Results tagged “elbow”

Ay carumba -- to think, we were all set for a tranquil evening on the sports front, with no local games on the schedule. We're definitely sure, though, that this was not the kind of news that the Nationals were hoping for on their day off and after closing out two consecutive home sweeps: rookie pitcher Jordan Zimmermann has blown out his throwing elbow and will require a ligament-replacement procedure. That's right, Tommy John surgery.

A lot has changed for Guy Garvey and Elbow since I spoke to him in April of last year, ahead of their gig at Sixth and I Historic Synagogue. Their album The Seldom Seen Kid has been an unqualified success, selling in large quantities and raising the band's profile to a new level. Awards soon followed: the group won the UK's prestigious 2008 Mercury Music Prize, Best British Group at the 2009 Brit Awards and picked up a few Ivor Novello Awards along the way. Oh, and let's not forget the opening slots for Coldplay and U2. The show at Sixth and I was one of the best I saw in 2008, so expectations (and ticket counts) were higher for last night's show at the 9:30 Club. I ran into a friend on the street on the way to the club and told him I hoped this show would be grittier and rock harder, since the band were playing a proper rock club this time around, but sadly this was not to be.

Manchester is a town at the very heart and soul of British music. Bands the likes of The Hollies, the Bee Gees, Simply Red, The Fall, Joy Division, The Smiths, The Stone Roses and Oasis form a musical legacy that's second to none. In 2001, Elbow became the city's latest musical crown jewel after their debut record Asleep at the Back was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize. Their brand of progressive, gloomy yet evocative rock has brought them plaudits and critical recognition while also separating themselves from the soft, acoustic based rock that dominates the UK charts. Coldplay they are not, but that's a good thing. The band released their latest effort, titled The Seldom Seen Kid, earlier this week and they start their US tour tomorrow in New York City. Their show Sunday at the Sixth & I Historic Synagogue is one of two shows they'll be playing on the East Coast. We spoke to front man and lyricist Guy Garvey yesterday (he's the dashing looking chap in the middle of the photo to the right), just a few hours after he stepped off a flight from England.