Of course, someone else also told me not listen to other people and to do what I want- but I think I'm going to ignore the latter for the purposes of today's blog.
A few weeks ago, I went to see Paloma Faith.
I'd known of her since her first single/album, but I wasn't a 'fan'. Don't get me wrong- I LOVED a few of her songs, but I never desired the wish to see her in concert, or to physically buy her album. I guess I just wasn't into her that much when I was thirteen.
It's strange to think that 'Do You Want the Truth or Something Beautiful?', her debut album, was released four years ago. So much has changed for Paloma since then. She's been in films, on TV, released another album and has toured the country many times. But she's still the same. Sure, her style or songs may have developed or changed slightly, but she is still as wacky and wonderful as she's ever been.
The biggest change for me though, has been in myself. I've grown up, and her songs really speak to me now. Not only do I enjoy them, but I fall in love with them.
It was her second album that really did it for me. She released 'Fall to Grace' in May 2012, and I loved every single song. I longed to be able to sing them as well as her - I still do. I wanted to buy the album. I'd find the songs any way I could, and listen over and over.
Now was finally the time for me to see her live.
My sister had already seen her in November 2012 in Birmingham on her 'Fall to Grace' tour, and she'd raved and raved about how good everything was - the overall show, the staging, her outfits, Paloma's chatty nature with the crowd. It sounded great. To tell the truth, I'd wanted to go to this show. However none of my friends wanted to go, and my sister didn't really want me tagging along, so I didn't buy a ticket.
Feeling like I'd missed out the last time, I was so excited when the chance came up for me to see her in June 2013.
Paloma was doing a tour of outside venues, including Westonbirt Arboretum which is very near to where two of my auntie's live. My mum wanted to see her, and so did my three aunts and cousin, so it was decided - we bought the tickets, and before we knew it the date of the show had rolled around already.
It being summer and all, we expected the sun to come out, and at first it did make an appearance. Armed with our fold-out chairs, picnic rugs and food, we headed to the venue. It was a beautiful place, full of trees and surrounded by gorgeous countryside. The landscape could have been one from a painting.
We got there quite early- early enough to hear sound check. Paloma sounded great from the snippets we heard, and it was a sufficient teaser for the main show to follow later.
Unfortunately, the moment Paloma came on stage, the rain stared to tip it down. It poured and poured, but it didn't dampen our spirits (as cheesy as that may sound). Her support act Marques Toliver was lively and upbeat, and had got the crowd as excited as he could considering there were grey clouds that loomed above us the entire time he was on. The inevitability of rain was on everyone's minds, yet when Paloma came on, the screams were loud enough so you couldn't hear the rain.
Paloma was nice, chatty and funny - just as my sister said she was. Her outfit was amazing - a pink and orange creation. What could have easily been a disastrous outfit just worked for her. It was.. it was her. A reflection of her personality.
Paloma performed extremely well. She even sang in the rain (with an umbrella) for us. She wanted to connect with us all; we were bracing the weather for her, so she wanted to put on an even greater show for us.
Songs such as '30 Minute Love Affair' and 'Just Be' were particularly intimate, and she even performed one song on top of the piano. I could go on and on about how extraordinary her voice is, but she was just as good live as she is as a recorded artist. I'd even go as far as to say that she was better.
When she performed live, you could really see and feel the emotion, and that makes a song sound real.
I really, really enjoyed seeing Paloma Faith live in concert, and I'd give her 10/10. Everything about it was phenomenal (except the rain), and I'd really suggest you go and listen to her, because you won't regret it.
FIND PALOMA FAITH -
WEBSITE
YOUTUBE
I saw Paloma Faith on her forest concert tour, as part of Forest Live of the Forestry Commission, where every venue is outside! Unfortunately, this tour is over, but she is performing in Bath and at V Festival - buy tickets here!
Thanks for reading! Please any comments about what you might like me to write in the future.
Bye for now!!
x x x x
