Nellie McKay concert review

[JACXR71]

Posted: 8/3/05 at 2:05pm

Just got back from Nellie McKay's free concert in the Time/Life cafeteria. Didn't even know who she was until I got the email from a friend who works in the T/L building, but apparently she's already doing pretty well for herself - a couple albums that got great reviews, and a role in the upcoming "Threepenny Opera" with Alan Cumming and Edie Falco. Did a search for her here and there appears to be a small fan base already, which is why I thought some of you might be interested to read this.

Unfortunately, if she's as good as her reviews say she is, this was not a good day for her. Granted it was an office building cafeteria with crappy acoustics, but even given those circumstances I was highly disappointed. While it's commendable that she writes/composes all her songs, they seemed very amateur. They certainly did not show off the skills that the reviews claim she has. Very basic, seemed like music anyone with a few years of piano training could play. Her voice was also extremely unimpressive - flat at times and had that "talking/singing" sound that is really unappealing. The songs were all original singles, some having to do with political issues she's protesting, others just random. The lyrics were nothing special either. Basically, if I had heard her perform before and she had "wowed" me, this performance could have been written off as some of her lesser-known stuff for a meaningless magazine promotion. But, this was advertised as a "sneak peek" for T/L employees of the next hottest singing sensation before she explodes.

I don't mean to be harsh, but she's being toted as one of the next big "up-and-comers" and based on this performance I just don't see it. Hopefully she'll prove me wrong. Very sweet girl though with a cute half-british/half-american accent, which I'm a sucker for...

[EverythingIsRENT]

Posted: 8/3/05 at 2:12pm

I heard about half the songs from her cd Get Away from Me and was also very unimpressed. Weird lyrics, annoying voice, and trying too hard to "rap". I don't know why critics went gaga for her cd, but she does get a few points for originality though. Can't say i'm suiprised by your review, but i'm glad it was so honest!!