Photo from the Austin American-Statesman
They canceled last Fall but returned last week to play their first headlining show in Austin since…I have no idea. I think the Kaiser Chiefs usually appeared at Austin’s numerous festivals. Didn’t matter to me, it’s often better to catch a band when they have at least three albums, with these guys it’s five (their last two were composed of the same songs, I think one was for the UK, the other for the US). Contrary to the fickle music press, I never thought they stumbled much with the second record Yours Truly, Angry Mob, hell it’s one of my favorites of 2007 and not just for “Ruby.” They’re back on track with Education, Education, Education & War which was the tour’s main point.
Last Fall the opener was going to be Howler. Obviously this had to change, instead it was Priory and they were better than I expected, need to pick up their latest at Waterloo.
Back to the Kaiser Chiefs. The set as you’ll see here was past hits and current tracks. They only did one track from the underrated Off With Their Heads record, I would’ve gone with “Good Days Bad Days.” The big surprise was them covering The Who’s “Pinball Wizard,” I think they did a good job by capturing the spirit in the overplayed hit; I still enjoy hearing most versions occasionally, even Elton John’s.
Seeing them live? Only if you’re into them, they were good live. I doubt few people outside the UK even recognize them beyond “Ruby” and mistake Lily Allen for being the author of “Oh My God.” However, I do recommend checking out their first, second, third and latest album. They demonstrate that new music is far from crappy, it just isn’t necessarily played on the radio, as if anyone under 50 listens to it anymore.