Teenage Fanclub
Manchester Academy 2
by Rachel Waxman

It was almost June and almost time to leave Manchester. I wanted to catch one more show before leaving England’s famed epicenter of rock and roll. A quick flip of NME (New Music Express, Britain’s answer to Rolling Stone,) showed the critically acclaimed Scottish band Teenage Fanclub were due in town soon, and I marked my calendar.

I arrived for the show early. The Bravery were playing next door, and their loyal contingent of young punk fans was crowding the sidewalk. I found peace in the upper levels of the Academy, where I grabbed a drink and waited for the show. Middle aged men and women trickled in, and I began to worry. I looked (and felt) like a kid trying to crash an adult party. I’d read great reviews about Fanclub’s new disc, but would Teenage Fanclub be exciting enough for me?

I stood at the foot of the stage while the opening band played. I was twisted backwards, wondering when and how the room had gotten full. Packed behind me were indie kids and hip older men and women. Had the indie kids brought their parents? It was possible that some Lou Barlow fans had trickled over from his just-ended show nearby.

My bags rested safely on the floor, and my elbows were propped up comfortably on an amp. It was eerily quiet. Then the lights turned down, and the crowd erupted into hearty cheers and screams. I joined in, playing the part of an enthused and long-time fan.

Teenage Fanclub was formed in 1990. Seven albums later, they still create a signature blend of melodic and thoughtful indie pop that draws crowds of all ages. The band members strolled onto the stage, dressed conservatively in sweaters and button down shirts. (The bassist could have been my nerdy science teacher’s twin.) I found their songs easy to sing along to as I stood mouthing words I did not know and clapping to unfamiliar beats.

They played both their proven hits and songs from their newest album, Man Made. They even broke out the xylophone. They treated us to more than an hour’s worth of joyful tunes with simple lyrics. Teenage Fanclub provided a perfect soundtrack for that spring Mancunian night. I grabbed the set-list after the show, but I am sorry to say it was lost, somewhere between northern England and New Jersey.

Floating away on my positive Teenage Fanclub feelings, I coasted out into the street. The Bravery fans were swarming about, making the typically easy task of hailing a taxi incredibly difficult. This almost killed my good mood. Almost.