals sound a little dissonant at points but he nails the live vocal, which is awesome. It looks like he might have given in to singing some of the 'd-d-d-do' parts despite saying that he wouldn't when we eavesdropped on his rehearsal. Bring on the party!



The interview feels so much more of a happy affair compared to the first time he was on the show. Adam seems so much more confident and the charm is on display as he cheekily sneaks in some smut.

Unplugged in Berlin

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I'd been waiting for this to be released ever since hearing the incomplete version recorded off the radio. It's the sparsest arrangement yet, no drums, just Adam's breathtaking voice and Monte's guitar. It's so personal and intimate, seizing you through a vulnerable spot in your armour. It's like listening to Adam's heart breaking, with his voice so close and so bare as he pleadingly whispers directly into your ear to give him another chance. You can't help but empathise and ache with him.



The guitar starts off quiet and mournful then Adam breathily sings the most gentle and fragile of notes, adding emotion-laden quivers. He keeps it tender through the first chorus before Monte's picking turns into light strumming. He builds in strength and volume as the song progresses and we get to hear some of the grainy tone I'm particularly fond of. I love the embellishments he makes as he flows through the instrumental break before sombrely bringing it back down at the bridge. It's brought back up with frustration before a soft and resigned finish. At the very end, the exchanged look between Adam and Monte reveals a closeness and an understanding between them. It's like they're a colluding double-act and don't need words to communicate with each other.

Adam inhabits the song to give a very dynamic and rousing performance, even though he refrains from full belt. I could listen to it over and over again as it's one in which we feel closest to the heart of Adam's perfect pure vocal, a wonder of staggering beauty. I love this.