Patrick Duff

Liverpool Carling Academy
16th March 2006

Reviewed by Colin Serjent

Patrick Duff did not disappoint his loyal followers in Liverpool with an enthralling set, which included six of his new songs.

It was strange seeing him playing solo - just him and his rich toned voice and an acoustic guitar - very different from the time he spent being the eccentric frontman of cult band Strangelove.

His often strange but compelling lyrics came to the fore during the second song of his performance in 'Spider Woman', which is about being eaten alive by your lover.

He had opened with 'Dead Man Singing', and later performed further, yet to be released fresh material, including 'Whatever I Do', 'Wake Up Richard' (articulating the problems he often has in penning songs) and 'A Woman Who Don't Speak English', expressing the problems he encounters in forming meaningful relationships with women.

This latter track - sang with a lot of tenderness - was the most memorable song of his set.

Duff then performed material from his solo album 'Luxury Problem', giving thanks to his mum and dad with 'Married With Kids'!

He electrified his acoustic guitar when he paid tribute to Iggy and the Stooges with a cover version of "I Want To Be Your Dog', after a frenzied rendition of 'Mirror Man'.

He reverted back to pure acoustic sounds, finishing off with the poignant 'Julie Of The Rose'.

Support act Jim Moray - him of the quirky lyrics - had earlier played guitar and piano, and sang about rabbits, Lord Baden Powell (this was a moving ballad), visiting your girlfriend when you are dead, and beating your sister to death and throwing her in the river.