"This is our big finish" snarls Ryder as the band prepare to launch into "W.F.L.". In fairness, there aren't any bigger finishes than this, and we wouldn't want there to be. That it was still the big finish after all was said and done is a testament to the song's endurance, and here it provides a huge finish to a remarkable show. The image of Ryder persistantly hammering one of the simbols with a drumstick during the intro will come back to haunt you, as will the unique and bizarre comments that have gone on throughout the show.("...clever kippers...wehey I'm off there.." etc) They open with "Rave On" - one of those tracks that you forget you love - and follow it with what is basically a rendition of the first half of "Bummed". Nothing overly special for non-Mondays fans here, and even "Halleleujah" fails to gain their interest (I know from experience). "Clap Your Hands" is much better though. Normally an awful smothering of words leading up to a cheesy chorus, something happens here to ignite it, and it becomes something quite new - and great fun! So now we arrive at "Lazyitis" - a track the Mondays would fool you into believing they co-wrote with Lennon/McCartney/Essex/Stone when in fact they just nicked bits of "Ticket to Ride" and some David Essex song. All can be forgiven however, as this particular effort is truly brilliant. If you prefer the more upbeat side of songs, then it will be an improvement on the "Bummed" version, and if you don't...well it's live isn't it! "Mad Cyril" contains Ryder's first swearing binge of the night, and I wouldn't play this song for the kids! Come to think of it, I wouldn't play this entire video for anybody - at least not for anyone I intend to remain friends with! Best watched alongside true Mondays fans I think! "24 Hour Party People" is one of the most cheesy titles, but don't be fooled. Paul Ryder lets rip with the bass, and the whole song is swallowed up in a wave of energy and audience enthusiasm (or maybe they're just getting excited about the well publicised party afterwards). And with that concluded, we arrive at "W.F.L."
I'm still having nightmares!