Lily Allen
330 Ritch, San Francisco, CA
October 12, 2006

I picked up Lily Allen's debut album Alright Still a few months ago after hearing the lovely "LDN" on Sirius's Left of Center channel. I listened to it and remember enjoying it, but it didn't enter my regular rotation. Flash forward to October, when Veronica informed me that the ska/pop/reggae/hip hop chanteuse would be appearing at Popscene. I fired up Alright Still on iTunes for a second try, and was entranced. What a brilliant blend of the Specials and the Streets for the 21st century. I eagerly agreed to head out to 330 Ritch and check it out. The club was mostly full for Lily's first performance in the Bay Area, a credit to the buzz generated about her. Mostly on the basis of internet, satellite radio, and a little Live 105 airplay. The diminutive Allen emerged just after 10:30pm, along with a crew of musicians including a full horn section, bass, drums, and DJ. Quite a refreshing surprise considering i was expecting her to sing over a tape. Despite our position at the back of the club, i was able to see the performer fairly well over the top of the crowd. The set began with the reggae-flavored "LDN", which showcases Lily's lyrical ability and sweet vocals, as well as her knack for picking out samples. The majority of her album was represented over the course of the forty minute performance including the singles "Smile" and "Knock 'Em Out", the latter of which could be construed as the female response to Mike Skinner's "Fit But You Know It". Lily confessed that she had a bit of a sore throat but couldn't drink water because of a sensitive filling. She sounded fine regardless ... and the story provided an explanation when later in the set she tried to drink from a bottle and appeared to be pouring it into her mouth with her head tilted sideways. I was thoroughly impressed with her performance, and look forward to future songs, albums, and shows from an obvious pop natural. After Lily exited, i had a few drinks with V, Jenz, and co. and then watched a few disturbing episodes of H.R. Pufnstuf while the girls danced, before driving home.

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