EELS - ACADEMY, LEEDS, 12TH JULY 2011

Eels have been one of my favourite bands for years, way back to the first time I heard Novocaine For the Soul in 1996. I saw them on that 1st UK tour at Nottingham Rock City and it's always been a favourite gig. I've since seen them a few more times, probably most memorably supporting The Who at Harewood House in Leeds on a great bill with The Zutons and The Flaming Lips. Last year I saw Eels play a great gig to a subdued crowd in Manchester. However, this now goes to the top of the list as the best gig I've seen by Eels.

In 100 minutes they blasted through 26 songs, probably none more than 4 minutes long and produced a stunning rock show. Pulling tracks from throughout the Eels career (I've got 17 albums on the shelf!) they played pretty much all my favourite tracks. For a change E really seemed to be enjoying himself and backed by a six piece band of top class musicians the show never lost momentum. Some really funny banter with the crowd, especially on the band introduction section showed that E can connect with his audience and is a great front man.

Gig of the year so far.

Set list.

[Intro] La Marseillaise

That's Not Really Funny

Flyswatter

Saturday Morning

Somebody's Watching You

Grace Kelly Blues

Packing Blankets

Prizefighter

My Beloved Monster

Fresh Feeling

That's Not Her Way

Tremendous Dynamite

Love Of The Loveless

I Like The Way This Is Going

This Is Where It Gets Good

That Look You Give That Guy

Hot Fun In The Summertime

[Band Introduction]

Talkin' Bout Knuckles

Novocaine For The Soul

Souljacker part I

I Like Birds

Beginner's Luck

Losing Streak

[Encore 1]

It's a Motherfucker

P.S. You Rock My World

[Encore 2]

Fresh Blood

Looking Up