By Lydia Akinola
GENRE: LIVE CONCERT
LABEL: FURIOUS? RECORDS
RELEASE DATE: MAY 18, 2010
RATING: 4.5 OUT OF 5
“Fabula Est Vestri. The Story Is Yours. You get to play a part in what happens next. It’s over to you.” And thus ends the journey of one of Britain’s greatest bands.
Let me be honest with you, reviewing The Farewell Show was one of the toughest things I’ve done. Because: I should have been there, in Hammersmith, cheering them along; because: I’ve listened to Delirious? practically since I was born; because: farewell can mean adieu- which means until we meet in heaven. Oh dear, you must be thinking… this could get soppy.
The background story (for those of you who are as yet unenlightened). “The Farewell Show” marks Delirious’ last curtain call. Hailing from West Sussex, UK, but having toured over 40 countries, during their 17 year adventure, this album was a montage of the greatest hits in their career, in all the beauty of the live experience. Split into 2 discs, the first disc is the guys as Delirious? and the second, ironically taken from the first half of the concert, is them as their former selves, the Cutting Edge Band.
The Cutting Edge Band as then, became Delirious? of now, and subsequently, the troupe have amassed millions of followers, who have bought millions of CDs. The crowd at HMV Hammersmith Apollo were just some of the lucky few, but they more than provide the atmosphere needed to really enjoy a Delirious? set. (Aside: there is visual material, i.e. a DVD with beautiful cinematography, which captures the whole night with amazing quality, I would grab it!) For those who don’t like live albums, I’d hesitate to recommend this, because “The Farewell Show” embodies everything a live album should be.
“I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever,” “Thank You For Saving Me,” “Did You Feel The Mountains Tremble?,” “The Happy Song” and “Shout To The North” all make it to the end. As do “My Glorious,” and “Majesty”, staples in many churches. There is still space for fan favourites such as “HistoryMaker”, “Deeper” and “My Soul Sings”. The track listing is truly stellar; The Farewell Show is composed of 21 solid choices. However, it is “Investigate” here a 9 minute epic, which really steals the show. It marks the return of Stew Smith, the original drummer. In a word: incredible.
For those of you who read the site religiously, you may remember that not too long ago, I waxed lyrical about a 3-disc special which spanned the whole of their careers and was gold star worthy. So why the rush to endorse yet another multi-disc special? Well, this is the final show, emphasis on final. This is the last goodbye, and the excitement and the emotion of that night cannot be found anywhere else, in no other anthology. It is touching and powerful, not only because “Majesty” is so profoundly beautiful, or because “Bliss” is so electric, but because it marks the last time that Delirious?, true pioneers of innovation in worship, took to the stage and led us all on a journey.
The Farewell Show is 90 minutes of pure gold. Martin Smith and the guys really outdid themselves. My only hook up is at times, due to the enormity of the venue, the vocals can sound a little spacey. However, this does not majorly detract from the listener’s enjoyment. The singing of those beautiful lyrics we’ve learnt by heart, the fantastic music, the place of worship that we come to, all ensure that this final goodbye offering is well worth the money spent.
As for the guys, who knows what God has in store for them? As for me, life is a little simpler. I know that I will be continuing to sing in the key of Delirious? for a long while yet.
Review title provided courtesy of Furious? Records
