The Speakeasy

April 18th/2001
Great banter in this live show.  The music is great, but it's always a blast to hear them commenting between songs.  If I was there in person, I would not be able to stop myself from screaming, "I LOVE YOU 54 SECONDS!!", at the top of my lungs!

54 Seconds provides their audiences with an emotional release as well as rocking out like no one's business.  Nice one.

Guest musician- Brannen Temple

Julie's review here!

 "Plastic Love" - Dynamic opening.  Love the crash of the symbols, it sounds like waves crashing.  Achingly beautiful vocals and guitar.  Stewart's keys are sweet and full of passion. Weird (but cool) effect during "rules my world." This song is rapidly becoming one of my favorites.  

"Nashville" - Big sound.  This performance stands as an example on what being together as a band is all about.  Fantastic!

"Jaded" - Mesmerizing.   You can't help but tap your toes.  From the sounds of it, this is a big favorite of the band's and you can tell the audience likes it as well.  I love this song!

"Blown Away" - Spencer mentions that they have recently recorded this tune.  Looking forward to that and if the recorded version is half as pretty as this version, I too, will be blown away.  If I haven't mentioned this already, Stewart, YOU rule!

"It Got You Thinking" - Oh heart be still.  Love the harmonies.  I always seem to be saying this, but at least I'm honest.  It must be a personal favorite of Brannen's as he beats the hell out of those skins.

"Wanted" - Ohhhhhhhhhhh my god...     ('nuff said)

"Sell It To A Girl" - Glenn's birthday starts just before the beginning of the song.   Such a great song, this performance is so 'feel good' it just goes to show that Glenn was having a good birthday.  Long Island Iced Tea anyone?     

"Complicated" - Wonderful nod to Bill Evans.  Stewart and Spencer on keys.  Intoxicating and classic! (maybe I should say Double Classic!).  This song is one of the most powerful songs you can hear from 54 Seconds.  Direct lyrics and awesome instrumentation.  Vintage keys (can I say that?).  Inspired by Bill Evans' "From Left to Right".

"Poppyseed" - Two starts... cool!  I can't really describe what I mean but this is where the joy in unedited live music comes in.  I love the emotional urgency in this song.  I also adore them thinking with their instruments while at the same time oozing out emotion. (sounds sexy doesn't it?)

"Foolish Me" - I always love the intro and when the phat bass kicks in, it becomes very "007" ish.   Impeccable flow and  the hook catches you.  Precision drumming just wows me (and I can't believe I just said "wows me").  Really awesome.

"Strange Day" - Intense funkiness.  This song is done so well.  They always push the envelope with this one and this performance is no exception.  Put it on, turn it up and rip the knob off!