So how do we feel about M.I.A. tonight? A review of a recent show in North Texas said the Sri Lankan-born rapper's fanbase was as diverse as her globally-influenced rhythms. Well, kinda:
But not only did M.I.A. attract a huge crowd Friday night, it was one that enthusiastically knew the lyrics to the songs on her two albums, Arular and Kala. And it was a crowd that spanned the social spectrum. Black, white, Asian, Latin, trendy, preppy, all were out in force. In fact, when M.I.A. put a call-out for ladies to come up onstage during an extremely funky 10, those who swarmed the stage looked as much as ready for a sale at NorthPark as a concert by a British cult pop figure.
Preppy and trendy, folks. Asian and Latin. Where else can you get that? You know, other than Layl'a Rul.
And, with head-trippers Holy Fuck on the bill, I've dared to dream that the turnout will be great. From our Critics' Picks:
Tagged as one of the top live acts at the Glastonbury Festival back in ’05, noise-huggers Holy Fuck have since become coveted show-openers for their caustic yet cuddly performances. Cramming dueling drummers and twin mix boards—a chaotic tangle of vintage analog equipment and fuzz box synthesizers to re-create their studio finish—the Toronto outfit forge swarming instrumentals with spasmodic dance beats. Less in line with fellow dirty-word lovin’ duo Fuck Buttons, who recently graced Nashville, this Kanook outfit owe more of a debt to technorati strongarms Black Dice and Melt Banana. As stage prep for M.I.A.’s third-world riot starters, Holy Fuck should serve as both a thorough palate-cleanser and a crash course in some of the best fringe experimental out there. There’s more than electrical tape holding these guys together. 8 p.m. at City Hall —DUSTIN ALLEN
