Concert review
Telewest Arena, Newcastle, UK - 5 February 2001
from The Journal by Simon Rushworth
It may be cold outside but Texas is fantastic in winter
In 1989 Spiteri didn't even want a lover, let alone the millions of fans worldwide who now lap up the radio friendly pop rock of her best-selling band Texas.
However these days the instantly recognisable Scot seems perfectly at ease with the trappenings of fame and the vocalist whose most recent hit "Inner Smile" followed many top 40 successes, boasts an outward grin as big as Glasgow.
Texas's Greatest Hits tour is just that and this gig showcased a collection of well crafted songs which command a place in the memory of most followers of contemporary music. Belters like the groundbreaking "I Don't Want A Lover", "Say What You Want" and "Summer Son" provide welcome relief from the dance-orientated dirge which dominates 21st century playlists.
Sharleen and fellow founder member Johnny McElhone have an uncanny knack for producing real tunes for real people. The trademark Texas sound may be cleaner, crisper, and some may say, blander than the guitar driven boy-bands crashing the top 10 album charts but their music is more mature then mundane. "Halo" and "Black Eyed Boy" are as lavish live as they are on disc and both have a special place in the heart of true Texans.
Texas's sound certainly benefited from the purpose-built Telewest Arena's aural excellence and, with the acoustic spot on, Spiteri accomplished one of the most accomplished live vocal performances in living memory.
Shut your eyes and the years roll back, no wonder Texas are still In Demand.
(Thanks to Karine Eudes for sending me the article)
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