[ATTENDED: April 29, 2023] Placebo
When When Placebo announced their first American tour in ten years, I immediately grabbed a ticket. I was vaguely surprised that my wife wanted to go–she loves a couple of their songs, but doesn’t know much else by them. I had actually forgotten that they had set up a tour in of the States in 2022 with no Philly date and then cancelled the tour. But there was the Philly show and there was my ticket
Deap Vally were supposed to open. We had seen them open for Blondie a number of years ago and I really liked them.
But then it was announced a month or so ago that Poppy Jean Crawford would open. I thought that it was Poppy and I was really excited because I’ve wanted to see her. But no, it was Poppy Jean Crawford–whom I had never heard of.
Her brief bio says
Poppy Jean schooled herself in L.A.’s DIY scene, hanging out at places such as the Smell and taking an interest in writing music. She joined her first band, Crosseyed and Pantyless, at 15. Playing Experimental Folk Punk in the nude.
Feeling she had more to offer, Poppy released her first single, “Dead Girl” at 16.
She was not nude when she came out on the stage, but she was in a bodysuit and I was very impressed with her body confidence. She sang a few songs without a guitar and a few songs with a guitar.
To her right was a guy who looked like Howard Stern playing keys. On her left was a woman playing bass. She was pretty superfluous because almost all of the sound came from the synths. But she looked good.
I had to assume that PJC was annoyed by the “no cameras” rule, because no one filmed her or her band at all–and a young band needs any exposure they can get.
Anyhow, Poppy has a nice powerful voice. Her songs are simple but catchy and I mostly enjoyed her set. Because I have no reference point, I’m remembering that I really liked a couple of her songs and kind of didn’t like a couple other ones for some reason.
The big surprise came about 2/3 of the way through the set when she played a cover of Tears for Fears “Head Over Heels.” The pacing was much slower which was odd. I couldn’t decide if i liked it or not.
She didn’t say anything until the very end of her set. But she had an amazing stage presence–utterly fearless. (she’s been performing for eight years or so, so that makes sense).
Overall, a thumbs up.
My wife and I saw David Cross back in 2016. He was hilarious.
I Just Read About That... 