The stage is set, the dry ice swirls, and a familiar figure emerges – Mike Skinner, the creative force behind The Streets, is transporting audiences back to 2004. The critically acclaimed album, A Grand Don’t Approach for Free, isn’t just being replayed; it’s being resurrected in a semi-theatrical performance that’s captivating fans and critics alike. This innovative staging, currently unfolding in Edinburgh and set to tour extensively, offers a unique opportunity to experience a British musical landmark in a completely new light.
Skinner’s 2004 album, a concept record centered around the loss of £1,000 and the ensuing struggles, was a departure from the mainstream, as the artist himself acknowledged. In his memoir, Skinner reflected that creating a concept album about such a specific, relatable misfortune wouldn’t have been his initial strategy for broad appeal. A Grand Don’t Come for Free, but, resonated deeply with a generation, becoming a defining sound of early 21st-century Britain. The album’s enduring popularity is evident in the enthusiastic response from crowds, spanning multiple generations, eager to relive the narrative and its iconic tracks.
A Theatrical Recital of a British Classic
This tour marks the first time A Grand Don’t Come for Free is being performed in its entirety, a bold move that could easily fall flat. However, the album’s inherently narrative structure lends itself remarkably well to a recital-style presentation. An impressive live band faithfully reproduces the album’s distinctive soundscape, blending alternative hip-hop, electronica, and elements of rap opera. The staging itself is minimalist yet effective, featuring a central bus shelter that serves as a recurring motif, grounding the performance in the album’s everyday setting.
Skinner’s commitment to the character is striking. Dressed in Stone Island attire, he remains largely detached, delivering the lyrics with a deadpan expression and minimal interaction with the audience. This deliberate distance creates a sense of immersion, allowing viewers to experience the story as an observer, much like listening to the album itself. Between verses, he adopts a “glum zen torpor,” as one reviewer described it, embodying the protagonist’s resigned acceptance of his circumstances.
The Power of Supporting Characters and Shifting Dynamics
The success of the performance isn’t solely reliant on Skinner’s portrayal. The backing vocalists, particularly Roo Savill in the role of Simone, are crucial to bringing the album’s story to life. Savill embodies the complexities of Simone’s character, shifting seamlessly between flirtatious charm in tracks like “Could Well Be In” and combative energy in “Get Out of My House.” This dynamic interplay adds depth and nuance to the narrative, enriching the audience’s understanding of the protagonist’s relationships.
Following a brief intermission, the show transitions to a selection of other tracks from The Streets’ discography. Here, Skinner breaks character, engaging directly with the audience and displaying a more playful side. While this shift is generally well-received, some moments, like his antics during “Never Went to Church,” a deeply personal song about the loss of his father, perceive somewhat jarring, potentially undermining the song’s emotional weight. The song, released in 2006 as part of The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living, remains a poignant reflection on grief and family.
Tour Dates and Continued Legacy
The second act, while enjoyable, does feel slightly less focused than the meticulously crafted first half. This is perhaps inevitable, given the strength and cohesiveness of A Grand Don’t Come for Free as a complete work. The show culminates with Skinner crowd-surfing during “Take Me As I Am,” bringing the performance full circle with the album’s opening line: “It was s’posed to be so eeeeeasy…” A fitting conclusion that encapsulates the album’s themes of aspiration, disappointment, and the often-illusory nature of easy solutions.
The Streets are scheduled to play Barrowland Ballroom in Glasgow on February 19th, and will then embark on a broader tour of the UK and Europe starting June 6th. Full tour dates and ticket information can be found on the official Streets website.
Mike Skinner’s innovative approach to storytelling, blending observational lyrics with a unique musical style, has cemented The Streets’ place in British music history. A Grand Don’t Come for Free, released on May 17, 2004, continues to resonate with audiences today, and this live performance is a testament to the album’s enduring power and artistic vision. The album was also recognized as a significant work, being included in the book 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die. More information about the album’s history and impact can be found on Wikipedia.
The tour offers a compelling reminder of The Streets’ influence on contemporary music and their ability to capture the complexities of everyday life with honesty and wit. It’s a performance that will undoubtedly appeal to long-time fans and introduce a new generation to the brilliance of A Grand Don’t Come for Free.
Keep checking back with World Today Journal for further updates on The Streets’ tour and other music news. Share your thoughts on the performance in the comments below!
