After some problems obtaining a visa, TV Smith, from The Adverts, hopped on a plane in time to play The Music Hall of Williamsburg on Thursday July 2, kicking off his scheduled tour with Jay Reatard. TV Smith (aka Tim Smith) wasn't the headliner - Jay Reatard filled those shoes. But, in this lady's opinion, the former stole the show.
It's kind of amazing to me that after being in The Adverts, a band that really only enjoyed three full years of success (from 1976-1979), TV Smith has been able to retain so much of his talent and credibility. It also seems, from listening to him on Thursday night, that TV still holds on to much of his original punk outlook.
That was a great part about this show, because Thursday night felt like stepping back into history to witness the message of a now-defunct movement. It was a change of pace from the current wave of post-punk, whose iterations sometimes share messages, but ultimately do not encourage protest.
Sticking to his roots, TV Smith delivered a solo set that was stark and full of purpose. Only a man and his guitar, TV offered a big sound, with feeling that he maintained throughout, even for songs originally debuted over thirty years ago, like "Great British Mistake", a loud, rollicking piece of punk. I especially loved how TV layered his moments in between each song with a bit of thoughtful musing, like a philosophy sandwich.
In fact, it seems that TV has had some time to reflect on, and be at peace with, his purpose and he was happy to share with the crowd. For instance, in one anecdote, he spoke of a journalist questioning him and The Adverts about making fun of the Bible Belt in one tune. The journalist thought it might get some people riled up - especially fans in the United States. TV Smith replied: "Well, isn't that the point?"
Topping off the set, TV Smith played the title track off his new album "In the Arms of My Enemy", a tough, raw song with strong messages about wealth vs. poverty and the struggle for power. The crowd of mostly men stomped and roared along with the last dying chords of his set, sending their mentor off the stage with massive applause.
From inspired elder, the night moved on to post-adolescent frustration. Jay Reatard's set was all hair and noise, with lyrics reflecting angst and anger. I couldn't help dancing as Jay manipulated his voice from a high, almost bratty whine to a low, guttural roar through songs like Blood Visions or Missing You. Actually, it would have been impossible not to dance due to the fast-paced guitars, drums, and sheer frenetic energy that flowed, unstoppable, through each song.
JR's set was vastly different from TV's. The former mostly mumbled the name of each upcoming song, hair in front of his eyes and hands attached to his guitar, occasionally spitting on the stage or at the audience. It was an interesting contrast to what we had seen earlier, and I felt it represented perfectly the difference between punk and post-punk.
All in all, an enjoyable show. TV Smith and Jay Reatard gave a joint encore that made the crowd crazy. If you've never heard of him, please do yourself a favor and check out TV Smith's "In the Arms of My Enemy". Also, check out Jay Reatard's new album, "Watch Me Fall"(Matador Records) dropping August 18th. You won't be sorry.
