THE STREETS

I first discovered The Streets, like I did many other bands during my teenage youth; second-hand op shop finds. I used to take the shrapnel I had to several of the north side op shops in my area and dig for anything that caught my eye. I didn’t grow up with music. Everything I discovered was solely on me - and I can attribute that to whatever band name or album artwork was most inspiring under the influence of the op shop air. The scene kid reflection on my outside was also a raging brit pop/indie rock fan deep down - it was only a natural veer from the path on Tumblr then and I meshed my metal/punk and Pantera/Paramore roots with bands like Blur and arctic monkeys.

I dug through the cd bin and found ‘The Streets: Original Pirate Material’. I had connected it to something like ‘The Strokes’ or ‘The Cure’ & was willing to bet 50 cents to see if I liked it. I distinctly remember being intrigued as I hadn’t heard anything like it other than that one Dizzee Rascal song I’d heard on the Angus Thongs soundtrack in 2008. I was initially disappointed slightly as I wanted to find something more garage and punky - but this 50-cent decision would be one that continually paid off through the rest of my life (thus far).

I may not have understood all of the lyricism when I was 13 - or fully appreciated it then - but I have always appreciated the sonic elements of The Streets, and naturally the overall aura of Mike Skinner’s forward presence and animated presentation and being. Throughout my life, I have always discovered something new, a gem of a phrase or a tangible moment through Skinner’s words. The Streets have been like a revolving door in my life, opening and shutting when I needed a gem of wisdom,a laugh, or a cry.

There had come a time where Skinner was candid and open about ‘Killing off’ The Streets, and the long absence of it all. I didn’t know if there would be a time I’d get to see a Streets show - but the stars aligned on Tuesday, March 12th at The Fortitude Music Hall & when the first strings of ‘Turn The Page’ started, so did the exorcism of anything bad that had happened that day or that prior week, or even my life. A surreal and epic start to a perfectly constructed set list with hits like ‘Who’s Got the Bag’, ‘Don’t Mug Yourself’ and ‘Has It Come To This’ - sandwiched between newer tracks like personal favorite: ‘Mike’ (desert island duvet).

Skinners’ enthusiasm for performance was electric and the no shoes no bullshit energy was utterly refreshing and deeply resonant. He might not have shoes, but Mike Skinner has layers that aren’t just sonic. I didn’t expect to witness such a nuanced and electric performance as the packed space was raised by the endless crowd surfing. Throwing himself into the crowd several times throughout the night, being carried to the bar for drinks while singing, and taking members of the crowd with him through the sea of fans was wild to witness from the balcony I was eagerly leaning over to see it unfold.

I gained a refreshing perspective on Tuesday. I truly felt the journey unfolded during the set and was actively participating in this larger-than-life, overarching, religious event…it felt transformative and real - a testament to well-written verses that ring more true every day. Subtle nuance and blatant spiel about not giving a fuck and just giving things a go, meshed in with major crowd participation and wonderful energy…this show changed me and forged a new relationship I have with The Streets. One of love and respect for Skinner whom unconsciously invested a newfound faith in whatever it is I’m trying to accomplish in my life.

Thank you Simon on Tixel for the generously reduced ticket - You made this possible!