May 20, 2005
Keane
Michelle and I saw Keane last night at the Aragon. They were fantastic! I was amazed that they created such a rich, full sound with three band members and two instruments. The lead singer, Tom Chaplin, only played a keyboard on one song. His vocals were clear and melodic. All the other songs were carried by the drummer, Richard Hughes, and piano/keyboard player, Tim Rice-Oxley. Some of the songs may have had backing base and percussion tracks; but for the most part, Chaplin’s vocals, the pianos, and drums carried the live music energy. Being a keyboard geek myself, I was appreciative of the way that Rice-Oxley hammered out relatively simple chords and voicings on a Yamaha electric grand--the keyboard that characterizes the Keane sound--to create a complex live backdrop for Chaplin's lyrics. Michelle and I also found out that they were filming for a forthcoming Keane DVD. Chances are good that we have face time.
You more than likely have heard Keane if you listen to the radio. Their hit song, “Somewhere Only We Know” was featured on a recent episode of Grey’s Anatomy. Their album, “Hopes and Fears,” is a very good album. In fact, it is probably my favorite album this year. Every song is worth listening to. In fact, you can listen to samples from the album on the Keane website. It is well worth it. Check it out!
