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Rick Pearson's rating
Jarvis Cocker miscues his shots
By
Rick Pearson
18 Jun 2009
Jarvis Cocker’s first gesture last night was to use his cane — he’s 45 now, you know — as an imaginary snooker cue. Resting it under his chin, he mimed a shot and declared: “He pots the black!”
Truth is he’s snookered. Two albums into his solo career, the ex-Pulp man has failed to make an impact with the common people: 2006’s Jarvis bombed and this year’s Further Complications deserves to do the same.
Add to this the Troxy — a lifeless venue that more regularly hosts cage-fighting than erudite pop — and Cocker was facing a shocker.
Live, however, the Sheffield singer retains many of his charms — what other pop star could tell you that yesterday was Icelandic Independence Day, or that Limehouse was home to the first outbreak of cholera in the UK?
He’s still got a witty way with a lyric, too. “I met her in a museum of palaeontology, and I make no bones about it,” he deadpanned on Leftovers.
Other highlights included the self-deprecating schmaltz of I Never Said I Was Deep, the saxophone-assisted groove of Homewrecker! and Cocker’s dancing around a towel on Black Magic.
The rest was largely forgettable. Slush drowned under a sea of fuzzy guitar, while Caucasian Blues sounded like a Rolling Stones B-side.
This made the omissions of old favourites Don’t Let Him Waste Your Time and I Will Kill Again seem stranger still.
Cocker should pick his next shot carefully.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (5)
I think your review was harsh, whilst his solo albums haven't sold well, Jarvis Cocker will always be a much 'live' performer than any of the current bands on the circuit. For some reason the music on the record never sounds as good as it does when pefromed live 'Further Complications', 'Homewrecker' 'I Never Said I was Deep' Black Magic are all amazing tracks when played 'live'. Fantastic show,
- David Morris, Cardiff, 05/10/2009 12:29
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I was at the gig last night and thought it was great. I would hardly call Troxy a lifeless venue. It's a spectacularly art deco venue, full of character. At least its not got o2 or HMV attached to its name. I think the reviewer was put out that he had to travel from his cushy offices over in West London. Brilliant gig, fantastic venue, one to watch....
- Frank Smiley, London, 05/10/2009 11:29
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He's gotten rid of the beard, at any rate.
- Tom, London, 05/10/2009 11:29
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I think Bjork might have known it was Icelandic Independence Day yesterday ... 
- Stephanie, London, 05/10/2009 11:29
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I agree with Frank Smiley. It's a truly beautiful venue and Jarvis was completely amazing, a consummate performer at his peak. He was in great form and the audience obviously loved every minute of it.
- Anne Mullane, London Middx, 05/10/2009 11:29
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