DJ Shadow: Live In Manchester- The Mountain Has Fallen Tour
Monday Live Album
It’s 2017; a complete idiot is inaugurated as US President, Britain triggers Article 50 to leave the European Union and Ed Sheeran is number one, signalling that everything is not in good shape. Fuck me - let’s just go and see Shadow.
We’re heading to Manchester, a music-loving city that has served as a fertile breeding ground with an enviable list of musical acts in its stables. This impressive roster includes influential names such as The Smiths, Joy Division, Happy Mondays, The Stone Roses, Oasis, The Chemical Brothers, The Hollies, Richard Ashcroft, Factory Records, as well as the legendary Hacienda club. Of course we cannot forget Mick Hucknall’s Simply Red, and again one must ponder, why are there so many chairs? In addition to its deep-rooted musical heritage, Manchester is a UNESCO City of Literature known for a radical literary history. Friedrich Engels researched and wrote The Condition of the Working Class in England in 1844 here and met with Karl Marx in Chetham’s Library to start work on what was to become The Communist Manifesto. Notable Mancunians include Emmeline Pankhurst, Anthony Burgess and Danny Boyle. Victorian Manchester was the centre of the world’s cotton supplies and interestingly, the term "Manchester" has also found its way into everyday language in countries like Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, where it is still commonly used to refer to household linen items such as sheets, pillowcases, towels, and more.
DJ Shadow is set to perform at the Albert Hall located on Peter Street in the heart of the city. This remarkable venue, originally constructed in 1908, served as a Wesleyan chapel that remained relatively hidden from view until a complete restoration was undertaken. The grand and ornate chapel, featuring striking Baroque and Gothic influences, was transformed into a music venue in 2014. Since then, it has become a must-stop destination for acts touring the UK, hosting notable performances from renowned artists such as Beck, Suede, Manic Street Preachers, and Fatboy Slim. With a capacity of 2,800, the venue provides an intimate atmosphere for live music fans. We haven’t been but the ceiling does looks amazing!
DJ Shadow is on tour playing and promoting his latest offering, The Mountain Will Fall. With a check “one two” on his mic, Shadow greets his excited Mancunian fans, who are all audibly happy to be here. He announces that he will play all his own music during this set, old, new and remixes. This is very different from some other DJs who simply switch the cross fade, jump up and down, and repeatedly check if their appearance is looking just right for their absurd number of Instagram followers. As I said earlier - fuck me.
Fortunately, that ain’t Shadow. He is known as a pioneering hip hop turntablist, an innovative sampler, and an accomplished music producer who not only creates music but also performs his tunes live on stage. Throughout his performances, he showcases his remarkable skills and immense creativity, which always leave the audience in awe. I won’t delve into detail regarding the specific equipment he utilizes, as I am not an expert in that particular area, but I had the pleasure of witnessing Shadow's electrifying shows on two occasions. The first was when his debut album, Endtroducing, had just been released; that memorable gig at the Forum Theatre in Melbourne truly blew everyone away, particularly with the impressive use of visuals, which were remarkable for that era. People talk about that performance to this day. The other occasion was actually part of the same tour we find ourselves attending now,just a few months earlier, at 170 Russell aka Billboards in Melbourne and once again a absolute sonic pleasure
Shadow starts doing his own unique things and begins to play the track "Transmission Mountain." You can hear a nod to his work with James Lavelle and their renowned UNKLE project. The atmosphere is gradually building, evolving into something truly immersive. Based on my own experience of his shows, I try to picture what it’s like in the Albert Hall. This setting must have been amazing!
We march into “Blast Talkie”, and you can imagine punters curiously conferring with each other, trying to figure out who is being sampled. Shadow absolutely doesn't stop, continuously hitting, tapping, and changing something as we hear the sublime artistry of Bern Stem blending into the mix. I have always found that watching Shadow perform is an experience like no other; yes, I want to move to the music, but it's such a unique sound to immerse oneself in. It truly lets your imagination run wild.
DJ Shadow is working through his back catalogue with “Mongrel Show” and “Suicide Posse”, and we hear new arrangements of “Rabbit In Your Headlights” from the UNKLE project, featuring Radiohead’s Thom Yorke. Shadow interjects and ask if anyone knows this song. A resounding yes as “Midnight In A Perfect World” is introduced. With a momentary pause, Shadow announces that it’s the 20th anniversary of his debut album, Endtroducing. Geez, that album is truly seared into people’s memories, resonating with countless fans and leaving a lasting impact. You know when you hear a tune and are immediately transported back to some memory, even the ones you thought you forgot about.
During “Soul Days”, again Shadow is throwing in and popping out tidbits from everywhere in his back catalogue - the track titles now give this away. We hear the soulful vocal lines of “Six Days” from the 2002 album The Private Press: “Tomorrow never comes before it’s too late”. Shadow tells us the next song is anti war, anti racism, anti bullshit track. He’s had a gutfull too. With a quick twangy guitar lick and a phat let’s come together beat, Shadow launches into “Nobody Speak”, the almost cult anthem on which he collaborated with American hip hop duo Run the Jewels. Just like that we prick our ears to the iconic sound of “Building Steam With A Grain Of Salt” with all its 90’s trip hop glory. Superb.
With “Side Show” we are transported to the Bay Area. It’s Shadow the turntablist now, and an old school hip hop vibe fills the room. I still can’t think of the samples or what previous tracks from Shadow’s back catalogue this is from. I’m enjoying those beats and so is the crowd, he teases us and pauses. Everyone in the room is pulsing in time, with Cut Chemist being given a shout….. And yes, we all want to hear it - it’s “Organ Donor”, all mixed up and twisted, it’s frantic and chaotic, it’s fucking great!
The crowd applaud in admiration and we feel the love in the room, so does Shadow as he proclaims his love to Manchester, says his humble thanks and wishes everyone a good night. The Mancunians continue to applaud as Shadow takes us out. I have no doubt most will go on and have a few more drinks. I mean, they are 24 hour party people.
Listen to the album here.