"Drink Up Vancouver!": Lily Allen 03/27/2007Anyone who's talked to me long and hard about my feelings re:live music know that something I hate is music that sounds just like a track I can hear on a computer or CD or anywhere convenient. I show much chagrin to a band who's so tight the song just drones on without any improv, fuck-up or subtle difference from the recorded track.

That said, all the tracks Lily Allen sang from her CD were pitch perfect but with a few subtle differences which made me turn into one giant loophole.

First, she used a live band to recreate the sampled tracks off the disc. Granted they fudged a klezmer here and there but overall it was the effort that counted. Also effort-wise the fact that nobody looked bored and/or "going through the motions" with the tracks made them move a bit smoother. There's something about a band obviously trying hard yet sounding effortless which makes a heart endear to them.

Couple the music with looks that make a man think "If I could talk to her I'm sure I could impress her", a profanity-laden stage presence, streety-sexy fashion sense (baggy jeans and braless baby doll top oh lala) , smoking a cigarette to cure her sore throat and a penchant for reggae-fied jamish covers of clear personal favorites and I know who I'll be secretly repeating on my ipod next time I'm stuck on the bus.

Best moment of the night: Upon chugging back a drink and throwing the cup into the audience sarcastically commenting "WOOOO a plastic cup!!!" at the person who caught it. Then turning the whole thing on it's head by apologizing for taking such a cheap shot while still somehow re-burning the cup-catcher.

Oh and audience participation on "Heart of glass" can't hurt either.

- Cam