Saw Manu Chao in concert for the second time last night. Very similar set and style to the one last summer -- rowdy punk/ska, very bouncy and energetic. He reminds me of Prince in an odd way, with the nonstop energy and mischievousness and repetition of favorite catch phrases. On the other hand, his focus couldn't be further from Prince's. Last time I saw Prince in concert -- 2005, I believe? -- he basically partied like it was 1991, and even performed a rap monologue about his conflict with Warner. My reaction was, "Wow, Bush just got reelected for a second term, we're almost five years into the "War on Terror", we're bogged down in Iraq, and he's still talking about THAT?!" Chao, on the other hand, is very focused on the big picture and the global situation, and wants you to think about it even while you're partying.
Fun show, although as I told my friends, I'd love to see him perform an accoustic set at a small club some day.
Highlight: the naked guy that jumped on stage and ran around while an unfazed Radio Bemba Sound System kept on playing.
Here's a picture Michael took with his phone (naked guy not included):
Updated to add: A couple of links to interviews:
