Monday 30/05/05 The Pipettes, Louie, The Jim Muir Slideshow @ The Borderline, London

Never trust a band that sits on stools.  The Jim Muir Slideshow are sitting on stools. And they’re every bit as MOR as that would suggest. Their set is a hazy merge of quiet verses, sweeping choruses and mundane between song banter.  Oh, and a cover of a Kate Bush song. If you like the idea of Travis with melodic synths, you might like them.  If not, they’ll probably bore the arse off you.  It reaches the end of the set, and front man (presumably Jim) introduces the last song: “We end with a lullaby.  Sleep Well Toni….” ZZZZZ

“Louie! Louie! Louie! Louie!” the chants echo from their mates in the front row. The spectacle of Louie live is impressive. (Even more so, given the distinct lack of energy radiated by the last act).  Watch as they dance around like men possessed.  Marvel as they throw their bodies around with such force.  They’ll jump on you and shake you until you DAMN WELL TAKE NOTICE.  Or at least throw a flimsy looking cardboard sign around a bit. Of course it’s all a bit dum-dum rock 'n' roll, but between singing songs about taking pills and playing a bit of air guitar, they’re actually pretty damn good. 

“Ladies and Gentleman…The Pipettes”, and so they shimmy onstage to deliver a set that plays like The Best Things About Pop Music In The World…Ever! They have great songs that are elevated to pure brilliance live, side-wards glances and eye-rolls accentuating every italicised lyric.  The joy that fizzes through the near anthems ‘Simon Says’ and ‘School Uniform’ neatly aligns itself alongside the slower, more soulful moments. ‘One Night Stand’ is already a clear crowd favourite, complete with dizzying harmonies and sing-along-able high bits. (“You smiled at me and made my heart go boom.  BOOM!”)  With powerful presence, they command your attention, and hold you in the palm of their hands.  As Becki announces “You can clap along to this one…we like it when you do that!”  Hypnotized by their swirling figures, it’s hard to resist, as we stare back with great big smiles on our faces. 

If you’ve not already fallen for The Pipettes’ playful charms, you will do soon.